15456, Lemont Furnace, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 15456, Lemont Furnace, Pennsylvania is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

75.18 percent of residents in 15456 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.31 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Uniontown Hospital with a distance of 4.74 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 15456 (Lemont Furnace, PA)

The health of a community is inextricably linked to its ability to access healthcare. This comprehensive analysis, focusing on ZIP code 15456, assesses the ease with which residents can reach medical facilities, considering various transportation options. The goal is to provide a clear "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access, vital for anyone considering **moving to Lemont Furnace** or evaluating the community's well-being. This score will encompass drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing options, and medical transport services.

ZIP code 15456, encompassing Lemont Furnace, Pennsylvania, is a primarily residential area in Fayette County. Its location, nestled within the Laurel Highlands, presents both advantages and challenges regarding **transportation** and **healthcare access**. The area's beauty is undeniable, but the rural setting necessitates careful consideration of how residents can reach essential medical services.

**Drive Times: The Cornerstone of Healthcare Access**

The primary mode of transportation in Lemont Furnace is the personal vehicle. Drive times to healthcare facilities are therefore paramount in determining the overall health score. The closest major hospital is Uniontown Hospital, located approximately 6 miles away. Driving to Uniontown Hospital, the primary healthcare destination, typically takes 10-15 minutes via the heavily traveled Route 40 (National Pike). This road is the main artery connecting Lemont Furnace to Uniontown and beyond.

Accessing specialized care often requires travel to Pittsburgh, approximately 50 miles away. The journey to Pittsburgh, utilizing the PA Turnpike (I-76) and Route 43 (Mon Valley Expressway), can take between 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic. This longer travel time significantly impacts the health score, particularly for those needing specialized treatment or facing emergencies. While the Turnpike offers a faster route, it incurs tolls, adding to the financial burden of healthcare access.

Smaller clinics and urgent care centers are scattered throughout the region. The drive to these facilities, often located along Route 40 or Route 119, typically ranges from 5 to 20 minutes. However, the availability of these services varies, and their capacity to handle complex medical needs is limited.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transit options in Lemont Furnace are limited. The Fayette Area Coordinated Transportation (FACT) offers bus services, but routes are infrequent and primarily serve the Uniontown area. While FACT provides some routes that pass through or near Lemont Furnace, their schedules are often restrictive, making them impractical for urgent medical needs or appointments requiring precise timing.

Furthermore, the accessibility of FACT buses for individuals with disabilities is a critical factor. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that public transit systems provide accessible services. However, the availability of wheelchair-accessible buses and the responsiveness of the system to the needs of individuals with mobility limitations can vary. This is a crucial consideration when evaluating the health score for all residents.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Uniontown area. However, their availability in Lemont Furnace itself can be unpredictable, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. This reliance on ride-sharing can be costly and unreliable, particularly for those without access to a personal vehicle or who are unable to drive.

Medical transport services, including ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), are available. Ambulance services are readily accessible for emergencies. NEMT services, often provided by private companies, offer transportation for appointments and other medical needs. However, these services can be expensive and may require advance booking, limiting their usefulness for urgent situations. Companies like Senior Life and other regional providers are the primary players.

**Overall Health Score: A Synthesis**

The overall health score for healthcare access in ZIP code 15456 is moderately impacted by the limited availability of transportation options. While Uniontown Hospital is relatively close, the dependence on personal vehicles and the challenges of accessing specialized care in Pittsburgh significantly affect the score.

The lack of robust public transit, the variable availability of ride-sharing, and the cost of medical transport services further contribute to the challenges. This is a critical factor for anyone **moving to Lemont Furnace**, especially those with pre-existing medical conditions, limited mobility, or without access to a personal vehicle.

**Recommendations for Improvement**

To improve the health score, several initiatives could be considered. Expanding FACT bus routes and increasing their frequency would enhance public transit options. Promoting ride-sharing services and incentivizing their presence in the area could also be beneficial.

Furthermore, exploring partnerships with medical transport providers to offer subsidized or discounted services for low-income residents would improve **healthcare access** for vulnerable populations. Investing in telehealth infrastructure could also mitigate the need for frequent travel to medical facilities.

**Conclusion**

Evaluating **healthcare access** in Lemont Furnace reveals a complex picture. While the proximity to Uniontown Hospital provides a base level of care, the limitations of **transportation** options, particularly for specialized services, pose a significant challenge. The "Overall Health Score" is therefore influenced by the need for reliable transportation, which directly impacts the ability of residents to receive timely and appropriate medical care. This assessment is crucial for individuals considering **moving to Lemont Furnace** and underscores the importance of ongoing efforts to improve healthcare access for all residents of ZIP code 15456.