16735, Kane, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 16735, Kane, Pennsylvania is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

58.63 percent of residents in 16735 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.25 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Upmc Kane with a distance of 0.58 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 16735

ZIP Code 16735, encompassing Kane, Pennsylvania, presents a unique landscape for assessing overall health, intrinsically linked to the availability and accessibility of healthcare services. This write-up provides an 'Overall Health Score' analysis, focusing on the critical element of *transportation* and its impact on *healthcare access* for residents. Understanding the challenges and opportunities within this context is crucial for anyone *moving to Kane* or seeking to improve the well-being of its current population.

The 'Overall Health Score' considers various factors, including drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and specialized medical transport services. Each aspect is evaluated for its efficiency, reliability, and the degree to which it caters to the diverse needs of the community, including those with disabilities. The final score reflects the collective ease or difficulty residents face in accessing essential medical care.

**Drive Times: The Backbone of Healthcare Access**

For residents of Kane, the automobile remains the primary mode of *transportation* for accessing healthcare. The geography of the region, characterized by rolling hills and forested areas, influences drive times significantly.

Kane's primary artery is Pennsylvania Route 6, a vital east-west corridor. Traveling east on Route 6 provides access to Kane Community Hospital, the primary healthcare provider within the ZIP code. Drive times to the hospital are generally short, typically under 10 minutes for those residing within the borough limits. However, residents living in more remote areas of the ZIP code, such as those in the surrounding townships, may face longer commutes.

Heading west on Route 6 offers access to other healthcare facilities in nearby towns, such as Bradford. Drive times to Bradford, approximately 20 miles away, can range from 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions. The journey often involves navigating a combination of Route 6 and smaller county roads, such as Route 321.

The condition of these roads, especially during inclement weather, can significantly impact drive times and safety. Winter weather, common in this region, can lead to delays and potentially dangerous driving conditions, further exacerbating the challenges of *healthcare access*.

**Public Transit: Limited Options, Limited Reach**

Public *transportation* options in Kane are limited, posing a significant barrier for individuals without personal vehicles. The Elk County Council on the Arts (ECCOTA) provides a public *transportation* service, which is essential for those who cannot drive themselves.

The ECCOTA service operates on a demand-response basis, requiring riders to schedule trips in advance. This can present challenges for those needing immediate medical attention or those with unpredictable schedules. The availability of ECCOTA services, especially during evenings and weekends, is also limited.

While ECCOTA strives to provide ADA-compliant services, including wheelchair accessibility, the overall reach of public *transportation* remains constrained by the geographical limitations and funding constraints. The lack of frequent routes and fixed schedules further restricts *healthcare access* for many residents.

**Ride-Sharing: A Growing but Unreliable Option**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Kane area, but their reliability and availability are not consistent. The presence of these services depends on the availability of drivers, which can fluctuate based on demand and driver availability.

Riders may experience longer wait times, especially during off-peak hours or in remote areas of the ZIP code. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, especially for individuals with limited financial resources. While ride-sharing offers a potential alternative to driving, its limitations make it an unreliable solution for consistent *healthcare access*.

**Medical Transport: Specialized Needs, Specialized Solutions**

For individuals with specific medical needs or mobility challenges, specialized medical *transportation* services are available. These services, often provided by ambulance companies, offer non-emergency medical *transportation* to and from healthcare appointments.

These services are essential for individuals who cannot drive themselves or utilize other forms of *transportation* due to their medical condition. However, the cost of these services can be substantial, and prior arrangements are usually required. The availability of these specialized services is crucial for ensuring that all residents have equal *healthcare access*, regardless of their physical limitations.

**Overall Health Score: A Complex Equation**

The 'Overall Health Score' for *healthcare access* in ZIP Code 16735 reflects a complex interplay of factors. The proximity of Kane Community Hospital offers a significant advantage for many residents. However, the reliance on personal vehicles, the limitations of public *transportation*, the inconsistency of ride-sharing services, and the cost of specialized medical *transportation* create challenges for others.

The score is further influenced by the geographical challenges of the region, including the impact of weather conditions on road safety and drive times. The availability of healthcare providers, the cost of care, and the overall socioeconomic status of the community also play a significant role in the overall health outcomes.

The score is not static; it can fluctuate based on changes in *transportation* infrastructure, the availability of healthcare services, and the implementation of programs aimed at improving *healthcare access*.

**Recommendations: Paving the Path to Better Health**

To improve the 'Overall Health Score' for *healthcare access* in Kane, several key areas require attention. Enhancing public *transportation* options, including expanding routes, increasing frequency, and improving ADA accessibility, is crucial.

Investing in road maintenance and snow removal is essential to ensure safe and reliable *transportation*, especially during winter months. Promoting ride-sharing services and incentivizing driver participation could improve their reliability and affordability.

Supporting and expanding specialized medical *transportation* services, including providing financial assistance for those in need, is also vital. Furthermore, promoting telehealth services and other remote healthcare options could help bridge the gap for those with limited *transportation* options.

By addressing these challenges and implementing these recommendations, Kane can improve its 'Overall Health Score' and create a healthier community for all its residents, making it a more attractive place for those *moving to Kane* and ensuring the well-being of those already living there.