15362, Spraggs, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 15362, Spraggs, Pennsylvania is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

47.50 percent of residents in 15362 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.85 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Washington Health System Greene with a distance of 9.10 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 15362 (Spraggs, PA)

This comprehensive analysis evaluates the overall health score for residents of Spraggs, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15362), focusing on the critical element of **healthcare access**. The score considers various **transportation** options, travel times, and the availability of medical services within a reasonable radius. This information is particularly relevant for individuals and families **moving to Spraggs**, as it directly impacts their ability to receive timely and appropriate medical care. The score reflects the inherent challenges of rural living, where distance and limited infrastructure often create barriers to accessing vital healthcare resources.

The primary concern for Spraggs residents is the relative isolation and the subsequent reliance on personal vehicles for **transportation**. The nearest significant medical facilities are located in Waynesburg, PA, approximately 15 miles away, or Morgantown, WV, roughly 30 miles distant. The drive to Waynesburg typically involves navigating the winding rural roads, including PA-21 East, which can experience congestion during peak hours and inclement weather. The route to Morgantown necessitates travel on PA-21 West, followed by a portion of I-79 South. This interstate offers a faster, more direct route, but the longer distance and potential for traffic delays necessitate careful planning.

The drive times to these medical hubs are highly variable. Under ideal conditions, the journey to Waynesburg can take approximately 20-30 minutes. However, factors such as traffic, road conditions, and weather can significantly extend this time. The trip to Morgantown, with its interstate component, usually takes between 45 minutes to an hour, but can easily exceed this duration during rush hour or in adverse weather. This extended travel time presents a considerable challenge, especially during medical emergencies. The health score reflects this vulnerability, assigning a lower rating for the time-sensitive aspect of healthcare access.

Public **transportation** options in Spraggs are extremely limited. Greene County Transit offers a demand-response service, providing transportation within Greene County. However, this service requires advance booking and may not be readily available for urgent medical needs. Furthermore, the service's operating hours and route frequency may restrict its usability for scheduled appointments. The lack of fixed-route bus services and the absence of ADA-compliant features on the available transit options further limit the accessibility for individuals with disabilities or those requiring specialized assistance. This scarcity of public **transportation** significantly lowers the overall health score.

Ride-share services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Waynesburg and Morgantown areas. However, their availability in Spraggs is often unreliable, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The potential for long wait times and the increased cost associated with ride-share services in a rural area further exacerbate the challenges of **healthcare access**. This reliance on personal vehicles or potentially unreliable ride-share services contributes to the lowered health score.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are available, but their availability and cost must be considered. These services, such as ambulance companies and non-emergency medical **transportation** providers, offer specialized vehicles and trained personnel. However, the cost of these services can be substantial, potentially creating a financial barrier to **healthcare access** for some residents. The health score considers the financial burden as a significant factor.

The availability of healthcare facilities within a reasonable distance also impacts the overall health score. Waynesburg Hospital, located in Waynesburg, offers a range of medical services, including emergency care, inpatient care, and outpatient clinics. However, the hospital's capacity and the availability of specialized medical professionals may be limited compared to larger urban hospitals. The WVU Medicine facilities in Morgantown provide a more comprehensive range of services, including specialized care and advanced medical technologies. However, the longer travel distance to Morgantown presents a significant disadvantage for Spraggs residents.

The overall health score for **healthcare access** in ZIP Code 15362 reflects the challenges inherent in rural living. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public **transportation** options, and the potential for long travel times to medical facilities all contribute to a lower score. The lack of readily available ride-share services and the potential financial burden of medical **transportation** further diminish the overall health score.

For individuals and families **moving to Spraggs**, it is crucial to understand these limitations. Careful consideration should be given to the availability of medical care, the potential travel times, and the available **transportation** options. Planning for medical appointments, anticipating potential delays, and exploring alternative **transportation** solutions are essential for maintaining good health.

The overall health score also highlights the need for community initiatives aimed at improving **healthcare access** in Spraggs. This could include advocating for expanded public **transportation** services, supporting the development of telehealth programs, and promoting the recruitment of medical professionals to the area. These efforts can help to mitigate the challenges of rural living and improve the overall health and well-being of Spraggs residents.

In conclusion, the overall health score for **healthcare access** in ZIP Code 15362 is moderately low, reflecting the challenges associated with rural living and the limitations in **transportation** options. While the availability of medical facilities in Waynesburg and Morgantown provides essential care, the distance, travel times, and limited public **transportation** create significant barriers. Residents must proactively plan for their healthcare needs, considering the potential delays and exploring alternative **transportation** solutions. Community efforts to improve **healthcare access** are crucial for enhancing the overall health and well-being of the Spraggs community.