17235, Marion, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 17235, Marion, Pennsylvania is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

86.75 percent of residents in 17235 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.75 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wellspan Chambersburg Hospital with a distance of 5.80 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in ZIP Code 17235

The crisp air of Marion, Pennsylvania, often promises a breath of fresh air, but for residents managing asthma, the journey to healthcare can be a complex equation. This analysis, the "Asthma Score," delves into the accessibility of medical resources within ZIP Code 17235, focusing on transportation options and their impact on timely healthcare access. For individuals considering moving to Marion, understanding these dynamics is crucial for maintaining quality of life.

The primary concern for asthmatics is the immediacy of care. When an asthma attack strikes, every minute counts. This necessitates a swift and reliable system for reaching medical professionals. In Marion, the most common mode of transportation is the personal vehicle.

Driving times to healthcare facilities are a critical component of the Asthma Score. The main arteries for navigating the area are Interstate 81 (I-81), which runs north-south, and US Route 11 (US-11), which parallels it. These highways are essential for reaching hospitals and specialists.

From the heart of 17235, a drive to Chambersburg Hospital, the primary healthcare provider, typically takes around 15-20 minutes via US-11. Traffic conditions, particularly during peak hours, can extend this travel time. For specialized care, such as pulmonologists or allergists, residents might need to travel to larger cities like Harrisburg, which can translate to a drive of over an hour via I-81.

The Asthma Score considers the impact of these drive times on individuals with asthma. Longer commutes increase the risk of delayed treatment during an asthma exacerbation. The lack of readily available emergency care within a short radius can be a significant factor for those considering moving to Marion.

Public transportation presents an alternative, though its limitations in 17235 are noteworthy. The Franklin County Transit Authority (FCTA) operates a network of bus routes. However, these routes have limited frequency and coverage, particularly in the more rural areas of the ZIP code.

The FCTA does offer ADA-accessible buses, which is a crucial consideration for individuals with mobility limitations. Route 1, for example, serves the Chambersburg area, potentially offering access to healthcare facilities. However, the schedule may not align with the urgent needs of an asthma attack.

The Asthma Score assesses the public transit options based on their reliability, frequency, and accessibility. The limited availability of public transportation in 17235 can significantly impact healthcare access, especially for those without personal vehicles.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area, offering a potentially more flexible option for transportation. These services can provide on-demand rides to healthcare appointments or during emergencies. However, the availability of drivers can fluctuate, particularly during off-peak hours or in more remote locations.

The Asthma Score weighs the benefits of ride-sharing against potential drawbacks. The cost of these services can be a barrier for some, and the response time might not be immediate during a severe asthma episode. The reliability of these services is another crucial factor.

Medical transport services, such as ambulances and non-emergency medical transportation providers, play a vital role in healthcare access. These services are designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, including those with mobility limitations.

In 17235, ambulance services are readily available for emergency situations. Non-emergency medical transportation providers, such as Medical Transportation Management (MTM) or LogistiCare, may be available for scheduled appointments. The Asthma Score evaluates the availability and responsiveness of these services.

The Asthma Score considers the availability of these services, their response times, and their suitability for individuals with asthma. The ability to quickly access emergency medical transport is a critical factor in the overall score.

The Asthma Score also considers the proximity of pharmacies to healthcare facilities and residential areas. Easy access to medication refills is crucial for asthma management. The availability of pharmacies within a reasonable distance, ideally with extended hours, is a positive factor in the score.

The Asthma Score assesses the overall healthcare access landscape in 17235, taking into account driving times, public transportation, ride-sharing, medical transport, and pharmacy access. The score provides a comprehensive evaluation of the transportation options available to individuals with asthma.

For individuals considering moving to Marion, the Asthma Score provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities related to healthcare access. The score highlights the importance of careful planning and consideration of transportation options.

The score is not a static number but a dynamic reflection of the healthcare landscape. It underscores the need for individuals with asthma to be proactive in their healthcare management, including establishing relationships with local healthcare providers and understanding the available transportation options.

The Asthma Score for 17235 is influenced by the rural nature of the area, which impacts the availability of public transportation and the potential reliance on personal vehicles. The score reflects the need for careful consideration of these factors when assessing the suitability of Marion as a place to live for individuals with asthma.

The Asthma Score is a tool to help individuals make informed decisions about their healthcare access. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the transportation options available and the potential impact on their health. The score serves as a guide for those considering moving to Marion and for current residents seeking to optimize their healthcare management.