15682, Schenley, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 15682, Schenley, Pennsylvania is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

36.89 percent of residents in 15682 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.17 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Allegheny Valley Hospital with a distance of 5.95 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 15682

ZIP Code 15682, encompassing the charming borough of Youngwood, Pennsylvania, presents a nuanced picture when assessing its overall health score, particularly concerning access to healthcare. A critical factor in this evaluation is the ease and efficiency with which residents can reach essential medical services. Transportation, the lifeblood of healthcare access, becomes paramount in determining the community's well-being. This analysis delves into the practicalities of navigating the roads, public transit, and alternative transportation options available to those seeking medical attention within and beyond the borders of 15682.

The primary arteries for vehicular travel within and around Youngwood are the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76), US Route 119, and State Route 711. These roadways dictate the speed and convenience of accessing healthcare facilities. A drive to Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital in Greensburg, a major regional healthcare provider, typically takes approximately 15-20 minutes via US 119, assuming moderate traffic conditions. The journey to UPMC East in Monroeville, a more distant option, expands to about 40-50 minutes, largely dependent on traffic flow on the Turnpike. Similarly, access to specialty clinics and urgent care facilities scattered throughout the region hinges on these key routes. Residents considering moving to Schenley or other areas within 15682 should meticulously factor in these drive times when evaluating their healthcare access.

Public transportation, while present, offers a more limited scope within the 15682 ZIP Code. The Westmoreland Transit Authority (WTA) provides bus service, but routes and frequency are crucial considerations. Route 10, for instance, connects Youngwood to Greensburg, offering a potential means of accessing Westmoreland Hospital. However, the WTA's service may not extend to all medical facilities or operate with the frequency required for convenient healthcare access. ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, such as wheelchair accessibility, are a critical element of WTA buses, ensuring that individuals with mobility challenges can utilize the service. Careful planning and potentially lengthy travel times are often necessary when relying on public transit for medical appointments.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, provide another option for transportation to healthcare. Their availability in 15682, while present, may be subject to fluctuations in demand and pricing. Residents may experience longer wait times or higher fares, especially during peak hours or in areas with limited driver availability. The convenience of door-to-door service is a significant advantage, but the cost and reliability should be carefully weighed against other transportation alternatives. Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients with specific needs, offer a specialized solution. Companies like MedTrans or local ambulance services can provide non-emergency medical transport, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. These services are typically reserved for individuals who require assistance with mobility or have other medical conditions that make it difficult to travel independently.

The availability of healthcare facilities within the immediate vicinity of 15682 also significantly impacts the overall health score. The presence of primary care physicians, specialists, and urgent care centers within a reasonable driving distance reduces the burden of transportation. However, the concentration of healthcare providers may vary, and residents might need to travel to larger cities like Greensburg or Pittsburgh for specialized treatments or advanced medical care. Proximity to pharmacies and other healthcare-related services further enhances the accessibility of care.

Evaluating the overall health score for 15682 requires a holistic approach. The drive times to major hospitals, the frequency and accessibility of public transit, the reliability and cost of ride-sharing services, and the availability of medical transportation options all contribute to the community's healthcare access. Furthermore, the distribution of healthcare providers within the region, including primary care physicians, specialists, and urgent care facilities, plays a vital role.

For residents of 15682, a car remains the most reliable and readily available means of accessing healthcare. However, the limitations of public transit, the potential costs of ride-sharing, and the specialized nature of medical transportation services necessitate careful planning. Those considering moving to Schenley or other areas within 15682 must conduct thorough research into the proximity of healthcare providers and the availability of transportation options that align with their individual needs and circumstances.

The overall health score for 15682 is thus a composite measure, reflecting the interplay between transportation infrastructure, the availability of healthcare providers, and the socio-economic factors that influence access to care. While the area benefits from its proximity to major roadways, the limitations of public transit and the potential costs associated with alternative transportation options require careful consideration. This analysis underscores the importance of a comprehensive understanding of transportation and healthcare access when evaluating the overall health and well-being of the community.