17090, Shermans Dale, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 17090, Shermans Dale, Pennsylvania is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

35.37 percent of residents in 17090 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.43 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute with a distance of 14.46 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Shermans Dale (ZIP Code 17090)

Choosing a new home, especially for those managing asthma, demands meticulous planning. Healthcare access is paramount, and the ease of reaching medical facilities significantly impacts quality of life. This write-up assesses transportation options for residents of Shermans Dale, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17090), focusing on drive times, public transit, ride-share availability, and medical transport services to determine an “Asthma Score” reflecting the accessibility of healthcare. The score will help potential residents understand the practicalities of managing asthma in this specific location.

Shermans Dale, a rural community nestled in Perry County, presents unique transportation challenges. The primary roadways impacting healthcare access are **Route 11/15**, the main north-south artery, and **Route 34**, traversing east-west. These highways are critical for reaching larger medical centers in Harrisburg and surrounding areas. Commuting to healthcare facilities requires careful consideration of distance, traffic patterns, and alternative transportation options.

Drive times, influenced by traffic and seasonal weather, form a crucial component of the Asthma Score. The closest urgent care facility, UPMC Pinnacle West Shore, is approximately a 30-minute drive via Route 11/15 and the **Capital Beltway (I-83)**. This is a reasonable commute, but peak traffic hours can significantly extend travel times.

For more specialized care, the Hershey Medical Center, a renowned regional hospital, is about an hour's drive, primarily utilizing Route 11/15 and the **Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76)**. This longer commute necessitates careful planning, especially for regular appointments or during asthma exacerbations. The drive to Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center in Camp Hill is also around 45 minutes, again via Route 11/15 and the Capital Beltway.

Public transportation options are limited in Shermans Dale. The **Rabbit Transit** system provides some bus service, though routes within the ZIP code are scarce. Route 308, for example, might offer limited service to nearby towns, but it does not directly connect to major medical centers. The lack of comprehensive public transit is a significant factor in the Asthma Score, as it restricts healthcare access for those unable to drive.

ADA accessibility on available Rabbit Transit routes should be confirmed. While the system strives to meet ADA requirements, the sparse service and potential for long wait times are a challenge. The absence of a robust public transportation network significantly impacts the Asthma Score, especially for individuals with mobility limitations or those who cannot drive.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Shermans Dale area, but their reliability can vary. Availability is often contingent on driver proximity, and surge pricing during peak hours or inclement weather can increase costs. Relying solely on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments is often impractical, especially given the distances to healthcare facilities.

Medical transportation services, such as ambulance and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), provide another layer of healthcare access. Ambulance services are readily available for emergencies. NEMT services, like those offered by **First Transit** or independent providers, can transport individuals to and from medical appointments. However, these services often require advance booking and can be costly, further impacting the Asthma Score.

The Asthma Score also considers the availability of pharmacies within the ZIP code. Having convenient access to medication refills is critical for asthma management. The presence of a local pharmacy, or easy access to one in a neighboring town, is a positive factor.

Furthermore, the Asthma Score takes into account the proximity of primary care physicians and pulmonologists. Regular check-ups and specialist consultations are essential for asthma patients. The availability of these healthcare providers within a reasonable driving distance is a crucial factor.

The overall Asthma Score for Shermans Dale, therefore, reflects a mixed picture. While the drive times to urgent care and some hospitals are manageable, the lack of robust public transit, the variable reliability of ride-sharing, and the potential cost of medical transport services present challenges.

For those considering moving to Shermans Dale with asthma, careful planning is essential. Relying on personal vehicles is often necessary. Researching the availability of NEMT services, establishing relationships with local pharmacies, and understanding the potential for traffic delays are all crucial steps.

The Asthma Score for Shermans Dale is influenced by the limited public transportation, the need for reliance on personal vehicles, and the potential challenges associated with ride-sharing and medical transport. The score reflects the importance of proactive planning and preparation for individuals with asthma.

Ultimately, the Asthma Score serves as a tool to empower individuals with asthma to make informed decisions about their healthcare access in Shermans Dale. It highlights the need for comprehensive planning and a realistic assessment of transportation options to ensure effective asthma management.