Asthma Score

17836, Leck Kill, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Travel Score

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Travel Score in 17836, Leck Kill, Pennsylvania

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 17836, Leck Kill, Pennsylvania is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

32.88 percent of residents in 17836 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 20.36 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Geisinger Medical Center with a distance of 17.51 miles from the area.

Health Scores in 17836, Leck Kill, Pennsylvania

Asthma Score 87
People Score 84
Provider Score 84
Hospital Score 61
Travel Score 23

Closest Hospital - GEISINGER MEDICAL CENTER

Estimated Cars

Housholds with Cars (%) 17836 Leck Kill Pennsylvania
No Cars 25.00 25.00 5.04
1 Car 19.05 19.05 21.45
2 Cars 23.81 23.81 41.29
3 or More Cars 32.14 32.14 32.22

Vehicular Access in 17836, Leck Kill, Pennsylvania

Travel Score Review of 17836, Leck Kill, Pennsylvania

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare in 17836 – A Commute Analysis

The crisp air of Leck Kill, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17836), beckons with promises of rural tranquility. Yet, for individuals managing asthma, the allure of this haven must be tempered with a critical assessment: how readily can essential healthcare be accessed? This "Asthma Score" write-up delves into the transportation landscape surrounding 17836, meticulously examining drive times, public transit options, and alternative modes of transport to illuminate the realities of healthcare access for residents, especially those considering moving to Leck Kill.

The primary challenge lies in the geographical isolation. Leck Kill is nestled within a region where sprawling distances are the norm. The nearest significant medical facilities, including hospitals and specialized clinics, are located in larger towns and cities. This necessitates a reliance on personal vehicles for the majority of healthcare appointments.

Driving times are a pivotal factor. From Leck Kill, a drive to the Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, a major healthcare provider, typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic and the specific route. The most direct route involves navigating Route 61, a major artery that can experience congestion during peak hours. Alternatively, drivers can utilize Route 443, a slightly longer but often less congested option. The journey requires careful planning, especially for individuals experiencing an asthma exacerbation.

Other healthcare options are also accessible by car. The Evangelical Community Hospital in Lewisburg is another viable choice, requiring a drive of approximately 35-45 minutes via Route 125 and then Route 15. This route offers a slightly shorter commute but is still subject to traffic fluctuations. Smaller clinics and urgent care facilities may be found in towns like Shamokin, but their services are often limited compared to the larger hospitals.

Public transportation options in 17836 are severely limited. The area lacks a comprehensive public transit system. This absence presents a significant barrier to healthcare access for those without personal vehicles or who are unable to drive. The lack of readily available public transportation drastically reduces healthcare access.

While there are no fixed-route buses operating directly within Leck Kill, the Northumberland County Transportation Authority (NCTA) does offer a demand-response service, providing transportation on a reservation basis. This service, however, is not specifically designed for medical appointments and may require advance booking and scheduling constraints. Accessibility for individuals with disabilities is a crucial consideration. The NCTA is legally mandated to provide ADA-compliant services, but the reliability and availability of these services in the rural setting of Leck Kill need to be carefully evaluated.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the region, but their presence is sporadic. Availability can be unpredictable, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Relying on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments is therefore risky, especially for individuals who require consistent access to healthcare. The cost of ride-sharing can also accumulate, making it an expensive option for frequent visits.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients with medical needs, offer a more specialized solution. Companies like CareRide and MedTrans are available in the area, providing non-emergency medical transport. These services offer door-to-door assistance and are equipped to handle individuals with mobility limitations or medical conditions. However, these services typically require pre-booking and may have associated costs that are not covered by all insurance plans.

The implications of these transportation realities for individuals with asthma are profound. The distance to healthcare facilities, the lack of reliable public transit, and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services create significant challenges. Asthma is a chronic condition requiring regular medical attention, including routine check-ups, medication refills, and potential emergency care. The difficulty in accessing these services can lead to delayed treatment, increased hospitalizations, and a diminished quality of life.

For individuals considering moving to Leck Kill, a thorough assessment of their healthcare needs and transportation capabilities is essential. They must factor in the time commitment required for each appointment, the potential for unexpected delays, and the financial implications of transportation costs. A proactive approach is vital.

Before making a move, prospective residents should contact their current healthcare providers to discuss the feasibility of transferring their care to a local physician or clinic. They should also research the availability of specialists and emergency services in the surrounding areas. Understanding the local healthcare landscape is crucial.

Furthermore, individuals with asthma should explore all available transportation options. This includes investigating the NCTA’s demand-response service, researching medical transportation providers, and assessing the reliability of ride-sharing services. They should also consider the potential need for a personal vehicle and factor in the costs of vehicle ownership, maintenance, and fuel.

The Asthma Score for 17836 reflects a landscape where healthcare access is heavily dependent on personal transportation. The absence of robust public transit and the limitations of ride-sharing create challenges for individuals with asthma. While medical transportation services offer a viable solution, they come with associated costs and require advance planning. The drive times to major healthcare facilities, particularly the Geisinger Medical Center and Evangelical Community Hospital, are significant, demanding careful consideration.

Therefore, a move to Leck Kill requires a realistic assessment of the transportation challenges. Prospective residents must prioritize healthcare access, proactively plan for their medical needs, and explore all available transportation options. The decision to move to Leck Kill should be made with a clear understanding of the transportation realities and their impact on healthcare access. The vibrant rural lifestyle of Leck Kill must be balanced with the practicalities of managing a chronic condition like asthma.

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Health Scores Near 17836, Leck Kill, Pennsylvania

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Health Scores in 17836, Leck Kill, Pennsylvania