19056, Levittown, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 19056, Levittown, Pennsylvania is 78 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

58.65 percent of residents in 19056 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 4.32 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is St Mary Medical Center with a distance of 2.64 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 19056

Evaluating the overall health score for residents of Levittown, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 19056) necessitates a deep dive into the crucial element of healthcare access. This access is heavily influenced by transportation options, making the daily commute a significant factor in determining the overall well-being of the community. This analysis considers the availability and efficiency of various transportation modes, from personal vehicles to public transit, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transport, all impacting the ability to reach essential healthcare facilities.

Levittown, a sprawling suburban community, is geographically situated in Bucks County, offering a blend of residential areas and commercial hubs. The primary arteries for vehicular transportation are the **Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-276)**, providing rapid east-west travel, and **U.S. Route 13 (Bristol Pike)** and **U.S. Route 1 (Lincoln Highway)**, serving as major north-south thoroughfares. Local roads like **New Falls Road** and **Levittown Parkway** facilitate internal movement within the community. The efficiency of this road network directly impacts the time required to reach hospitals, clinics, and specialized medical practices.

Drive times to healthcare facilities from Levittown vary considerably depending on the destination and time of day. For example, a trip to Lower Bucks Hospital in Bristol, a key healthcare provider, typically takes 10-20 minutes via **U.S. Route 13** or **New Falls Road**, assuming moderate traffic. Driving to St. Mary Medical Center in Langhorne, another major hospital, can take 15-30 minutes, utilizing **U.S. Route 1** or **I-95** (though the latter often experiences heavy congestion). Accessing specialized care in Philadelphia, such as at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania or Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, requires a commute of 45-60 minutes or longer, primarily via **I-95**, making this a significant time commitment for those seeking advanced medical services.

Public transportation offers an alternative to driving, particularly for those without personal vehicles or who prefer to avoid the stress of driving in traffic. The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) provides bus service to Levittown, with routes like the **127**, **128**, and **130** connecting residents to various points within the county and to regional rail stations. These routes offer varying levels of frequency, and travel times can be significantly longer than driving, particularly for trips outside the immediate area. Accessibility is a critical consideration, and SEPTA buses are equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, including ramps and priority seating, to accommodate passengers with disabilities.

The availability of ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offers another transportation option. These services can be particularly useful for individuals who cannot drive or who need a more convenient alternative to public transit. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a barrier for some, and availability may fluctuate depending on demand and time of day. The reliability of these services is also a factor, especially during peak hours or in inclement weather.

Medical transportation services cater specifically to individuals with mobility limitations or medical needs. Companies like CareRide and MedRide provide specialized transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained drivers, to transport patients to and from medical appointments. These services are crucial for individuals who cannot use public transit or drive themselves. The cost of medical transportation can vary, and insurance coverage may or may not be available, depending on the specific plan and the nature of the medical need.

Evaluating the overall health score for residents of 19056 necessitates considering the impact of healthcare access on several key factors. Delays in reaching medical care can lead to poorer health outcomes, particularly in cases of emergencies or chronic conditions. The cost of transportation, whether it be gas, public transit fares, or ride-sharing fees, can place a financial burden on individuals and families, potentially impacting their ability to afford other essential needs. The stress and inconvenience associated with long commutes can also negatively affect mental health and overall well-being.

The quality of healthcare access in 19056 is also influenced by the proximity of healthcare facilities to residential areas. While Levittown itself has a number of primary care physicians, specialists, and urgent care centers, access to specialized medical services, such as advanced cardiology or oncology, often requires travel to hospitals or medical centers outside the immediate community. This underscores the importance of efficient transportation options.

For those considering moving to Levittown, understanding the transportation landscape is critical. The accessibility of healthcare facilities is a significant factor in determining the quality of life in any community. Prospective residents should carefully evaluate the available transportation options and consider their individual needs and circumstances. Factors such as age, health status, and financial resources will influence the most suitable mode of transportation.

The overall health score for 19056 is therefore a complex metric, reflecting the interplay of various factors. While the area benefits from a relatively well-developed road network and access to public transit, challenges remain. The reliance on personal vehicles, the potential for traffic congestion, and the cost of ride-sharing services can create barriers to healthcare access for some residents. The availability of specialized medical transportation services is a positive factor, but costs and insurance coverage can be limiting.

In conclusion, the overall health score for residents of 19056 regarding healthcare access is moderate. While the community offers a range of transportation options, including personal vehicles, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, the efficiency, cost, and accessibility of these options vary. The drive times to healthcare facilities, the frequency of public transit routes, and the availability of specialized transportation services all impact the ability of residents to access the care they need. Improving public transit frequency, expanding ride-sharing options, and ensuring affordable medical transportation services would enhance the overall health score and improve the well-being of the Levittown community. Further, promoting the development of additional healthcare facilities within the community could reduce drive times and improve healthcare access for all residents.