16930, Liberty, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 16930, Liberty, Pennsylvania is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

56.70 percent of residents in 16930 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 20.67 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Upmc Wellsboro with a distance of 17.36 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Liberty, PA (ZIP Code 16930)

Liberty, Pennsylvania, nestled in the heart of Tioga County, presents a unique challenge for individuals managing asthma, especially concerning **healthcare access**. The rural landscape, while picturesque, significantly impacts **transportation** options, directly affecting the ability to receive timely and consistent medical care. This write-up analyzes the **transportation** landscape within and surrounding ZIP Code 16930, providing an "Asthma Score" assessment for prospective residents and current inhabitants. It considers the accessibility of healthcare facilities, factoring in drive times, public transit, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services.

The primary healthcare provider for residents of Liberty is the Guthrie Corning Hospital, located in Corning, New York, approximately 25 miles north. Driving along **Route 15** is the most direct route, typically taking 35-45 minutes depending on traffic and weather conditions. **Route 414** offers an alternative, but it's a winding road that may add 10-15 minutes to the journey. Winter weather, common in this region, can significantly impact travel times, making the commute longer and potentially more hazardous for individuals experiencing asthma symptoms.

For those requiring specialist care, the options expand, and so do the travel times. The UPMC Susquehanna hospitals in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, are approximately 70 miles south. This journey requires navigating **Route 15** and potentially the **I-180** interstate, leading to a drive time of around 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic. This extended travel time can be a considerable burden for individuals experiencing acute asthma exacerbations.

Public **transportation** options are severely limited in this rural area. There is no established public bus system that directly serves Liberty. The Tioga County Council on Human Services (TCCHS) offers a demand-response **transportation** service, but it is primarily designed for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Booking is required, and service availability may be limited, particularly for urgent medical needs. This lack of accessible public **transportation** significantly impacts **healthcare access** for those without personal vehicles or who are unable to drive due to their condition.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are not consistently available in Liberty. While there might be occasional availability, relying on these services for regular medical appointments is highly unreliable. The sparse population and distance from major urban centers make ride-sharing an impractical option for many residents. This further restricts **healthcare access** for individuals who are unable to drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle.

Medical transport services are available, but their utilization comes with a cost. Ambulance services are accessible for emergencies, but their primary function is to provide immediate care and transport to the nearest hospital. Non-emergency medical transport services, such as private ambulance companies, can be arranged for scheduled appointments. However, these services can be expensive and often require advance booking, which may not be feasible for unexpected asthma flare-ups.

The “Asthma Score” for **transportation** and **healthcare access** in Liberty, PA (16930) is low. The reliance on personal vehicles for accessing healthcare, combined with the limited public **transportation** and unreliable ride-sharing options, creates significant challenges for individuals managing asthma. The long drive times to healthcare facilities, particularly during inclement weather, can exacerbate asthma symptoms and delay necessary medical intervention.

The implications of these **transportation** limitations extend beyond just the physical act of getting to a doctor's appointment. They impact the overall quality of life for individuals with asthma. Frequent hospital visits, specialist appointments, and medication refills are essential components of asthma management. The difficulty in accessing these resources can lead to poor asthma control, increased hospitalizations, and a diminished sense of well-being.

For individuals considering **moving to Liberty**, it is crucial to acknowledge these **transportation** challenges. Prioritizing proximity to healthcare facilities, or ensuring reliable access to a personal vehicle, are essential considerations. The lack of readily available public **transportation** necessitates careful planning and proactive measures to ensure timely access to medical care.

Furthermore, individuals with asthma should investigate the availability of telehealth services. Telemedicine can provide a convenient way to consult with physicians, receive medication refills, and monitor asthma symptoms, especially during periods of limited **transportation** options. This can improve **healthcare access** and reduce the need for frequent in-person visits.

The Tioga County Council on Human Services (TCCHS) offers a demand-response **transportation** service. It’s vital to inquire about eligibility criteria, booking procedures, and the potential for accommodating urgent medical needs. This service, although limited, may provide a lifeline for individuals without alternative **transportation** options.

In conclusion, the **transportation** landscape in Liberty, PA (16930) presents significant hurdles to **healthcare access** for individuals with asthma. The reliance on personal vehicles, the lack of public **transportation**, and the limited availability of ride-sharing services contribute to a low "Asthma Score." Prospective residents should carefully evaluate these factors and proactively plan for their healthcare needs. Current residents should explore all available resources, including telehealth services and the TCCHS **transportation** program, to ensure timely and consistent access to medical care. The decision to reside in Liberty should be weighed against the challenges of **transportation** and its impact on the effective management of asthma.