15720, Brush Valley, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 15720, Brush Valley, Pennsylvania is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

75.89 percent of residents in 15720 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 20.00 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center with a distance of 16.84 miles from the area.

**Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 15720 (Brush Valley, PA)**

Assessing the overall health score for residents of ZIP Code 15720, Brush Valley, Pennsylvania, requires a comprehensive look at healthcare access. This includes evaluating the efficiency and availability of transportation options to reach necessary medical services. The health score reflects the ease or difficulty individuals face in accessing doctors, hospitals, specialists, and other healthcare providers. This write-up delves into the specific transportation landscape, considering drive times, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options.

The primary consideration for healthcare access in Brush Valley is the rural nature of the area. The nearest significant healthcare facilities are located in Indiana, PA, approximately 15 to 20 miles away. The most direct route involves navigating the winding roads of the region. The primary route to Indiana Hospital is via **Route 119 South**, a busy highway that can experience congestion during peak hours. This route offers the most efficient drive time, typically taking around 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions.

Alternatively, residents can utilize **Route 286 East** and connect to **Route 119 South**. This route, though slightly longer, offers a scenic drive through the rolling hills of Brush Valley. However, this route is not recommended for emergency situations. The time spent on these roads can be crucial when accessing urgent medical care.

Public transportation options in the area are limited. The Indiana County Transit Authority (ICTA) provides bus services, but routes within Brush Valley are infrequent and may not directly serve medical facilities. The ICTA operates several routes, but none are specifically designed for healthcare access. The ICTA does not offer any ADA-accessible routes.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Indiana, PA, area, but their presence in Brush Valley is less consistent. Availability depends on driver density and demand. Relying on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments can be unreliable and expensive, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather.

Medical transport services are available for individuals who require specialized assistance. Ambulance services are provided by local emergency medical services. Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services, such as those offered by private companies, may be available, but their coverage area and availability should be verified. These services cater to patients who need assistance getting to and from medical appointments but do not require emergency care.

The health score for Brush Valley residents is significantly impacted by the challenges of transportation. Individuals without personal vehicles face considerable hurdles in accessing healthcare. The limited public transit options, the variable availability of ride-sharing, and the reliance on personal vehicles create a complex landscape.

For individuals considering moving to Brush Valley, understanding the transportation limitations is critical. The distance to healthcare facilities and the dependence on personal vehicles or potentially unreliable alternatives must be factored into the decision-making process. This is particularly important for those with chronic health conditions or limited mobility.

The overall health score for healthcare access in ZIP Code 15720 is moderate. While the drive to Indiana Hospital is manageable for those with personal transportation, the lack of robust public transit and the uncertainties of ride-sharing services create barriers. The health score is lower for individuals without access to a personal vehicle or those with mobility limitations.

The healthcare access landscape in Brush Valley can be improved by several factors. Expanding public transportation routes to directly serve medical facilities and increasing the availability of ADA-accessible services would significantly improve healthcare access. Promoting partnerships between ride-sharing companies and healthcare providers could facilitate more reliable transportation options. The availability of NEMT services can be increased.

The health score is not static; it is a dynamic measure that changes based on the availability of transportation options. The overall health of Brush Valley residents is inextricably linked to their ability to access healthcare, and the transportation infrastructure is a key determinant of that access.

The overall health score for healthcare access in ZIP Code 15720 is a reflection of the transportation infrastructure. The rural nature of the area, the limited public transit options, and the reliance on personal vehicles create challenges for residents seeking medical care. While the drive to Indiana Hospital is manageable for those with personal transportation, the lack of robust public transit and the uncertainties of ride-sharing services create barriers, particularly for those without access to a personal vehicle or those with mobility limitations. The health score is moderate, with room for improvement through initiatives to enhance transportation options and promote healthcare access.