15360, Scenery Hill, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 15360, Scenery Hill, Pennsylvania is 60 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

43.23 percent of residents in 15360 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.43 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Washington Hospital, The with a distance of 10.82 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Scenery Hill, PA (ZIP Code 15360)

This assessment delves into the multifaceted reality of healthcare access for residents of Scenery Hill, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15360), a community nestled in the heart of Washington County. The analysis considers the crucial link between transportation and healthcare, evaluating the ease and efficiency with which residents can reach essential medical services. This 'Overall Health Score' will illuminate the challenges and opportunities for improving healthcare access in this picturesque, yet geographically isolated, corner of the state.

The primary determinant of healthcare access in Scenery Hill is the transportation infrastructure. Residents rely heavily on personal vehicles, with limited public transit options. This reliance on cars underscores the significance of drive times, road conditions, and the availability of alternative transportation modes. The score considers these factors, alongside the proximity of healthcare facilities, to paint a comprehensive picture of the healthcare landscape. The goal is to provide a clear understanding of the barriers and facilitators that shape the health and well-being of the community.

The geographic location of Scenery Hill, while offering a tranquil setting, presents a significant challenge to healthcare access. The town is situated in a rural area, necessitating travel to larger towns and cities for specialized medical care. The most direct route to Washington, PA, the county seat and a hub for healthcare services, is via **PA-136 West** and **I-70 West**. This journey, typically covering approximately 15 miles, can take anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions.

Heading east, residents can access healthcare in Uniontown, PA, approximately 25 miles away. This route typically involves traveling on **PA-136 East** to **US-40 East**. The drive time, usually between 35 and 50 minutes, can be affected by traffic, particularly during peak hours. The road conditions on both routes are generally well-maintained, but winter weather can pose significant challenges, impacting travel times and potentially delaying critical medical appointments.

Public transportation options are limited in Scenery Hill. The Washington County Transportation Authority (WCTA) offers bus services, but routes are infrequent and primarily serve the larger towns and cities in the county. The availability of ADA-accessible buses is a crucial consideration for individuals with disabilities. Information on specific routes and schedules can be found on the WCTA website. However, the current public transit infrastructure does not adequately address the healthcare transportation needs of the residents of Scenery Hill.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area. However, their reliability and affordability can be a concern, particularly for residents with limited financial resources. The availability of these services is also subject to driver availability, which can be unpredictable in a rural setting. Medical transport services, such as ambulance and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), are available. These services are crucial for individuals who are unable to drive or lack access to personal transportation.

The availability of medical transport services is a critical component of healthcare access. Companies like MedExpress and other local providers offer services for individuals requiring transportation to and from medical appointments. These services are essential for those who are unable to drive themselves or lack access to other forms of transportation. The cost of these services, however, can be a significant barrier, particularly for low-income individuals.

The proximity of healthcare facilities is another critical factor. While Scenery Hill itself does not have a hospital, it is within reasonable driving distance of several healthcare providers. Washington Hospital, located in Washington, PA, offers a wide range of medical services, including emergency care, specialized treatments, and outpatient clinics. Other healthcare providers, such as Mon Valley Hospital in nearby Monongahela, also provide essential services. The availability of urgent care facilities and primary care physicians in the surrounding areas further contributes to healthcare access.

The overall health score for commuting to healthcare in Scenery Hill is moderately impacted by the transportation limitations. The reliance on personal vehicles, combined with the limited public transit options, creates challenges for residents, particularly those who are elderly, disabled, or lack access to a car. The drive times to healthcare facilities, while not excessively long, can be affected by traffic and weather conditions, potentially delaying access to critical medical care.

The cost of transportation, including gas, car maintenance, and ride-sharing fees, can also be a significant financial burden for some residents. The availability of medical transport services is a positive factor, but the cost of these services can be a barrier for low-income individuals. The limited public transit options and the reliance on personal vehicles highlight the need for innovative solutions to improve healthcare access.

Moving to Scenery Hill presents a unique set of considerations for healthcare access. While the community offers a peaceful and scenic environment, the transportation challenges must be carefully evaluated. Prospective residents should consider their individual healthcare needs and assess their ability to navigate the transportation landscape. They should also research the availability of healthcare providers in the surrounding areas and explore the options for medical transportation.

Improving healthcare access in Scenery Hill requires a multi-pronged approach. Investing in public transportation, expanding ride-sharing programs, and subsidizing medical transport services can help alleviate some of the transportation barriers. Promoting telehealth services and establishing community-based healthcare clinics can also improve healthcare access. Collaboration between healthcare providers, local government, and community organizations is essential to creating a more accessible and equitable healthcare system.

In conclusion, the overall health score for commuting to healthcare in Scenery Hill reflects a complex interplay of factors. While the community offers a tranquil setting, the transportation limitations pose challenges to healthcare access. Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort to improve transportation infrastructure, expand healthcare services, and ensure that all residents have access to the care they need. This assessment underscores the importance of considering transportation as an integral component of healthcare access and the need for ongoing efforts to improve the health and well-being of the residents of Scenery Hill.