15847, Knox Dale, Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 15847, Knox Dale, Pennsylvania is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

39.29 percent of residents in 15847 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 20.84 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Penn Highlands Elk with a distance of 33.32 miles from the area.

**Prostate Cancer Score: Transportation and Healthcare Access in Knox Dale, PA (ZIP Code 15847)**

The tranquility of Knox Dale, Pennsylvania, a small community nestled within the embrace of Clarion County, offers a certain allure. Yet, for those facing the complex realities of prostate cancer, the serenity of rural living demands a critical examination of **healthcare access**. This analysis, tailored to ZIP Code 15847, meticulously evaluates the **transportation** landscape and its impact on timely and effective prostate cancer care. The goal is to provide a nuanced "Prostate Cancer Score," guiding informed decisions for residents and prospective newcomers, especially those considering **moving to Knox Dale**.

The journey to diagnosis and treatment for prostate cancer often necessitates frequent appointments. These include initial consultations, diagnostic imaging (such as MRI and CT scans), biopsies, and ongoing treatment regimens like radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or surgical follow-up. The availability and accessibility of these services directly impact patient outcomes and quality of life. This assessment considers the practical challenges of **transportation** in a rural setting, factoring in drive times, public transit options, and alternative methods of reaching crucial medical appointments.

The primary arteries connecting Knox Dale to regional medical centers are Pennsylvania Route 28 and Interstate 80. Route 28, a two-lane highway, winds its way south towards Pittsburgh, while I-80, a major east-west thoroughfare, offers faster access to larger cities. Driving times are critical. The nearest comprehensive cancer centers are located in DuBois, Pennsylvania, approximately 30 miles east via I-80, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, roughly 90 miles south, accessible via Route 28.

The drive to DuBois, home to Penn Highlands Healthcare, typically takes 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions. This is a manageable commute for routine checkups and some treatments. However, the journey to Pittsburgh, home to renowned institutions like UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, can stretch to two hours or more. This longer travel time presents significant challenges, particularly for patients undergoing daily radiation therapy or requiring frequent follow-up appointments. The **transportation** burden can lead to fatigue, financial strain, and potential delays in care.

Public transit options within ZIP Code 15847 are limited. The Clarion County Transportation Authority (CCTA) provides bus service, but routes and schedules are infrequent, particularly for rural areas. The CCTA does not have direct routes to major cancer centers. The buses are not equipped with ADA features. This lack of reliable public transit makes it exceedingly difficult for individuals without personal vehicles to access specialized cancer care. This is a significant barrier to **healthcare access** for those who are elderly, disabled, or lack the financial resources to own and maintain a car.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the region, but their presence is often sporadic and availability may be limited in rural areas like Knox Dale. The cost of ride-sharing can also be prohibitive, especially for frequent medical appointments. Medical **transportation** services, such as those offered by medical transport companies, provide a more specialized option. These companies offer non-emergency medical **transportation**, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. However, these services often come with a higher price tag, and their availability may be restricted depending on the patient's insurance coverage and the company's service area.

For individuals considering **moving to Knox Dale**, the **transportation** landscape must be a primary consideration. The absence of robust public transit and the potential reliance on long drives or costly ride-sharing services can significantly impact the ability to receive timely and convenient prostate cancer care. The "Prostate Cancer Score" for Knox Dale would reflect these challenges, potentially highlighting the need for careful planning and consideration of alternative living arrangements if proximity to comprehensive cancer care is a priority.

The “Prostate Cancer Score” is not a static number but a multifaceted assessment. It considers the following factors: Drive times to major cancer centers (weighted based on distance and traffic), availability of public transit (including route frequency, ADA accessibility, and coverage of cancer centers), ride-sharing availability and cost, medical **transportation** service options and cost, and the overall impact on patient convenience and financial burden. The score would also factor in the availability of local primary care physicians who can provide initial screenings and referrals, as well as the presence of any local support groups or resources for cancer patients.

The implications of this analysis extend beyond the individual patient. It also has broader implications for community health planning and resource allocation. The identification of **transportation** barriers can inform efforts to improve **healthcare access** in rural areas. This could include advocating for expanded public transit services, exploring partnerships with ride-sharing companies to offer discounted rates for medical appointments, and supporting the development of telemedicine programs to reduce the need for frequent travel.

The "Prostate Cancer Score" acts as a valuable tool for individuals navigating the complexities of prostate cancer treatment in a rural setting. It empowers patients to make informed decisions about their care and advocates for improved **healthcare access** for all residents of Knox Dale. The score is a living document, subject to change as **transportation** options and medical resources evolve. It underscores the critical link between accessibility and health outcomes, particularly for those facing the challenges of prostate cancer.