16365, Warren, Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 16365, Warren, Pennsylvania is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

87.26 percent of residents in 16365 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.17 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Warren General Hospital with a distance of 0.59 miles from the area.

## Prostate Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Warren, PA (ZIP Code 16365)

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a diagnosis as serious as prostate cancer, is a crucial factor when considering a move. This analysis delves into the accessibility of prostate cancer-related healthcare within ZIP Code 16365 (Warren, PA), evaluating transportation options and their impact on timely access to care. We aim to provide a comprehensive "Prostate Cancer Score" based on the ease of navigating the local transportation landscape.

Warren County, nestled in the Allegheny National Forest, presents unique challenges and opportunities when it comes to healthcare access. Its rural character and limited public transit options demand careful consideration of transportation alternatives. This write-up examines the available pathways to medical care, focusing on drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, specifically related to prostate cancer treatment and diagnosis.

**Drive Times and Road Networks:**

For residents of Warren, the primary mode of transportation for healthcare appointments is undoubtedly the personal vehicle. The drive times to relevant medical facilities are largely determined by the road network. The main arteries for travel are **US Route 6** and **US Route 62**, which traverse the county and provide access to Warren and its surrounding areas.

The **Warren General Hospital** is the primary healthcare provider within the ZIP Code. Accessing the hospital from most locations within 16365 is relatively straightforward, typically involving a short drive on local roads. However, specialized care, such as advanced prostate cancer treatment, may necessitate travel to larger medical centers outside of Warren.

For more specialized care, residents might need to travel to Erie, PA, a city approximately 70 miles northwest. This journey primarily involves taking **US Route 6** west, which becomes **Interstate 86** near the New York border, and then connecting to **Interstate 90** to reach Erie. The drive time to Erie can range from 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions.

Another option for specialized care might be Pittsburgh, PA, which is approximately 100 miles south. This journey involves taking **US Route 62** south to **US Route 6** and then connecting to **Interstate 80** and then **Interstate 79** to Pittsburgh. This drive could take 2 to 2.5 hours.

The Prostate Cancer Score will consider these drive times, factoring in the potential impact on patients' ability to attend appointments, undergo treatments, and receive follow-up care. Longer drive times can increase patient fatigue, add to the financial burden of travel, and potentially delay access to critical care.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transportation options in Warren County are limited. The **Warren County Transportation Authority (WCTA)** provides bus services within the county. However, the routes and schedules are designed to serve the general population, not specifically tailored to healthcare access.

The WCTA operates on fixed routes with limited frequency, making it challenging for patients to schedule appointments and return home promptly. The availability of routes and schedules should be carefully reviewed to see if they align with healthcare appointments.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a crucial factor for prostate cancer patients, who may experience mobility limitations due to treatment or the disease itself. The WCTA is required to provide accessible services, including wheelchair lifts and ramps on its buses. However, the limited route coverage and infrequent service can still pose significant challenges.

The Prostate Cancer Score will evaluate the practicality of using public transit for healthcare appointments, considering the routes, schedules, and ADA accessibility. The score will also consider the potential need for patients to rely on family, friends, or other forms of transportation if public transit is not a viable option.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in some areas, but their presence in Warren County is limited. Availability can vary depending on the time of day, day of the week, and driver availability. This makes ride-sharing an unreliable option for scheduled medical appointments.

Medical transportation services, such as **CareRide** or **LogistiCare**, are designed to provide transportation for individuals with medical needs. These services often offer door-to-door transportation and can accommodate individuals with mobility limitations. However, eligibility requirements and the cost of these services should be considered.

The Prostate Cancer Score will assess the availability and reliability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services. The score will also consider the potential costs associated with these services and their impact on a patient's financial well-being.

**Healthcare Access and Moving to Warren:**

For individuals considering moving to Warren, PA, and who have or are at risk of prostate cancer, understanding the healthcare access landscape is paramount. The Prostate Cancer Score aims to provide a realistic assessment of the challenges and opportunities associated with accessing care.

The score will also consider the availability of local urologists, oncologists, and other healthcare professionals specializing in prostate cancer. The proximity to these specialists and the ease of scheduling appointments are crucial factors in determining the overall quality of care.

The Prostate Cancer Score will also take into account the availability of support groups, patient education resources, and other services that can help patients manage their condition. These resources can provide emotional support, practical advice, and access to the latest information on prostate cancer treatment and care.

**Conclusion:**

The Prostate Cancer Score for ZIP Code 16365 will be a composite measure, weighing the factors discussed above. The score will reflect the overall accessibility of prostate cancer-related healthcare, considering the limitations of transportation options in a rural setting.

The score will provide valuable information for individuals considering a move to Warren, PA, helping them make informed decisions about their healthcare needs. It will also serve as a reminder of the importance of addressing transportation barriers to healthcare access, particularly for those living with chronic conditions like prostate cancer. The goal is to offer a transparent view of the healthcare landscape, empowering individuals to navigate the journey to care with confidence and informed decision-making.