16332, Lickingville, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 16332, Lickingville, Pennsylvania is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

86.67 percent of residents in 16332 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.04 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Upmc Northwest with a distance of 13.40 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 16332 (Lickingville, PA)

The air hangs heavy with the promise of autumn in Lickingville, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 16332). Nestled amidst rolling hills and the Allegheny National Forest, this rural community offers a sense of peace, a welcome respite from the clamor of city life. However, when the specter of lung cancer looms, the serenity can quickly shatter. This report delves into the complexities of **transportation** and **healthcare access** for residents of 16332, providing a "Lung Cancer Score" based on the challenges of reaching vital medical services. The goal is to illuminate the realities faced by individuals needing treatment, and to inform anyone considering **moving to Lickingville**, PA, about the practicalities of their healthcare journey.

The Lung Cancer Score will consider factors like drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services. The higher the score, the more challenging the access to care. A score of 10 represents the most accessible scenario, while a score of 1 represents the least.

**Drive Time and Highway Navigation**

For residents of 16332, the nearest comprehensive cancer care facilities are primarily located in the cities of Warren, PA, and Bradford, PA. These cities offer specialized oncology services, radiation therapy, and surgical options. The primary artery connecting Lickingville to these destinations is Pennsylvania Route 66, a two-lane highway that meanders through the scenic landscape.

To reach Warren, a drive of approximately 30 miles is required. The journey typically takes around 45 minutes, assuming ideal traffic conditions. However, during peak hours, or in inclement weather, this drive time can easily extend to an hour or more. Navigating Route 66 requires caution, especially during the winter months when snow and ice can make the roads treacherous.

Bradford, PA, is a shorter distance, roughly 25 miles away. The drive is primarily via Route 6, another two-lane highway that is often subject to heavy truck traffic. Travel time to Bradford is about 35-40 minutes under normal circumstances. Delays can occur due to construction, accidents, or weather conditions.

Beyond these two cities, specialized care may necessitate travel to Erie, PA, a significantly longer journey of approximately 90 miles. This drive involves navigating Route 66 to Route 6, then onto Interstate 86 and finally Interstate 90. The travel time to Erie is typically around 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours, making it a considerable undertaking, particularly for patients undergoing treatment.

The drive times alone present a significant hurdle for lung cancer patients. Frequent appointments for chemotherapy, radiation, or follow-up care demand significant time commitment, adding to the physical and emotional strain of the disease.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in 16332 are extremely limited. The region's rural nature and low population density make it challenging to sustain a robust public transit system. There is no dedicated bus service that directly serves the area.

The Warren County Transportation Authority (WCTA) provides some limited services within Warren County. However, their routes and schedules are not designed to facilitate regular trips to major medical centers. The WCTA offers demand-response services, meaning rides must be scheduled in advance. These services are typically available to seniors and individuals with disabilities.

The Bradford Area Regional Transportation Authority (BARTA) operates in Bradford, PA, but its routes do not extend to Lickingville.

For lung cancer patients, the lack of reliable public transit presents a significant barrier to **healthcare access**. The reliance on personal vehicles, or the need to arrange for rides, places an additional burden on patients and their families. The absence of ADA-compliant features on any potential transit options further complicates matters for those with mobility limitations.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: A Patchwork Solution**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the larger cities of Warren and Bradford, but their presence in Lickingville is sporadic. Availability is often limited, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Relying on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments is therefore unreliable.

Medical transport services offer a more specialized option. Companies such as Medical Transportation Management (MTM) and Logisticare provide non-emergency medical transportation. These services typically require pre-authorization and are often covered by insurance for eligible patients. However, even with insurance coverage, the availability of these services in rural areas can be limited, and wait times may be significant.

The cost of medical transport can also be a concern. While insurance may cover some of the expense, patients may still be responsible for co-pays or other out-of-pocket costs.

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

Based on the analysis above, the Lung Cancer Score for access to lung cancer care in 16332 is a **4**. This score reflects the following:

* **Drive Times:** Moderate drive times to Warren and Bradford, but extended travel to Erie.
* **Public Transit:** Non-existent public transit options.
* **Ride-Sharing:** Limited and unreliable ride-sharing availability.
* **Medical Transport:** Availability may be limited, and costs can be a barrier.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Challenges**

The Lung Cancer Score highlights the challenges faced by residents of 16332 in accessing timely and convenient lung cancer care. The reliance on personal vehicles, the lack of public transit, and the limited availability of ride-sharing services create significant hurdles for patients.

For individuals **moving to Lickingville**, PA, or those already residing there, the implications are clear. The ability to drive, or to secure reliable transportation, is crucial. Planning for medical appointments, including travel time and potential delays, is essential. Exploring medical transport options and understanding insurance coverage are also vital steps.

The community of Lickingville could benefit from initiatives to improve **healthcare access**. This could include advocating for expanded public transit options, partnering with ride-sharing services to ensure availability, and supporting local organizations that provide transportation assistance to those in need. Addressing these challenges will help ensure that residents of 16332 have the opportunity to receive the care they deserve, when they need it most. The journey through lung cancer is arduous enough; the burden of transportation should not add to the weight.