16347, Sheffield, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 16347, Sheffield, Pennsylvania is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

68.62 percent of residents in 16347 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.39 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Warren General Hospital with a distance of 11.54 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Sheffield, PA (ZIP Code 16347)

The air in Sheffield, Pennsylvania, a town nestled in the heart of the Allegheny National Forest, holds a certain crispness, a promise of renewal. Yet, for residents facing a potential lung cancer diagnosis, that same air can feel heavy with the weight of logistical challenges. This analysis provides a "Lung Cancer Score" for Sheffield, examining the critical element of transportation and its impact on **healthcare access**. It assesses the ease with which individuals can reach vital medical services, a crucial factor in the timely diagnosis and treatment of this complex disease.

Sheffield, with its picturesque landscapes, presents a unique set of transportation hurdles. The town's relative isolation, while contributing to its charm, necessitates careful consideration of the journey to specialized medical facilities. The score considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, painting a comprehensive picture of the transportation landscape for those seeking lung cancer care. This information is vital for anyone **moving to Sheffield**, or for current residents seeking to understand their healthcare options.

The primary arteries connecting Sheffield to the outside world are Pennsylvania Route 6 and Pennsylvania Route 666. Route 6, a major east-west thoroughfare, provides the most direct access to larger towns and cities with advanced medical facilities. Route 666, branching off from Route 6, offers a more localized route, primarily serving the immediate surrounding areas. The condition of these roads, especially during harsh winter months, can significantly impact travel times and accessibility.

The nearest comprehensive cancer centers, equipped with specialized pulmonologists, oncologists, and advanced imaging technologies, are located in Warren, PA (approximately 20 miles east), and Bradford, PA (roughly 30 miles west). Drive times to these locations, under ideal conditions, average 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic and specific destination within the town. However, these times can easily double or triple during inclement weather, a common occurrence in this region.

Further afield, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) system offers highly specialized lung cancer care. Reaching UPMC facilities in Pittsburgh, a journey of approximately 100 miles south via Route 6 and Interstate 80, can take upwards of two hours under normal driving conditions. This extended travel time can be particularly challenging for patients undergoing treatment or experiencing debilitating symptoms.

Public transportation options in Sheffield are limited. The Warren County Transportation Authority (WCTA) provides a demand-response service, meaning rides must be scheduled in advance. While the WCTA strives to offer ADA-accessible vehicles, the availability of scheduled rides and the potential for extended travel times should be carefully considered. Specific route numbers and schedules are subject to change, so direct inquiries to the WCTA are essential for accurate information.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their presence is not consistent. Availability is often dependent on driver availability and the time of day. Reliance on these services, especially for scheduled appointments or emergencies, can be risky. Booking in advance and confirming availability are crucial steps.

Medical transport services, including ambulance and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), offer another layer of support. Ambulance services are readily available for emergency situations. However, NEMT services, which provide transportation for non-emergency medical appointments, may have limited availability and require advance booking. The specific brands and service areas of NEMT providers should be investigated thoroughly.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Sheffield reflects the challenges and opportunities inherent in this transportation landscape. The score considers the following factors: drive times to cancer centers, availability of public transit, reliability of ride-sharing services, and the accessibility of medical transport.

**Score Components and Considerations:**

* **Drive Time:** The primary determinant of the score. Shorter drive times to specialized facilities receive higher ratings. The impact of weather conditions on travel times is also considered.
* **Public Transit:** The availability, frequency, and accessibility (ADA compliance) of public transportation options. Limited public transit lowers the score.
* **Ride-Sharing:** The consistency and reliability of ride-sharing services. Inconsistent availability or high costs negatively affect the score.
* **Medical Transport:** The availability and accessibility of ambulance and NEMT services. Reliable medical transport options improve the score.

**Scoring Methodology:**

The score is calculated on a scale of 1-10, with 1 representing the most significant transportation challenges and 10 representing the easiest access to healthcare.

* **1-3:** Significant transportation barriers. Long drive times, limited public transit, unreliable ride-sharing, and limited medical transport options.
* **4-6:** Moderate transportation challenges. Drive times are moderate, public transit is limited, ride-sharing availability is inconsistent, and medical transport options may be limited.
* **7-8:** Relatively good transportation access. Drive times are reasonable, public transit is available, ride-sharing services are more consistent, and medical transport options are present.
* **9-10:** Excellent transportation access. Short drive times, readily available public transit, reliable ride-sharing, and comprehensive medical transport options.

**Sheffield's Estimated Lung Cancer Score:**

Based on the available information, Sheffield, PA (ZIP Code 16347) receives an estimated "Lung Cancer Score" of **4**. This score reflects the moderate challenges associated with accessing specialized healthcare services. While the town is relatively close to Warren and Bradford, the reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the inconsistent availability of ride-sharing services create significant transportation barriers for some residents. The potential for extended travel times to Pittsburgh for advanced care further impacts the score.

**Recommendations and Considerations:**

For residents of Sheffield, proactive planning is essential. Establishing a strong relationship with a primary care physician who can provide referrals and coordinate care is crucial. Exploring all available transportation options, including the WCTA and NEMT services, is vital. Maintaining a reliable vehicle and considering the impact of weather conditions on travel plans is also important.

For individuals **moving to Sheffield**, a thorough assessment of their transportation needs and healthcare requirements is highly recommended. Researching local healthcare providers and understanding the available transportation options is crucial before making a move.

The "Lung Cancer Score" serves as a starting point for understanding the complexities of healthcare access in Sheffield. It highlights the importance of considering transportation as a critical factor in the fight against lung cancer. By acknowledging these challenges and proactively seeking solutions, residents of Sheffield can improve their chances of receiving timely and effective care. The journey to health, like the roads of Sheffield, requires careful navigation and a commitment to overcoming obstacles.