18420, Fleetville, Pennsylvania Arthritis Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Arthritis Score in 18420, Fleetville, Pennsylvania is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

58.62 percent of residents in 18420 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.36 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Lehigh Valley Hospital - Dickson City with a distance of 10.74 miles from the area.

## Arthritis Score: Navigating Healthcare in Fleetville (ZIP Code 18420)

Fleetville, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18420), nestled in the Pocono Mountains, offers a serene escape. However, for individuals managing arthritis, the bucolic charm must be balanced against the realities of healthcare access. This "Arthritis Score" analyzes the transportation landscape, crucial for those seeking consistent medical care, specifically considering the needs of individuals facing mobility challenges. The goal is to provide a realistic assessment for potential residents, particularly those considering moving to Fleetville.

The primary concern is healthcare access, and transportation is the bridge. Arthritis often necessitates frequent appointments: physical therapy, rheumatologist visits, medication refills, and potentially, emergency care. The ability to reliably reach these services is paramount. This score delves into drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport solutions, painting a comprehensive picture for anyone grappling with arthritis.

Driving is the most common mode of transportation in Fleetville. The primary artery is **Interstate 84 (I-84)**, which provides access to larger towns and cities. Access points are strategically located, but traffic, particularly during peak hours or inclement weather, can significantly impact travel times. Expect a 20-30 minute drive to Scranton, the nearest city with comprehensive medical facilities, via I-84 West.

Smaller towns like Honesdale, approximately 15-20 minutes away via **Pennsylvania Route 6 (PA-6)**, offer some medical services, including primary care physicians and urgent care clinics. However, specialized care, such as rheumatology, may still necessitate travel to Scranton or even further afield. The condition of PA-6, with its winding roads and potential for snow and ice during winter, adds another layer of consideration.

**Pennsylvania Route 590 (PA-590)** provides another route, connecting Fleetville to surrounding areas. It offers a more direct route to Honesdale, but is also subject to similar weather-related challenges as PA-6. The condition of these roads, the availability of parking at medical facilities, and the physical demands of navigating these environments are all critical factors for individuals with arthritis.

Public transit options in Fleetville are limited. The lack of a robust public transportation system presents a significant hurdle for those unable to drive. There is no dedicated bus service within Fleetville itself. The nearest public transit options are likely to be found in Scranton, necessitating a drive to a bus stop or transfer point.

Scranton's public transit system, operated by the **Lackawanna County Transit System (LCTS)**, offers some routes that could potentially serve individuals in Fleetville, but the accessibility of these routes from Fleetville requires further investigation. The LCTS does claim to provide ADA-compliant services, including wheelchair accessibility on its buses. However, the frequency of service, the distance to bus stops from Fleetville, and the overall travel time to medical appointments using public transit are likely to be significant drawbacks.

Ride-sharing services, such as **Uber** and **Lyft**, are available in the area, but their reliability and availability in Fleetville are variable. Demand fluctuates, and wait times can be extended, particularly during off-peak hours or in adverse weather conditions. This unreliability can be a major source of stress for individuals with arthritis, who require predictable and timely transportation to their appointments.

Medical transport services offer a specialized solution for individuals who cannot drive and may require assistance with mobility. Companies such as **Care Ride** or **Medical Transportation Management (MTM)** may operate in the area. These services typically provide door-to-door transportation, including assistance with getting in and out of vehicles. However, the cost of these services can be substantial, and availability may be limited, requiring advance booking.

The "Arthritis Score" for Fleetville, therefore, reflects a mixed picture. The natural beauty of the area is undeniable, but the transportation infrastructure presents challenges for those managing arthritis. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the variable availability of ride-sharing services create potential barriers to healthcare access.

For individuals considering moving to Fleetville, a careful assessment of their transportation needs is essential. Factors to consider include the severity of their arthritis, their ability to drive, the availability of family or friends to provide transportation, and their financial resources to cover the costs of ride-sharing or medical transport.

The proximity to Scranton, with its more comprehensive healthcare facilities, offers some reassurance, but the travel time and potential for traffic congestion must be factored in. Those with less severe arthritis and the ability to drive may find Fleetville manageable, while individuals with more significant mobility limitations may face considerable challenges.

The ideal scenario involves a combination of factors: the ability to drive, access to reliable ride-sharing services, the availability of family or friends to provide transportation, and a willingness to plan ahead and book appointments well in advance. The best option is to locate a medical practice near the Fleetville area.

The "Arthritis Score" for Fleetville is not a definitive judgment but rather a starting point for a personalized assessment. Prospective residents should conduct thorough research, considering their individual circumstances and needs. The goal is to ensure that healthcare access is not a barrier to enjoying the quality of life that Fleetville offers. The success of moving to Fleetville depends on careful planning, proactive transportation strategies, and a realistic understanding of the healthcare landscape.