15330, Eighty Four, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 15330, Eighty Four, Pennsylvania is 60 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

50.02 percent of residents in 15330 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 8.11 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Canonsburg General Hospital with a distance of 6.83 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Eighty Four, PA (ZIP Code 15330)

Eighty Four, Pennsylvania, a community nestled in the rolling hills of Washington County, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities when considering its residents' overall health. A crucial element of this is **healthcare access**, a factor heavily influenced by the efficiency and availability of **transportation** options. This report, designed for individuals and families **moving to Eighty Four**, offers an in-depth analysis of the current landscape, culminating in an "Overall Health Score" that reflects the ease (or difficulty) of reaching essential medical services.

The foundation of any health assessment in this area lies in understanding the geography. Eighty Four is primarily a rural area, characterized by sprawling landscapes and a limited population density. This impacts the availability of public transit and the practicality of certain transportation models. The primary artery for moving around is Interstate 79 (I-79), which provides north-south connectivity. Pennsylvania Route 519 (PA-519) and Pennsylvania Route 136 (PA-136) serve as crucial east-west connectors, linking Eighty Four to neighboring towns and cities. These roadways are essential for accessing healthcare facilities.

Drive times are a significant factor. For routine primary care, residents of Eighty Four often rely on practices located in nearby towns like Canonsburg or McMurray. A typical drive to these locations, via PA-519 or PA-136, can range from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific destination. Specialty care, however, often necessitates travel to Washington, PA, or even Pittsburgh. The drive to Washington, via I-79, can take approximately 30 to 45 minutes. Reaching Pittsburgh, home to numerous hospitals and specialists, can take upwards of an hour, especially during peak commuting times. This extended travel time can be a significant barrier to timely medical attention, especially in emergencies.

Public transportation options in Eighty Four are limited. The primary provider in the region is the Washington County Transportation Authority (WCTA). However, WCTA's services in this area are infrequent and primarily focused on connecting to larger towns. Routes are not extensively available within Eighty Four itself. Furthermore, the availability of vehicles with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, such as wheelchair accessibility, can be limited, posing challenges for individuals with mobility impairments. The lack of robust public transit significantly impacts the health score, as it limits access for those who do not drive or cannot afford other transportation methods.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, offering a potential alternative to driving or relying on public transit. However, the availability of these services can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in more remote areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier, especially for frequent medical appointments. Medical transportation services, like those offered by companies such as First Transit or MedRide, are another option, specifically designed for transporting patients to and from medical appointments. These services often provide door-to-door assistance and can accommodate individuals with mobility challenges. However, they typically require pre-booking and can be costly.

The availability of emergency medical services is another crucial aspect. The Eighty Four Volunteer Fire Department provides emergency response services, but the distance to the nearest hospitals, such as Washington Hospital, can impact response times. This is particularly relevant for individuals experiencing time-sensitive medical conditions. The efficiency of emergency medical services is a vital component of the overall health score.

The quality of healthcare facilities within a reasonable distance is also crucial. Washington Hospital, located in Washington, PA, offers a comprehensive range of services, including emergency care, specialized medical departments, and surgical facilities. UPMC facilities, located in Pittsburgh, provide access to a broader array of specialized care, including advanced treatments and research opportunities. The proximity and accessibility of these facilities are vital for the overall health and well-being of Eighty Four residents.

The cost of healthcare is another critical consideration. The affordability of medical services, including insurance premiums, co-pays, and the cost of transportation to appointments, can significantly impact healthcare access. Individuals with limited financial resources may face challenges in affording necessary medical care, even if transportation is available. The economic factors are intertwined with the transportation and access elements.

The demographics of Eighty Four also influence the health score. The age distribution of the population, the prevalence of chronic diseases, and the socioeconomic status of residents all play a role in determining healthcare needs and the ability to access care. The health score must consider these factors to provide a comprehensive assessment.

**Overall Health Score Calculation:**

To calculate the Overall Health Score, several factors are weighted and combined. Drive times to primary care (20%), drive times to specialty care (20%), availability and accessibility of public transit (15%), ride-sharing and medical transportation options (15%), emergency medical service response times (10%), the quality and availability of healthcare facilities (10%), and the cost of healthcare (10%) are all considered.

**Overall Health Score for Eighty Four, PA (ZIP Code 15330):**

Based on the analysis above, the Overall Health Score for Eighty Four, PA, is considered to be **Moderate**.

**Rationale:**

The score is moderated due to several factors. The drive times to primary care are generally reasonable. However, the extended drive times to specialty care and the limited public transit options are significant drawbacks. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services offers some alternatives, but their cost and availability can be a barrier. The quality of healthcare facilities within a reasonable distance is good, but the cost of healthcare and the potential for long travel times to access specialized care impact the overall score. The lack of robust public transportation and the dependence on personal vehicles or costly ride-sharing services contribute to the moderate rating.

**Recommendations for Improvement:**

To improve the Overall Health Score, several steps could be taken. Increasing the frequency and coverage of public transportation, especially routes that connect Eighty Four to healthcare facilities, would be highly beneficial. Promoting ride-sharing programs and providing financial assistance for transportation costs for low-income residents would also improve access. Encouraging the establishment of more primary care practices and specialist clinics within or closer to Eighty Four would reduce drive times. Further, efforts to improve the affordability of healthcare, including insurance coverage and prescription costs, would significantly benefit the residents.

**Conclusion:**

For individuals and families **moving to Eighty Four**, understanding the **transportation** landscape and its impact on **healthcare access** is essential. While the area offers a pleasant rural environment, the challenges related to **transportation** must be carefully considered. The "Overall Health Score" provides a valuable framework for assessing the ease of accessing medical services. By addressing the identified shortcomings, the community can strive to enhance the health and well-being of its residents. The goal is to create a more accessible and equitable healthcare system, ensuring that all residents have the opportunity to receive the care they need, regardless of their mobility or financial situation.