16263, Yatesboro, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 16263, Yatesboro, Pennsylvania is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

46.32 percent of residents in 16263 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.09 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Acmh Hospital with a distance of 12.02 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Yatesboro (ZIP Code 16263)

Deciphering the complexities of healthcare access, especially for individuals facing a serious diagnosis like lung cancer, necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the transportation landscape. This write-up analyzes the availability and accessibility of healthcare options for residents of Yatesboro, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 16263), focusing on the crucial role of transportation in receiving timely and effective care. We'll explore the drive times, public transit routes, ride-sharing possibilities, and medical transport services that shape the patient journey, ultimately contributing to a "Lung Cancer Score" reflecting the ease or difficulty of navigating the healthcare system.

Yatesboro, a small community nestled in Armstrong County, presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. The geographic location, while offering a sense of tranquility, also dictates the reliance on transportation to reach specialized medical facilities. Assessing the transportation infrastructure is paramount to understanding the barriers and facilitators to receiving timely lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care.

**Drive Times: The Asphalt Arteries of Care**

The primary mode of transportation for most Yatesboro residents to access healthcare is personal vehicle. Several hospitals and cancer centers are within a reasonable driving distance, but the travel times vary significantly depending on the destination and traffic conditions. The most direct route to major healthcare providers typically involves navigating the local road network.

To reach the closest major hospital, Armstrong County Memorial Hospital in Kittanning, the drive is relatively short, usually taking approximately 15-20 minutes. This journey primarily utilizes **Pennsylvania Route 28/66**, a vital artery connecting Yatesboro to the county seat. This proximity offers a degree of comfort for those requiring immediate medical attention.

However, for specialized cancer care, patients often need to travel further. The drive to UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Pittsburgh, a renowned facility, is a more significant undertaking. The journey involves utilizing **Pennsylvania Route 28/66** to connect to **U.S. Route 422** and then onto the **Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76)**, or navigating the city streets. This trip can take anywhere from 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on traffic and the chosen route.

Another option is the Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute, also in Pittsburgh, which is accessed via similar routes. The drive time is comparable to UPMC, again depending on traffic and the specific location within the city. These longer travel times can pose challenges for patients undergoing treatment, requiring frequent visits, and experiencing fatigue or other side effects.

**Public Transit: A Limited Lifeline**

Public transportation options in Yatesboro and the surrounding area are limited, presenting a significant hurdle for those without access to a personal vehicle. The Armstrong County Transportation Authority (ACTA) provides bus service, but the routes and frequency are not designed to cater specifically to medical appointments.

ACTA's services primarily operate within Armstrong County, with limited routes extending to neighboring counties. This means that direct public transportation to major cancer centers in Pittsburgh is not available. Patients relying on public transit would likely need to utilize multiple bus routes, potentially involving transfers and extended travel times.

The availability of ADA-accessible buses is a crucial consideration for patients with mobility limitations. ACTA offers accessible vehicles, but the scheduling and route availability should be confirmed prior to making travel plans. For patients with lung cancer, the physical demands of navigating public transit, including walking, waiting, and transferring, can be extremely challenging.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Yatesboro area, offering an alternative transportation option, particularly for those unable to drive or without access to a vehicle. However, the availability of these services can be inconsistent, especially during off-peak hours or in rural areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, particularly for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transport services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, provide a more specialized solution. These services often offer door-to-door transportation, assistance with mobility, and trained personnel to ensure patient comfort and safety. Several medical transport companies operate in the region, including some that may serve Yatesboro.

**Medical Transport Brands:**

* **A-1 Medical Transport:** A local option offering services within Armstrong County and surrounding areas.
* **MedExpress Transportation:** A national provider with a presence in the Pittsburgh area.
* **First Transit:** A larger company that may have contracts for medical transportation services in the region.

The availability and cost of medical transport services vary, and patients should research and compare options to find the best fit for their needs.

**The Lung Cancer Score: A Multifaceted Assessment**

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Yatesboro (ZIP Code 16263) is not a single number, but rather a composite assessment reflecting the challenges and opportunities related to transportation and healthcare access. The score considers the following factors:

* **Drive Times:** Shorter drive times to local hospitals contribute to a higher score, while longer distances to specialized cancer centers lower the score.
* **Public Transit Availability:** Limited public transit options significantly lower the score. The absence of direct routes to major cancer centers is a major detriment.
* **Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:** The availability and affordability of ride-sharing and medical transport services improve the score, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or those unable to drive.
* **ADA Accessibility:** The availability of ADA-accessible transportation options is essential for patients with disabilities, positively impacting the score.
* **Cost of Transportation:** The overall cost of transportation, including gas, ride-sharing fees, and medical transport expenses, is a crucial factor, as higher costs can create financial barriers to care, negatively impacting the score.

**Moving to Yatesboro: A Healthcare Perspective**

For individuals considering moving to Yatesboro, understanding the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access is crucial. While the community offers a peaceful environment, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transit options necessitate careful consideration, especially for those with existing health conditions or a family history of cancer.

Prospective residents should research the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services, and factor the cost of transportation into their budget. Evaluating the proximity to healthcare facilities and the drive times to specialized cancer centers is also paramount.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Yatesboro, while not a definitive measure, provides a valuable framework for assessing the challenges and opportunities related to healthcare access. By understanding the transportation infrastructure and the available resources, residents can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs and proactively plan for their medical journey.

In conclusion, Yatesboro, Pennsylvania, presents a mixed bag regarding healthcare access for lung cancer patients. While the proximity to Armstrong County Memorial Hospital offers a degree of convenience, the longer distances to specialized cancer centers in Pittsburgh, coupled with limited public transit options, create significant transportation challenges. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services provides some relief, but the cost and consistency of these services remain a concern. For residents and those considering moving to Yatesboro, a thorough understanding of the transportation landscape is essential for navigating the healthcare system and ensuring timely and effective care.