The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 16256, Smicksburg, Pennsylvania is 12 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
39.54 percent of residents in 16256 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.
When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.46 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Punxsutawney Area Hospital with a distance of 10.00 miles from the area.
Health Scores in 16256, Smicksburg, Pennsylvania
Lung Cancer Score | 10 |
---|---|
People Score | 21 |
Provider Score | 45 |
Hospital Score | 40 |
Travel Score | 12 |
Housholds with Cars (%) | 16256 | Smicksburg | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|---|
No Cars | 57.34 | 57.34 | 5.04 |
1 Car | 4.95 | 4.95 | 21.45 |
2 Cars | 20.99 | 20.99 | 41.29 |
3 or More Cars | 16.72 | 16.72 | 32.22 |
Vehicular Access in 16256, Smicksburg, Pennsylvania
**Lung Cancer Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 16256 (Smicksburg, PA)**
The air hangs heavy with the scent of pine and damp earth in Smicksburg, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 16256). Rolling hills cradle a close-knit community, but the serenity masks a critical concern: healthcare access, particularly for those facing a lung cancer diagnosis. This analysis, the "Lung Cancer Score," delves into the transportation landscape, a crucial factor in navigating the complexities of treatment and recovery. For residents considering moving to Smicksburg, understanding these logistical hurdles is paramount.
The journey to healthcare in this rural pocket of Pennsylvania often begins with a car. The primary artery is **U.S. Route 119**, a two-lane highway that snakes through the landscape. Drive times to the nearest hospitals equipped to handle lung cancer diagnoses are significant. **Indiana Regional Medical Center** in Indiana, PA, is approximately a 30-45 minute drive, depending on traffic and weather conditions. The route primarily utilizes Route 119, with some segments on local roads.
Further afield, **UPMC Altoona** in Altoona, PA, presents a more substantial commute, clocking in at about 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes. This journey involves navigating Route 119, transitioning onto **U.S. Route 22**, a major east-west thoroughfare, and then utilizing local roads to reach the hospital. The distance underscores the reliance on personal vehicles and the potential strain on patients and their families.
Public transportation options are limited in Smicksburg. The **Indiana County Transit Authority (ICTA)** provides some bus services, but routes and schedules are infrequent and may not directly serve the healthcare facilities mentioned. The ICTA does not have a dedicated route to Indiana Regional Medical Center from Smicksburg. The ICTA’s services may have some ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility features, but the limited reach and frequency of service make it a less viable option for many patients, particularly those undergoing treatment or experiencing mobility challenges.
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the region, but their presence is not guaranteed in Smicksburg, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The availability and cost of these services can fluctuate, adding another layer of uncertainty to healthcare access. Patients may face challenges securing a ride, especially for appointments, follow-ups, and emergency situations. The reliance on ride-sharing further highlights the importance of personal vehicle ownership or the support of family and friends.
Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a potential solution. Several companies operate in the region, including **Medicaid Transportation** and **American Medical Response (AMR)**. These services typically require advance booking and may have specific eligibility criteria, such as Medicaid or Medicare enrollment. However, even with these options, travel times and the potential for delays remain concerns. The availability of medical transportation is also subject to demand and staffing levels, which can impact accessibility.
The "Lung Cancer Score" considers these factors to assess the overall accessibility of healthcare. The score reflects the drive times, the limited public transportation, the unpredictable ride-sharing availability, and the need for pre-planning for medical transportation. These factors collectively create a challenging environment for individuals diagnosed with lung cancer in Smicksburg.
For individuals contemplating a move to Smicksburg, the "Lung Cancer Score" serves as a critical lens through which to view the healthcare landscape. While the community offers a peaceful lifestyle, the distance to specialized medical care demands careful consideration. Patients and their families must factor in the time, cost, and stress associated with frequent travel. The score highlights the importance of having a reliable vehicle, a supportive network of family and friends, and a proactive approach to planning transportation to and from medical appointments.
The challenges of healthcare access in Smicksburg are not unique to this region. Rural communities across the nation face similar hurdles. The "Lung Cancer Score" serves as a reminder of the importance of advocating for improved transportation options, expanded public transit, and increased access to medical transportation services. It underscores the need for innovative solutions, such as telehealth, to bridge the gap between patients and the care they need.
The journey to healthcare in Smicksburg is a testament to the resilience of its residents. It is a call to action for policymakers, healthcare providers, and community members to collaborate and improve the transportation infrastructure. The goal is to ensure that all residents, regardless of their location, have timely and equitable access to life-saving medical care. The "Lung Cancer Score" is a starting point for a vital conversation.
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