15710, Alverda, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 15710, Alverda, Pennsylvania is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

71.96 percent of residents in 15710 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.38 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Conemaugh Miners Medical Center with a distance of 8.73 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 15710 (Alverda, PA)

This analysis assesses the ease with which residents of ZIP code 15710 (Alverda, Pennsylvania) can access healthcare services. We'll examine transportation options, considering drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and medical transport, ultimately assigning an "Overall Health Score" reflecting the accessibility of care for those **moving to Alverda**. This score considers the impact of **transportation** limitations on **healthcare access**, a crucial factor in community well-being.

ZIP code 15710, encompassing the unincorporated community of Alverda, is primarily rural, nestled in Indiana County. This geographical context significantly influences healthcare accessibility. The area's low population density and limited public transportation infrastructure present unique challenges. Residents often rely on personal vehicles, making drive times a critical determinant of healthcare access.

The primary roadways serving Alverda include US Route 119, a major north-south artery, and PA Route 580, which provides east-west connections. Access to these roads is generally good, but travel times can vary considerably depending on the destination and time of day. The drive to the Indiana Regional Medical Center (IRMC), the primary hospital serving the region, is approximately 15-20 minutes via US Route 119. This drive time, while reasonable, can be significantly impacted by weather conditions, particularly during the harsh Pennsylvania winters.

Beyond IRMC, access to specialized care often necessitates longer drives. For instance, reaching Pittsburgh, with its numerous medical facilities, can take upwards of 1.5-2 hours via US Route 22, a major east-west highway, and the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76). This extended travel time can pose a significant barrier to accessing specialized medical services, especially for those with mobility limitations or chronic conditions.

Public transportation options within ZIP code 15710 are extremely limited. The Indiana County Transit Authority (ICTA) provides some bus service, but routes and frequency are restricted, primarily serving the town of Indiana. The availability of bus service directly to Alverda is scant, and the routes are often designed to connect to employment centers and shopping areas rather than medical facilities.

The ICTA does offer a demand-response service, which requires advance booking and may be suitable for those with mobility issues. However, the limited operating hours and potential for delays can make this option unreliable for urgent medical needs. Furthermore, the ADA accessibility of ICTA buses is a consideration, but the availability of accessible vehicles on every route is not guaranteed.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Indiana County area, but their presence is less consistent than in larger metropolitan areas. The availability of drivers, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather, can be unpredictable. This unreliability poses a challenge for residents who rely on ride-sharing for medical appointments, particularly those without access to a personal vehicle.

Medical transport services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are available in the region. Companies like Life Ambulance Service and STAT MedEvac offer non-emergency and emergency medical transportation. These services, while crucial for those unable to drive or utilize other forms of transportation, come at a significant cost, which may not be covered by all insurance plans.

The cost of medical transport, coupled with the potential for delays, can exacerbate the stress and financial burden associated with healthcare access. The availability of these services is a positive factor, but their limitations must be considered when assessing the overall healthcare accessibility in ZIP code 15710.

Considering these factors, the "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in ZIP code 15710 is moderately low. While residents have access to a local hospital (IRMC) within a reasonable drive time, the limitations in public transportation, the variable availability of ride-sharing, and the cost of medical transport significantly impact healthcare access. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with the potential for extended travel times to access specialized care, further diminishes the score.

For individuals **moving to Alverda**, understanding these **transportation** challenges is crucial. Careful consideration of proximity to medical facilities, the availability of reliable **transportation**, and the potential costs associated with accessing care is essential. The lack of robust **healthcare access** options necessitates proactive planning and potentially, a reliance on family or friends for assistance.

The score could be improved by increased investment in public transportation, particularly demand-response services tailored to medical appointments. The expansion of ride-sharing services and the promotion of community-based transportation initiatives could also enhance healthcare access. Furthermore, efforts to increase the availability of telehealth services could help bridge the gap for those facing **transportation** barriers.

In conclusion, while residents of ZIP code 15710 have access to some healthcare services, the **transportation** infrastructure presents significant challenges. The "Overall Health Score" reflects these limitations, highlighting the need for improved **healthcare access** through strategic investments in **transportation** and innovative healthcare delivery models. The community's well-being is directly linked to the ease with which residents can access the care they need.