17066, Mount Union, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17066, Mount Union, Pennsylvania is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

52.12 percent of residents in 17066 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 20.26 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital with a distance of 22.89 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Mount Union, PA (ZIP Code 17066)

The air hangs heavy with the promise of crisp mountain breezes in Mount Union, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17066), a community nestled in the heart of Huntingdon County. For those considering a move here, or for current residents, understanding the accessibility of healthcare, particularly for a disease as serious as lung cancer, is paramount. This Lung Cancer Score delves into the intricacies of transportation options available, directly impacting healthcare access for individuals facing this formidable illness. It considers drive times, public transit, and alternative transportation solutions, painting a clear picture of the challenges and opportunities that shape the journey to care.

The very fabric of healthcare access is woven with the threads of transportation. For individuals battling lung cancer, the ability to reach appointments for diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care is not merely a convenience; it is a necessity. This is especially true in a rural setting like Mount Union, where the landscape itself can present a formidable barrier. The Lung Cancer Score, therefore, considers the practicalities of getting from home to the healthcare provider, recognizing that the journey itself can significantly impact the patient's well-being and treatment outcomes.

The primary arteries of transportation in and around Mount Union are the roadways. A drive to the nearest comprehensive cancer care facility, UPMC Altoona, located approximately 50 miles away, presents a significant time commitment. The journey typically involves navigating Route 522, a winding two-lane road that can be subject to seasonal weather conditions. This leg of the trip is often the most time-consuming, with an average drive time of around 1 hour and 15 minutes, assuming normal traffic flow.

From Route 522, the route merges onto US-22, a major east-west highway. This portion of the drive offers a smoother, faster passage, but the potential for delays, particularly during peak commuting hours, must be factored in. The final stretch involves navigating the city streets of Altoona, which can add another 15 to 20 minutes to the total travel time. The overall drive, therefore, can easily consume upwards of 1 hour and 30 minutes, each way, for a round trip. This represents a substantial time commitment, particularly for patients undergoing frequent treatments like chemotherapy or radiation.

Public transportation options in Mount Union are limited, presenting a significant challenge for those without access to a personal vehicle. The Huntingdon County Human Services Transportation Program (HCHSTP) offers demand-response transportation services, but these are often booked in advance and may have limited availability. While the HCHSTP aims to provide ADA-compliant vehicles, the scheduling process can be cumbersome, and the travel times are often extended due to the need to accommodate multiple passengers and varying destinations.

The closest public transit option is likely to be the Greyhound bus, which has a stop in Huntingdon, approximately 20 miles from Mount Union. However, this option is not a direct route to Altoona and would require multiple transfers and a significant time investment. Furthermore, the Greyhound schedule may not align with the specific appointment times required for cancer treatment. The lack of robust public transit options underscores the importance of alternative transportation solutions.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their reliability and cost can be significant barriers. The availability of drivers in Mount Union is often limited, and the surge pricing during peak hours or inclement weather can make these services prohibitively expensive. For patients on a fixed income or those with limited financial resources, the cost of ride-sharing can be a major impediment to accessing care.

Medical transportation services offer a specialized solution for patients with mobility limitations or those requiring assistance during transport. Companies like LifeLine Ambulance and MedStar offer non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services in the region. These services provide door-to-door transportation, often with trained personnel to assist patients. However, the cost of NEMT services can be substantial, and pre-authorization from insurance companies may be required.

For those considering moving to Mount Union and facing a lung cancer diagnosis, the availability of family or friends to provide transportation becomes crucial. The support network of a patient can significantly impact their ability to attend appointments and access treatment. The ability to rely on loved ones for rides can alleviate the financial and logistical burdens of transportation, allowing patients to focus on their health and recovery.

The Lung Cancer Score for Mount Union, therefore, reflects the challenges inherent in accessing healthcare. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the potential cost of ride-sharing or medical transportation services all contribute to a less-than-ideal situation. While the community offers a tranquil environment, the transportation limitations necessitate careful consideration for individuals with lung cancer.

The journey to UPMC Altoona, while manageable, requires a significant time commitment. The reliance on Route 522 and US-22, with their potential for delays, adds to the complexity. The lack of readily available public transit and the potential expense of ride-sharing services further complicate the picture. For those without access to a personal vehicle or a strong support network, accessing timely and consistent cancer care can be a significant challenge.

Ultimately, the Lung Cancer Score for Mount Union highlights the importance of proactive planning and resourcefulness. Individuals facing a lung cancer diagnosis must carefully evaluate their transportation options and develop a plan to ensure they can access the care they need. This may involve relying on family and friends, exploring medical transportation services, or advocating for improved public transit options in the community.

The future of healthcare access in Mount Union, and similar rural communities, depends on innovative solutions. This includes exploring partnerships with healthcare providers to offer telehealth services, expanding the availability of medical transportation options, and advocating for increased investment in public transit infrastructure. By addressing the transportation barriers, the community can improve healthcare access and support the well-being of its residents. The very act of moving to Mount Union necessitates a careful assessment of these healthcare realities.