16344, Rouseville, Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 16344, Rouseville, Pennsylvania is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

78.00 percent of residents in 16344 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.02 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Upmc Northwest with a distance of 6.19 miles from the area.

## Prostate Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Rouseville, PA (ZIP Code 16344)

The quiet charm of Rouseville, Pennsylvania, nestled within ZIP code 16344, offers a serene escape. But when considering a move, especially for those prioritizing healthcare, understanding the accessibility of specialized services like prostate cancer care is crucial. This write-up provides a "Prostate Cancer Score" assessment, focusing on transportation options and their impact on healthcare access for potential residents.

Prostate cancer, a significant health concern for men, demands timely diagnosis and treatment. The ability to quickly and reliably reach specialists, diagnostic facilities, and treatment centers is paramount. This score evaluates the transportation infrastructure within and surrounding 16344, considering driving distances, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options.

**Driving Times and Roadways: The Asphalt Arteries of Care**

The primary artery connecting Rouseville to healthcare hubs is Pennsylvania Route 8 (PA-8). Heading south, PA-8 offers access to Oil City, approximately a 10-15 minute drive, where some basic medical services might be available. However, for specialized prostate cancer care, the journey often extends to larger regional centers.

Continuing south on PA-8, the next major destination is Franklin, PA, a drive of around 20-25 minutes. Franklin boasts UPMC Northwest, a hospital offering a broader range of medical services, including urology. This is a vital consideration for initial consultations and potential diagnostic procedures.

For more advanced treatments, including radiation therapy or specialized surgical interventions, patients in 16344 will likely need to travel further. The primary route for this extended journey is PA-8 south, connecting to US Route 62 (US-62). This network facilitates access to larger cities like Erie, Pennsylvania, roughly a 1 hour and 30-minute to 2-hour drive. Erie offers a comprehensive array of healthcare facilities, including UPMC Hamot and Saint Vincent Hospital, which specialize in oncology and urology.

The condition of the roads, particularly during winter months, can significantly impact drive times. Snow and ice can make PA-8 and US-62 treacherous, potentially delaying or even preventing access to critical care. This factor must be considered when evaluating the overall "Prostate Cancer Score" for 16344.

**Public Transit: A Limited Lifeline**

Public transportation options in and around Rouseville are extremely limited. The lack of a robust public transit system presents a significant challenge for individuals without personal vehicles or those unable to drive. There is no readily available public bus service that directly connects Rouseville to major healthcare facilities.

This absence of public transit drastically reduces healthcare access for a segment of the population, particularly elderly residents or those with mobility limitations. The absence of accessible public transit options, including ADA-compliant features, contributes to a lower "Prostate Cancer Score" for individuals reliant on public transportation.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the region, but their reliability and availability in a rural area like Rouseville can be inconsistent. While these services can offer a transportation alternative, particularly for appointments in Oil City or Franklin, their cost and availability are not always guaranteed.

Medical transportation services offer a more specialized solution for patients requiring assistance. These services often provide door-to-door transportation, including wheelchair accessibility and assistance with medical equipment. Several medical transport providers operate in the region, including, but not limited to, Advanced Ambulance Service and STAT MedEvac. While these services can be invaluable, they come with associated costs, which can be a barrier to healthcare access for some.

**The "Prostate Cancer Score" Assessment: A Holistic View**

Considering the factors discussed, the "Prostate Cancer Score" for residents of 16344 is moderately low. While driving distances to initial consultations and diagnostic services in Franklin are manageable, the reliance on personal vehicles for access to specialized care in Erie presents a significant challenge. The absence of public transit and the potential limitations of ride-sharing services further reduce the score.

The availability of medical transport services offers a crucial safety net, but the associated costs can be a barrier. The overall score reflects the necessity for residents to have reliable personal transportation or the financial means to utilize medical transport services to ensure timely and consistent access to prostate cancer care.

**Moving to Rouseville: A Healthcare Perspective**

For individuals considering moving to Rouseville, particularly those with a history of prostate cancer or at risk for the disease, careful consideration of healthcare access is essential. While the area offers a peaceful lifestyle, the transportation challenges necessitate proactive planning.

Potential residents should factor in the time and cost of travel to healthcare appointments, the availability of reliable transportation, and the potential need for medical transport services. Establishing a relationship with local healthcare providers in advance, including primary care physicians and urologists, can also streamline access to care.

The "Prostate Cancer Score" highlights the importance of transportation planning for healthcare access in 16344. While the area offers a tranquil environment, prospective residents must weigh the benefits of a rural lifestyle against the realities of healthcare accessibility. Understanding the transportation landscape is crucial for making informed decisions about relocating and ensuring access to the vital care needed to manage prostate cancer effectively.