17073, Newmanstown, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 17073, Newmanstown, Pennsylvania is 70 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

58.25 percent of residents in 17073 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 8.03 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Lebanon Va Medical Center with a distance of 7.50 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare in Newmanstown, PA (ZIP Code 17073)

The crisp air of Newmanstown, Pennsylvania, nestled in the rolling hills of Lebanon County, holds a certain allure. For those considering a move to this tranquil community, however, especially individuals managing asthma, a crucial factor to assess is **healthcare access**. This write-up provides an "Asthma Score" analysis, focusing on **transportation** options and their impact on reaching medical care within and around ZIP Code 17073. We'll examine drive times, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport, painting a detailed picture of the challenges and opportunities that await.

Newmanstown, with its rural character, presents unique considerations for those requiring regular medical attention. Proximity to healthcare facilities, coupled with reliable **transportation** options, is paramount. The Asthma Score, in this context, reflects the ease and efficiency with which individuals can access asthma-related care, from routine check-ups to emergency interventions. This score is not a numerical grade, but rather a qualitative assessment, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the local **healthcare access** landscape.

**Driving Times: The Asphalt Arteries**

For most Newmanstown residents, personal vehicles are the primary mode of **transportation**. The ease of driving to medical appointments is a significant factor in the Asthma Score. The main thoroughfare is Route 897, which connects Newmanstown to nearby towns and cities. Traveling south on Route 897, one can reach the Lebanon VA Medical Center in approximately 20-25 minutes, a critical resource for veterans and a potential option for some.

Heading east, Route 897 intersects with Route 422, a major east-west artery. This intersection provides access to Reading, Pennsylvania, a larger city with a more extensive network of healthcare providers. The drive to Reading Hospital, a comprehensive medical center, typically takes around 40-50 minutes, depending on traffic. The drive to Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center is similar. The Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76) is accessible via Route 422, offering a faster, albeit toll-based, route to larger medical centers further afield, such as those in Hershey or Harrisburg.

Navigating these roads, particularly during peak hours, can add considerable time to travel. The Asthma Score acknowledges this by considering the potential for traffic delays and the impact on individuals experiencing asthma symptoms. The ability to quickly reach emergency care is a crucial element in the overall assessment.

**Public Transit: A Limited Reach**

Public **transportation** options in Newmanstown are limited, which significantly impacts the Asthma Score. The primary provider in Lebanon County is the Lebanon Transit Authority (LTA). However, the LTA's routes primarily serve the city of Lebanon and surrounding areas, with limited service to Newmanstown.

Currently, there are no direct LTA bus routes that regularly serve Newmanstown. Residents would likely need to rely on a combination of walking, driving, or potentially a ride-sharing service to reach the nearest LTA stop, which would then connect them to healthcare facilities. This lack of convenient public transit significantly diminishes the Asthma Score, particularly for individuals who do not drive or who are unable to drive due to their medical condition.

The LTA does offer ADA-accessible buses, ensuring that individuals with disabilities, including those with asthma, can utilize the service. However, the limited route coverage makes this accessibility less impactful for Newmanstown residents. The lack of public transit underscores the need for alternative **transportation** solutions.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, offering a potential solution for **transportation** to healthcare appointments. However, availability can be inconsistent, particularly in rural areas. The Asthma Score acknowledges the reliance on these services, noting that the cost and reliability can vary.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed for individuals with medical needs, offer a more specialized approach. Companies like Med-Trans or Liberty Ambulance may provide non-emergency medical **transportation** to and from appointments. These services typically require prior booking and can be more expensive than ride-sharing. The Asthma Score considers the availability of these services and their potential to provide reliable **healthcare access**, especially for those who require assistance.

**Healthcare Access: Evaluating the Score**

The Asthma Score for Newmanstown, PA (ZIP Code 17073) is significantly impacted by the limited **transportation** options. While driving provides relatively quick access to healthcare facilities, the reliance on personal vehicles presents challenges for those without access to a car or those who are unable to drive. The lack of public transit further compounds this issue, particularly for those with mobility limitations.

The availability of ride-sharing services and medical **transportation** offers some respite, but their cost and reliability can be a concern. The Asthma Score, therefore, reflects a moderate level of **healthcare access**. Individuals considering **moving to Newmanstown** with asthma should carefully assess their **transportation** needs and plan accordingly. This may involve establishing relationships with local medical transport providers, researching the availability of ride-sharing services, and factoring in the potential for longer travel times to appointments.

The key to successful management of asthma in Newmanstown lies in proactive planning. Understanding the limitations of the local **transportation** infrastructure and developing strategies to overcome these challenges is crucial for ensuring timely access to medical care. This includes establishing a strong relationship with a primary care physician, developing an asthma action plan, and being prepared for potential delays or disruptions in **transportation**.