16511, Erie, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 16511, Erie, Pennsylvania is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

79.56 percent of residents in 16511 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 4.59 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Upmc Hamot with a distance of 3.43 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 16511

Navigating the healthcare landscape within ZIP code 16511, a vibrant area of Erie, Pennsylvania, requires a comprehensive understanding of **transportation** options and their impact on **healthcare access**. This assessment provides an “Overall Health Score” by examining the accessibility of medical facilities, considering factors such as drive times, public transit, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transport. For those **moving to Erie**, this information is crucial for making informed decisions about their health and well-being.

The geographical footprint of 16511 encompasses a significant portion of Erie, stretching from the shores of Presque Isle Bay to the city's central districts. This sprawling area, while offering diverse neighborhoods, presents challenges in healthcare accessibility, particularly for those without personal vehicles or with mobility limitations. The Overall Health Score reflects these complexities, providing a nuanced view of the realities of seeking medical care within this ZIP code.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

Driving remains the dominant mode of **transportation** for accessing healthcare facilities in 16511. The primary arteries, Interstate 90 (I-90), and Interstate 79 (I-79), provide rapid access to regional medical centers. However, these highways are often subject to traffic congestion, especially during peak hours. The time required to reach a medical facility can vary significantly depending on the location within the ZIP code and the time of day.

Traveling east-west, the primary route is West 12th Street, a major thoroughfare that intersects with many healthcare providers. It is a busy road, and delays can be expected. Similarly, Peach Street, a north-south corridor, offers access to several medical offices and hospitals, but it too can be congested. Other important roadways include State Street, and Buffalo Road, providing essential routes for reaching various healthcare destinations.

For residents in the eastern portions of 16511, accessing facilities on the west side of Erie, such as UPMC Hamot, may involve longer drive times. Conversely, those residing in the western areas might face extended travel to facilities located in the eastern sectors, like Saint Vincent Hospital. The Overall Health Score considers these geographical disparities, recognizing that proximity to healthcare is not uniform across the ZIP code.

**Public Transit:**

The Erie MetroErie Metropolitan Transit AuthorityMetropolitan Transit Authority (EMTA) provides public transit services within 16511. The EMTA operates several bus routes that serve the area, including routes 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, and 17. These routes offer varying levels of coverage, with some providing more frequent service than others.

The EMTA’s website, or the transit app, provides up-to-date schedules and route information. The accessibility of the public transit system is a critical factor in the Overall Health Score. All EMTA buses are equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, including ramps and priority seating, making them accessible to individuals with mobility impairments. However, the frequency of service, particularly during evenings and weekends, can be a limiting factor for some residents.

The efficiency of public transit is also impacted by traffic congestion, which can cause delays and extend travel times. For individuals relying on public transit for healthcare access, these delays can create significant challenges, particularly for appointments with strict time constraints.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative **transportation** option for accessing healthcare in 16511. These services provide on-demand rides, offering convenience and flexibility. However, the availability and cost of ride-sharing can vary depending on demand and the time of day.

For individuals requiring specialized medical **transportation**, several companies operate in the Erie area. These services, such as Medical Transportation Management (MTM), and other local providers, offer non-emergency medical transport, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and stretcher services. These services are often covered by insurance, making them a viable option for individuals with mobility limitations or other medical needs.

The Overall Health Score considers the availability and accessibility of these ride-sharing and medical transport services, recognizing their importance in providing healthcare access to a broader range of residents. The cost of these services, particularly for those without insurance or with limited financial resources, is also factored into the assessment.

**Healthcare Access and the Overall Health Score:**

The Overall Health Score for 16511 is not solely based on the availability of **transportation** options. It also considers the density of healthcare facilities within the ZIP code and the surrounding areas. The presence of hospitals, clinics, primary care physicians, specialists, and urgent care centers contributes to the score.

Proximity to these facilities is a key factor, as shorter travel times generally translate to better **healthcare access**. The Overall Health Score also considers the availability of specialized medical services, such as mental health care, dental care, and vision care, recognizing the importance of comprehensive healthcare.

The score also reflects the challenges faced by vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources. The availability of resources, such as patient assistance programs and free clinics, is considered in the assessment.

**Conclusion:**

The Overall Health Score for commuting to healthcare in 16511 is a dynamic assessment, reflecting the interplay of various factors. While the availability of multiple **transportation** options, including driving, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, provides some degree of flexibility, the realities of traffic congestion, limited public transit service, and the cost of ride-sharing services can create barriers to **healthcare access** for some residents.

For those **moving to Erie**, understanding these complexities is essential for making informed decisions about their healthcare needs. The Overall Health Score provides a valuable framework for assessing the accessibility of healthcare services, empowering residents to navigate the healthcare landscape effectively and prioritize their health and well-being. The score is a living document, subject to change as the healthcare landscape evolves and new **transportation** options emerge.