17081, Plainfield, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 17081, Plainfield, Pennsylvania is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

100.00 percent of residents in 17081 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.29 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute with a distance of 21.08 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Plainfield, PA (ZIP Code 17081)

Moving to a new area, especially with health considerations like asthma, demands meticulous planning. Understanding transportation options and healthcare access is paramount. This write-up analyzes the commute to healthcare facilities from ZIP Code 17081 (Plainfield, PA), assessing the ease of access for asthma sufferers, providing an "Asthma Score" based on the available transportation infrastructure and the proximity of medical resources.

Plainfield, Pennsylvania, nestled in the scenic Cumberland Valley, offers a blend of rural charm and suburban convenience. However, its transportation infrastructure presents unique challenges for individuals requiring regular medical care. Asthma, a chronic respiratory condition, can be significantly impacted by environmental factors and the ease of accessing medical treatment. The ability to swiftly reach a doctor's office, urgent care, or hospital during an asthma exacerbation is critical. This analysis considers these factors, providing a comprehensive overview of transportation options and healthcare access within and surrounding ZIP Code 17081.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The primary arteries for vehicular transportation in and around Plainfield are Interstate 81 (I-81), the major north-south thoroughfare, and U.S. Route 11 (US-11), a parallel route offering more local access. State Route 641 (SR-641) and State Route 74 (SR-74) provide crucial east-west connections.

Driving to the nearest healthcare facilities presents variable drive times. UPMC Carlisle, a major hospital, is approximately 15-20 minutes away via I-81 South or US-11 South, depending on traffic. Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center in Camp Hill is a slightly longer commute, typically 25-35 minutes, requiring travel on I-81 South and then US-15 South or the more direct SR-581 East.

The Asthma Score considers these drive times. Shorter drive times, especially during peak traffic hours, receive a higher score. The reliability of these routes is also factored in. I-81, while efficient, can experience significant congestion during rush hour and inclement weather. US-11, while offering an alternative, can be slower due to traffic signals and local traffic. The score also considers the availability of parking at the healthcare facilities. Ample parking, reducing stress during a medical visit, contributes positively to the score.

**Public Transportation Challenges:**

Public transportation options in Plainfield are limited. The primary provider is the Capital Area Transit (CAT) system. While CAT offers routes throughout the Harrisburg metropolitan area, service within Plainfield and to surrounding healthcare facilities is infrequent and not always direct.

The CAT system does operate Route 3, which serves the Carlisle area, but it does not directly serve UPMC Carlisle. Passengers would need to transfer at a central location. Route 3 does not have ADA features. The frequency of these routes is also a concern. Limited service hours and infrequent departures can significantly impact healthcare access, especially for individuals with asthma who may require unscheduled medical attention. The Asthma Score reflects the challenges posed by the lack of robust public transportation, particularly for those with mobility limitations or those who cannot drive.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area, offering a potential alternative to driving or public transportation. However, the reliability and cost of these services can vary. Availability may be limited, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The Asthma Score considers the accessibility and affordability of ride-sharing services, acknowledging their potential as a supplementary transportation option.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance, are also available. These services, such as AMR or CareRide, provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) to and from medical appointments. While these services offer a crucial lifeline for some, their cost and the need for pre-booking can be barriers to accessing timely care. The Asthma Score assesses the availability and accessibility of these specialized services.

**Healthcare Facility Proximity and Accessibility:**

The proximity of healthcare facilities to Plainfield is a critical factor. UPMC Carlisle and Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center are the primary hospitals serving the area. Several urgent care centers and primary care physician offices are also located within a reasonable driving distance.

The Asthma Score evaluates the accessibility of these facilities, considering factors such as the availability of specialized respiratory care, the presence of asthma specialists, and the ease of scheduling appointments. The score also takes into account the facility's emergency room services and its ability to handle asthma exacerbations.

**Environmental Considerations:**

Environmental factors significantly impact asthma sufferers. Air quality, pollen counts, and seasonal allergens can trigger asthma attacks. The Asthma Score incorporates these considerations, acknowledging the importance of monitoring air quality and accessing information about local environmental conditions. The availability of indoor air quality control measures and the presence of asthma-friendly environments within healthcare facilities also contribute to the score.

**Asthma Score Breakdown:**

Based on the factors discussed, the Asthma Score for transportation and healthcare access in Plainfield (ZIP Code 17081) is calculated as follows:

* **Drive Times and Roadways:** Moderate. While the primary roadways (I-81, US-11) offer access to healthcare facilities, traffic congestion and potential weather-related delays impact reliability.
* **Public Transportation:** Low. Limited routes, infrequent service, and lack of direct access to healthcare facilities pose significant challenges.
* **Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:** Moderate. Ride-sharing availability is variable, and medical transportation services may require pre-booking and can be costly.
* **Healthcare Facility Proximity and Accessibility:** Moderate. Several healthcare facilities are within a reasonable driving distance, but access to specialized asthma care may require travel.
* **Environmental Considerations:** Moderate. Air quality monitoring and awareness of seasonal allergens are crucial, but access to indoor air quality control measures may vary.

**Overall Asthma Score:** The overall Asthma Score for transportation and healthcare access in Plainfield (ZIP Code 17081) is **Moderate**. While healthcare facilities are accessible, the limited public transportation options, potential for traffic delays, and environmental considerations necessitate careful planning and consideration for individuals with asthma.

**Conclusion:**

For individuals considering moving to Plainfield (ZIP Code 17081) with asthma, a thorough understanding of transportation options and healthcare access is essential. While the area offers access to healthcare facilities, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limitations of public transportation require careful planning. Individuals should research the availability of asthma specialists, consider the potential impact of environmental factors, and explore alternative transportation options such as ride-sharing and medical transportation services. This detailed analysis, providing an Asthma Score, aims to empower prospective residents with the information needed to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs in their new community.