17813, Beavertown, Pennsylvania Arthritis Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Arthritis Score in 17813, Beavertown, Pennsylvania is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

60.06 percent of residents in 17813 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 26.96 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital with a distance of 22.82 miles from the area.

## Arthritis Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Beavertown, PA (ZIP Code 17813)

The decision to relocate, especially when managing a chronic condition like arthritis, demands a thorough evaluation of healthcare access. This Arthritis Score write-up, tailored for prospective residents of Beavertown, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17813), delves into the intricacies of transportation options available to access medical care. It analyzes drive times, public transit routes, ride-sharing services, and medical transport, providing a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities for individuals seeking to navigate the healthcare landscape. This analysis aims to inform your decision, ensuring that moving to Beavertown aligns with your healthcare needs.

Beavertown, a charming rural community, offers a slower pace of life, but its relative isolation presents unique transportation challenges. The primary hurdle is the distance to specialized medical facilities. The nearest major hospitals and specialist clinics are situated in larger towns and cities, requiring careful consideration of travel times and available modes of transportation. This score will help you understand the realities of healthcare access, empowering you to make an informed choice.

**Driving Times and Roadways: The Core of Commuting**

For most residents, personal vehicles form the backbone of healthcare transportation. The primary roadways serving Beavertown are Pennsylvania Route 522 (PA-522) and Pennsylvania Route 35 (PA-35). PA-522 runs north-south, connecting Beavertown to Selinsgrove, a town with some medical facilities, and further north to Mifflinburg. PA-35 travels east-west, linking Beavertown to Mifflintown and ultimately to the larger city of Harrisburg.

The drive to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, a major healthcare hub, typically takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic and the specific route chosen. This journey primarily involves taking PA-522 north and then connecting to US-11/US-15. The roads are generally well-maintained, but winter weather can significantly impact travel times.

Accessing healthcare in Harrisburg, the state capital, requires a longer drive, typically around 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours. This journey involves taking PA-35 east, connecting to US-322, and then navigating the Harrisburg area. This longer commute necessitates careful planning, particularly for appointments and potential follow-up visits.

Smaller clinics and family practices are located in nearby towns like Middleburg and Selinsgrove. These destinations are generally accessible within 15 to 30 minutes, making them more convenient for routine check-ups and basic medical needs. However, specialized care often necessitates travel to the larger medical centers.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Beavertown are extremely limited. The Susquehanna Valley Transportation Authority (SVTA) provides some bus services in the surrounding counties, but these routes rarely extend directly into Beavertown or offer frequent service. The availability of public transit is a significant challenge for those unable to drive or who prefer alternative transportation methods.

The SVTA does offer some routes that might be accessible from Beavertown, but they often require transfers and extended travel times. For example, a bus route might connect Beavertown to Selinsgrove, where connections to other routes could provide access to Danville. However, these routes are infrequent, and the travel time can be significantly longer than driving.

ADA accessibility is a crucial factor for individuals with arthritis. The SVTA strives to provide accessible buses, but the availability of accessible stops and the overall convenience of the routes should be carefully assessed. Potential residents should contact the SVTA directly to confirm the accessibility of specific routes and stops.

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

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area, but their reliability and availability in Beavertown are variable. The service area is typically concentrated around larger towns and cities, and wait times can be significantly longer in more rural areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a factor, particularly for longer trips to hospitals and specialist clinics.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by ambulance companies and specialized medical transport providers, are available for individuals who require assistance with mobility or have other medical needs. These services typically require prior arrangements and can be expensive. They are often reserved for appointments that require specialized assistance or for individuals who are unable to travel independently.

Several medical transport brands operate in the region, including local ambulance services and companies specializing in non-emergency medical transportation. These services offer varying levels of assistance, from basic transportation to wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained medical personnel. Researching and contacting these services in advance is essential to understand their availability, pricing, and the types of assistance they provide.

**Assessing the Arthritis Score: A Holistic View**

The Arthritis Score for commuting to healthcare in Beavertown, PA (17813) is influenced by several factors. The reliance on personal vehicles is high, making driving ability a critical element. Public transit options are limited, and ride-sharing availability is uncertain. Medical transport services offer a crucial alternative, but they come with added costs and the need for advance planning.

Individuals with arthritis should consider the following when evaluating the healthcare access in Beavertown: the ability to drive or the availability of a reliable driver; the frequency of medical appointments and the distance to healthcare facilities; the financial resources available for transportation, including ride-sharing, medical transport, and vehicle maintenance; and the ability to plan and coordinate transportation in advance.

Moving to Beavertown, while offering a peaceful environment, requires careful consideration of its healthcare access challenges. By understanding the transportation landscape, individuals can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs and ensure that they can receive the care they require. This Arthritis Score write-up provides a foundation for that assessment, encouraging prospective residents to explore all available options and plan accordingly.