16123, Fombell, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 16123, Fombell, Pennsylvania is 61 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

51.62 percent of residents in 16123 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.11 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Heritage Valley Beaver with a distance of 9.71 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Fombell (ZIP Code 16123)

The picturesque borough of Fombell, Pennsylvania, nestled within ZIP code 16123, offers a tranquil lifestyle. However, assessing its overall health requires a critical look at a crucial factor: access to healthcare. This analysis, culminating in an Overall Health Score, considers the various transportation options available to residents seeking medical attention, from routine check-ups to emergency care. Understanding these nuances is vital for anyone considering moving to Fombell, ensuring they can readily access the medical services they need.

The foundation of healthcare access in Fombell is the availability of transportation. The primary mode for most residents is the personal vehicle. The region is served by several key roadways. Pennsylvania Route 68, a major artery, provides a direct route to Beaver Falls and the healthcare facilities located there. Pennsylvania Route 588 offers another route, albeit a slightly more winding one, towards the same destinations. The drive times, however, can vary significantly depending on traffic, weather conditions, and the specific healthcare facility.

For residents of Fombell, the drive to healthcare often involves navigating these roads. A trip to the nearest urgent care clinic in Beaver Falls, for instance, could take approximately 15 to 20 minutes under normal traffic conditions. Reaching a larger hospital, such as Heritage Valley Beaver, might extend the drive to 25 to 30 minutes. These times, while generally manageable, underscore the reliance on personal vehicles and the potential for delays impacting healthcare access.

Public transportation options in the area are limited, presenting a significant challenge for those without personal vehicles. The Beaver County Transit Authority (BCTA) provides some bus service, but its routes and frequency are not extensive in the Fombell area. Information on specific routes serving Fombell is limited, but potential riders should check the BCTA website for the most current schedules and routes. The BCTA website also details the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility features of each bus, including ramps, lifts, and designated seating, which is crucial for individuals with mobility limitations.

The BCTA's accessibility features are critical for improving healthcare access for those with disabilities. However, the limited reach of public transit in Fombell necessitates reliance on alternative transportation methods. The absence of a robust public transit system is a significant factor impacting the Overall Health Score.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the region, offering another transportation avenue. Their availability, however, can fluctuate depending on driver availability, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of these services also needs to be factored in, as they can add to the overall expense of healthcare access. While offering a degree of flexibility, ride-sharing's reliability and affordability remain variables.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients, are also present. Companies specializing in non-emergency medical transportation provide door-to-door service for appointments and other healthcare needs. These services, such as First Transit and others, often cater to individuals with mobility challenges or those who require specialized assistance. While offering a vital service, these options typically come with a higher price tag than public transit or personal vehicles.

The availability of medical transportation services is a positive aspect, particularly for those with limited mobility. However, the cost associated with these services can create a barrier to healthcare access for some residents.

The distance to healthcare facilities, coupled with the limitations of public transportation and the fluctuating availability and cost of ride-sharing services, paints a complex picture. This complexity is particularly relevant for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those without access to a personal vehicle. Their ability to reach healthcare providers is significantly impacted by the availability and reliability of alternative transportation options.

The Overall Health Score for Fombell, considering transportation and healthcare access, reflects these factors. The score must account for the reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the potential barriers posed by ride-sharing and medical transportation costs.

The Overall Health Score is not simply about distance; it encompasses the ease, affordability, and reliability of transportation to healthcare facilities. Factors such as the presence of sidewalks, the safety of roadways, and the availability of parking at medical facilities also influence the score. These details, when considered, provide a more comprehensive picture of healthcare access in Fombell.

The health of a community is directly linked to the ease with which residents can access healthcare. When transportation options are limited, healthcare access becomes a challenge, potentially leading to delayed or missed appointments, and ultimately, impacting overall health outcomes. This is a crucial consideration for anyone contemplating moving to Fombell.

The Overall Health Score for Fombell, therefore, reflects a mixed picture. The reliance on personal vehicles offers a degree of flexibility, but the limitations of public transit and the potential costs associated with ride-sharing and medical transportation services create challenges. The score is further impacted by the distance to healthcare facilities and the availability of specialized services.

To improve the Overall Health Score, initiatives could focus on expanding public transportation options, particularly routes that directly serve healthcare facilities. Partnerships with ride-sharing services to provide subsidized transportation for medical appointments could also be considered. Furthermore, promoting awareness of available medical transportation services and offering financial assistance to those in need would enhance healthcare access.

In conclusion, the Overall Health Score for commuting to healthcare in Fombell (ZIP Code 16123) is influenced by a complex interplay of factors. While the personal vehicle remains the primary mode of transportation, the limitations of public transit and the potential costs of alternative options present challenges. Understanding these factors is crucial for residents and those considering moving to Fombell, allowing them to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs and the availability of transportation to meet them. The focus must remain on improving transportation options to ensure that all residents can readily access the healthcare they require.