15732, Creekside, Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 15732, Creekside, Pennsylvania is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

55.83 percent of residents in 15732 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 22.00 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Acmh Hospital with a distance of 19.65 miles from the area.

**Prostate Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Creekside, PA (ZIP Code 15732)**

The journey to diagnose and treat prostate cancer in Creekside, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15732) presents unique challenges, a landscape shaped by the region's rural character and limited public transportation. This write-up examines the transportation options available to residents, ultimately aiming to provide a 'Prostate Cancer Score' reflecting the ease of access to essential healthcare services. The score will consider drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing capabilities, and medical transport services, all crucial factors in navigating the complexities of cancer care. This analysis is particularly relevant for individuals considering moving to Creekside, as it directly impacts their healthcare access.

The primary consideration for Creekside residents is the reliance on personal vehicles. The area's road network, while generally well-maintained, necessitates driving for most healthcare appointments. The main thoroughfare, **U.S. Route 119**, serves as the central artery, connecting Creekside to larger towns and cities where specialized medical care is available. Traveling south on Route 119 leads to Indiana, PA, the county seat, where Indiana Regional Medical Center (IRMC) offers a range of healthcare services, including urology and oncology. The drive typically takes between 15 to 20 minutes, a relatively manageable commute.

Heading north on Route 119, residents can access healthcare facilities in Punxsutawney, PA, although the options are fewer. The drive time to Punxsutawney is approximately 25 to 30 minutes. Interstate 80, accessible via Route 119, provides a longer-distance route to larger medical centers in Pittsburgh or State College, PA. The drive to Pittsburgh, with its comprehensive cancer centers, can take upwards of two hours, depending on traffic. This highlights the potential for significant travel time, a critical factor for patients undergoing frequent treatments like radiation therapy or chemotherapy.

Public transportation options are significantly limited in Creekside. The **Indiana County Transit Authority (ICTA)** operates a bus service, but its routes and schedules are geared toward serving the Indiana area. The ICTA does not have routes that directly serve Creekside with frequent service. The availability of public transportation is a major concern for individuals without personal vehicles, particularly those with mobility limitations or those unable to drive due to their illness or treatment side effects. Furthermore, the ICTA's buses are ADA-accessible, providing ramps and other features for individuals with disabilities.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Indiana area. However, their presence in Creekside is less reliable, with availability often dependent on driver availability and demand. Relying on ride-sharing for medical appointments can be problematic due to potential delays, surge pricing, and the difficulty of securing rides at short notice. This is especially true for early morning appointments or late-night discharges.

Medical transport services offer a vital lifeline for patients unable to drive or use public transportation. Several companies provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services in the region. These services typically require advance booking and can be used for appointments, treatment sessions, and other healthcare-related travel. The cost of these services can vary, and insurance coverage may differ. Some national providers like **LogistiCare** and **Modivcare** may service the area.

The 'Prostate Cancer Score' for Creekside (ZIP Code 15732) must reflect the overall accessibility of healthcare services. The score should incorporate the following factors:

* **Drive Time:** The average drive time to IRMC (15-20 minutes) is relatively good, but the longer drive times to Pittsburgh (2+ hours) and Punxsutawney (25-30 minutes) create a significant disparity.
* **Public Transit:** The limited public transportation options negatively impact the score, particularly for individuals who cannot drive.
* **Ride-Sharing:** The variable availability of ride-sharing services also presents a challenge.
* **Medical Transport:** The availability of medical transport services provides a critical safety net, but the cost and booking requirements must be considered.

The 'Prostate Cancer Score' should also consider the impact of these factors on different stages of prostate cancer care. Early diagnosis and treatment often require frequent visits to urologists and other specialists. Advanced stages of the disease may necessitate radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and other treatments that require regular travel. The score should reflect the increased burden on patients during these more intensive phases of care.

For a resident of Creekside, the 'Prostate Cancer Score' is moderately challenging. The drive time to Indiana Regional Medical Center is reasonable. However, the lack of reliable public transportation and the variable availability of ride-sharing services create significant barriers for some individuals. Medical transport services provide a crucial alternative, but the cost and booking requirements add to the complexity.

**Overall, the 'Prostate Cancer Score' for Creekside (ZIP Code 15732) would be a 6 out of 10.** This score acknowledges the relative ease of access to IRMC but recognizes the limitations imposed by the transportation landscape. This score is a dynamic value, and should be reviewed as the availability of ride-sharing, medical transport, and public transportation options evolve. For individuals moving to Creekside, understanding these transportation challenges is essential for making informed decisions about their healthcare access. Planning for transportation needs is a crucial component of managing prostate cancer.