15736, Elderton, Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 15736, Elderton, Pennsylvania is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

54.81 percent of residents in 15736 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 20.25 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Punxsutawney Area Hospital with a distance of 25.55 miles from the area.

## Prostate Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Elderton, PA (ZIP Code 15736)

The decision to relocate, especially when considering healthcare needs, demands a thorough understanding of local resources. This write-up provides a "Prostate Cancer Score" assessment for ZIP Code 15736 (Elderton, Pennsylvania), evaluating the accessibility of prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment. Our focus is on transportation options, a crucial factor in healthcare access, particularly for individuals requiring frequent medical appointments. The goal is to inform potential residents about the realities of navigating the healthcare landscape while living in Elderton.

Elderton, a small community nestled in Armstrong County, presents unique challenges and opportunities when it comes to healthcare. The rural setting means residents often face longer travel times to reach medical specialists and facilities. This score considers the transportation infrastructure, including roadways, public transit, and alternative options, to determine the ease with which individuals can access prostate cancer-related healthcare.

The primary mode of transportation for most Elderton residents is personal vehicles. Accessing healthcare facilities necessitates driving on a network of roads. Route 28/66 is a major artery, offering a connection to the larger towns and cities where specialized medical care is typically available. Heading south on Route 28/66 will bring you towards Pittsburgh, a major metropolitan area with numerous hospitals and cancer centers. The drive to Pittsburgh, depending on traffic, can take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

Alternatively, Route 210 provides a more direct, albeit slower, route to Indiana, PA, where Indiana Regional Medical Center (IRMC) offers some healthcare services, including oncology. The drive to Indiana via Route 210 is approximately 30-45 minutes.

Smaller roads, such as Crooked Creek Road and South Water Street, provide access to local amenities and residential areas. However, these roads are often winding and may not be suitable for all types of vehicles, especially during inclement weather. The condition of these roads can impact drive times and overall transportation reliability.

Public transportation options in Elderton are limited. The Armstrong County Transportation Authority (ACTA) provides bus services, but these routes are infrequent and may not directly serve all medical facilities. The availability of ADA-accessible buses is a critical consideration for individuals with mobility limitations. Inquiries into specific route numbers and schedules, as well as the accessibility features of the buses, are crucial for anyone relying on public transit.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their availability may be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in remote locations. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, especially for frequent medical appointments. The reliability of these services needs to be evaluated before moving to Elderton.

Medical transportation services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), are available in the area. These services are primarily used for individuals who require assistance with mobility or who are unable to drive themselves. However, these services often require advance booking and may have associated costs. Researching local medical transport providers and understanding their service areas and pricing structures is essential.

**Prostate Cancer Score Components:**

The Prostate Cancer Score is based on a weighted system, considering several factors:

* **Drive Time to Major Healthcare Facilities (40%):** This assesses the time required to reach hospitals and cancer centers offering comprehensive prostate cancer care.
* **Public Transportation Availability (20%):** This evaluates the frequency, accessibility, and coverage of ACTA bus routes.
* **Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport Options (20%):** This examines the availability, reliability, and cost of ride-sharing services and medical transport providers.
* **Road Conditions and Infrastructure (10%):** This considers the quality of roads and the impact of weather conditions on transportation.
* **Proximity to Local Healthcare Providers (10%):** This assesses the availability of primary care physicians and urologists within Elderton and surrounding areas.

**Score Calculation:**

Each component is scored on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 representing poor access and 5 representing excellent access. The weighted scores are then combined to produce an overall Prostate Cancer Score.

**Preliminary Assessment for Elderton (ZIP Code 15736):**

Based on the initial assessment, Elderton receives a moderate Prostate Cancer Score.

* **Drive Time:** The drive time to Pittsburgh (1.5-2 hours) and Indiana, PA (30-45 minutes) results in a score of 3. The longer drive to Pittsburgh presents a challenge for frequent appointments.
* **Public Transportation:** Limited public transportation options and the potential for infrequent routes yield a score of 2.
* **Ride-Sharing/Medical Transport:** The variable availability of ride-sharing and the cost of medical transport result in a score of 3.
* **Road Conditions:** The condition of local roads and the impact of weather conditions result in a score of 4.
* **Proximity to Providers:** The availability of primary care physicians and urologists in the area results in a score of 3.

**Overall Score:**

Based on this preliminary assessment, the Prostate Cancer Score for Elderton is approximately 2.9 out of 5. This indicates that while healthcare access is available, it presents challenges, particularly concerning transportation.

**Recommendations for Prospective Residents:**

* **Thorough Research:** Conduct in-depth research on local healthcare providers, including urologists, oncologists, and radiation therapists.
* **Transportation Planning:** Develop a comprehensive transportation plan, considering personal vehicles, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport options.
* **Financial Planning:** Factor in the costs associated with transportation, including gas, vehicle maintenance, ride-sharing fees, and medical transport services.
* **Explore Support Systems:** Identify local support groups and resources for prostate cancer patients and their families.
* **Consider Proximity:** If healthcare access is a primary concern, consider the proximity to major medical centers.

**Conclusion:**

Moving to Elderton, PA, offers a quiet, rural lifestyle. However, individuals considering relocating with existing or potential prostate cancer concerns must carefully evaluate the transportation infrastructure and healthcare access. The Prostate Cancer Score provides a framework for assessing these factors. While Elderton offers a degree of healthcare access, the limitations in transportation options necessitate careful planning and consideration. The drive times to specialized care, the limited public transit, and the potential for inconsistent ride-sharing services are all factors that need to be weighed. By understanding these challenges and proactively planning for their healthcare needs, prospective residents can make an informed decision about whether Elderton is the right place for them.