19076, Prospect Park, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 19076, Prospect Park, Pennsylvania is 83 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

66.46 percent of residents in 19076 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 4.03 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Delaware County Memorial Hospital with a distance of 4.87 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Prospect Park (ZIP Code 19076)

Prospect Park, Pennsylvania, nestled in Delaware County, presents a unique landscape for assessing its residents' overall health, particularly concerning their access to healthcare. This analysis delves into the transportation infrastructure that facilitates or hinders this access, assigning an "Overall Health Score" based on the ease and efficiency of reaching medical facilities. The score considers various transportation modes, including driving, public transit, ride-sharing, and specialized medical transport, within and around the 19076 ZIP code. This assessment aims to provide a comprehensive understanding for those considering moving to Prospect Park, emphasizing the crucial link between transportation and healthcare access.

The "Overall Health Score" for Prospect Park is moderately positive, reflecting a blend of strengths and weaknesses in its transportation network. While the area benefits from proximity to Philadelphia and its robust healthcare system, challenges exist in terms of accessibility and convenience, particularly for those without personal vehicles or with mobility limitations. The score considers the availability, reliability, and affordability of various transportation options, ultimately impacting the ease with which residents can access necessary medical care.

Driving remains the dominant mode of transportation for accessing healthcare in Prospect Park. The proximity to major roadways like Interstate 95 (I-95) and the Blue Route (I-476) offers relatively quick routes to hospitals and medical centers in Philadelphia and surrounding suburbs. However, traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, can significantly impact drive times, potentially delaying critical care. Local roads such as Chester Pike (US-13) and 12th Street provide direct access to local medical offices and pharmacies, though these routes are often subject to stop-and-go traffic.

Drive times to major healthcare facilities vary depending on the destination and time of day. For example, a trip to the Crozer-Chester Medical Center in Upland, PA, via I-95 can take approximately 15-20 minutes in light traffic. Reaching the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) in Philadelphia, a major tertiary care center, can range from 25-45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions on I-95 and local streets. Driving to smaller, specialized clinics and urgent care centers within Delaware County typically involves shorter travel times, often within a 10-15 minute radius.

Public transportation, primarily through the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), provides an alternative for those without personal vehicles. The SEPTA Route 11 trolley line, which runs along Chester Pike, offers a convenient option for accessing local medical offices and pharmacies within the Prospect Park area. The Route 11 trolley also connects to the SEPTA Regional Rail lines, providing access to hospitals and medical centers in Philadelphia, such as Jefferson Hospital and Pennsylvania Hospital.

However, the availability and convenience of public transit are not without limitations. The frequency of trolley and bus service can be a concern, especially during off-peak hours and weekends. Moreover, the accessibility of public transit for individuals with disabilities is a critical factor. SEPTA strives to provide accessible services, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and stations with elevators and ramps. However, the availability of these features may vary across different routes and stations, potentially posing challenges for individuals with mobility impairments.

SEPTA's Regional Rail lines, particularly the Wilmington/Newark Line, offer a more direct route to Philadelphia's major hospitals. However, accessing the Regional Rail stations from Prospect Park may require a combination of walking, local bus routes, or ride-sharing services. The overall travel time using public transit can be significantly longer than driving, especially considering potential delays and transfers.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a convenient option for accessing healthcare facilities, particularly for those who do not drive or prefer not to use public transit. These services provide on-demand transportation, allowing residents to schedule rides to and from medical appointments. The availability of ride-sharing services in Prospect Park is generally good, with relatively short wait times.

However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a barrier for some residents, especially for frequent medical appointments. The fares can vary depending on the distance, time of day, and demand. Moreover, individuals with mobility limitations may require vehicles with specific features, such as wheelchair accessibility, which may not always be readily available.

Medical transportation services, such as MedRide and American Medical Response (AMR), cater specifically to individuals requiring specialized transportation to and from medical appointments. These services offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles, trained staff, and door-to-door service. They are particularly beneficial for individuals with significant mobility limitations or those who require assistance during transport.

The cost of medical transportation services can be higher than ride-sharing or public transit, and may be covered by insurance, depending on the individual's policy and medical necessity. The availability of these services in Prospect Park is generally good, but it is crucial to book appointments in advance, especially for specialized transportation needs.

The "Overall Health Score" for Prospect Park also considers the availability of local healthcare providers. The presence of family doctors, specialists, urgent care centers, and pharmacies within the community significantly enhances healthcare access. Prospect Park has a reasonable concentration of local medical offices and pharmacies, reducing the need for long-distance travel for routine medical needs.

Furthermore, the proximity to major hospitals and medical centers in Philadelphia and Delaware County provides residents with access to a wide range of specialized medical services. This proximity is a significant advantage, particularly for individuals requiring advanced medical care.

The "Overall Health Score" for Prospect Park also takes into account the social determinants of health. Factors such as income, education, and access to healthy food can significantly impact an individual's overall health and their ability to access healthcare. Prospect Park has a diverse population, and addressing the social determinants of health is crucial for ensuring equitable healthcare access for all residents.

In conclusion, the "Overall Health Score" for Prospect Park reflects a moderately positive picture regarding healthcare access. The area benefits from its proximity to major roadways, public transit options, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation providers. However, challenges remain in terms of traffic congestion, the accessibility and frequency of public transit, and the cost of ride-sharing and medical transportation.

For those considering moving to Prospect Park, a thorough understanding of the transportation infrastructure and its impact on healthcare access is essential. Weighing the pros and cons of each transportation mode, considering individual needs and circumstances, and assessing the availability of local healthcare providers are crucial steps in making an informed decision. By proactively addressing the transportation and healthcare access challenges, Prospect Park can further enhance its residents' overall health and well-being. The ongoing development of accessible and affordable transportation options, coupled with community initiatives promoting health and wellness, will undoubtedly contribute to a higher "Overall Health Score" in the future.