15863, Stump Creek, Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 15863, Stump Creek, Pennsylvania is 15 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

71.70 percent of residents in 15863 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 22.05 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Penn Highlands Elk with a distance of 31.57 miles from the area.

## Prostate Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Stump Creek (ZIP Code 15863)

The decision to relocate, especially when considering healthcare needs, demands meticulous research. This analysis provides a "Prostate Cancer Score" for ZIP Code 15863 (Stump Creek, Pennsylvania), focusing on transportation and healthcare access, particularly concerning prostate cancer treatment. This score aims to inform potential residents, considering the complexities of diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. The score will assess the ease of reaching essential medical services, acknowledging the challenges posed by rural geography.

Stump Creek, a small community nestled in Clearfield County, offers a tranquil lifestyle. However, its remoteness significantly impacts healthcare access, especially for specialized treatments like those for prostate cancer. The "Prostate Cancer Score" considers factors beyond mere proximity to hospitals, including the availability and reliability of various transportation options. This includes drive times, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport, all vital for patients requiring regular appointments and treatments.

**Drive Times and Road Networks:**

The primary challenge for healthcare access in Stump Creek lies in its distance from major medical centers. The closest hospital with comprehensive cancer care, including urology and radiation oncology, is likely Penn Highlands DuBois, approximately 20 miles away. Driving time, however, can vary significantly depending on the route and traffic.

The most direct route involves navigating Pennsylvania Route 219 South. This highway, while generally well-maintained, can experience delays during inclement weather, particularly snow and ice, common in the region. Under ideal conditions, the drive to Penn Highlands DuBois should take around 30-40 minutes.

Another option involves taking Pennsylvania Route 36 South, which offers a more scenic route, but potentially adds travel time, especially if encountering slower-moving vehicles. This route might be preferable for those who find Route 219 stressful. This drive could extend to 45-60 minutes.

Further specialized care, such as advanced robotic surgery or clinical trials, might necessitate travel to larger hospitals in Pittsburgh or Hershey, Pennsylvania. These journeys would be significantly longer, potentially involving a 2-3 hour drive, primarily using Interstate 80 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike. These long distances can be a major obstacle for patients undergoing frequent treatments.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public transportation options in Stump Creek are severely limited. Clearfield County operates a small public transit system, primarily focused on providing transportation for seniors and individuals with disabilities. However, the service is infrequent, with limited routes and schedules.

The Clearfield County Area Transportation Authority (CCATA) offers demand-response services, requiring advance booking. While this might be an option for some, it is not a reliable solution for patients needing frequent appointments. Furthermore, ADA-accessible vehicles are available, but availability must be confirmed in advance. The lack of a robust public transit system poses a significant challenge to healthcare access in Stump Creek, particularly for those without personal vehicles or unable to drive.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

The presence of ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft in Stump Creek is uncertain. Their availability is often dependent on population density and demand. Residents would likely need to rely on pre-arranged rides or taxis, which can be expensive and unreliable.

Medical transport services offer a more specialized solution. Companies like LifeFleet and Liberty Ambulance provide non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services require advance booking and can be costly, but provide a crucial lifeline for patients unable to drive or use public transit. The availability of these services, however, does not eliminate the need for careful planning and budgeting.

**Healthcare Access and the "Prostate Cancer Score":**

The "Prostate Cancer Score" for Stump Creek reflects the challenges outlined above. The score will be lower than in urban areas with readily available transportation and a high concentration of medical facilities. The score considers the following factors:

* **Drive Time to Specialized Care:** The distance to Penn Highlands DuBois and the potential for longer journeys to larger medical centers significantly impacts the score.
* **Public Transit Availability:** The limited public transit options and the need for advance booking lower the score.
* **Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:** The potential unreliability and cost of ride-sharing and medical transport services negatively affect the score.
* **Accessibility and ADA Compliance:** The availability of ADA-compliant transportation options is a positive factor, but limited overall availability reduces its impact.
* **Proximity to Pharmacies and Support Services:** While not directly related to transportation, the distance to pharmacies and support groups can impact the overall healthcare experience.

**Moving to Stump Creek: Considerations for Prostate Cancer Patients:**

For individuals considering a move to Stump Creek, especially those with or at risk of prostate cancer, a thorough assessment of transportation needs is critical. Careful planning is essential, including:

* **Vehicle Reliability:** Ensuring a reliable vehicle is paramount, given the dependence on personal transportation.
* **Financial Planning:** Budgeting for transportation costs, including gas, vehicle maintenance, and potential ride-sharing or medical transport expenses.
* **Appointment Scheduling:** Planning appointments strategically to minimize travel time and potential delays.
* **Support Network:** Building a strong support network, including family, friends, or community organizations, to assist with transportation needs.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Confirming insurance coverage for transportation costs, if applicable.

The "Prostate Cancer Score" for Stump Creek serves as a crucial tool for informed decision-making. It highlights the importance of understanding the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access. While Stump Creek offers a peaceful lifestyle, the limitations in transportation necessitate careful consideration for individuals prioritizing healthcare access. The decision to move to Stump Creek should be made with full awareness of the transportation challenges and a proactive plan to mitigate them. This proactive approach is essential to ensure that patients can receive the timely and consistent care required for effective prostate cancer management. The success of the journey relies on a well-thought-out transportation strategy.