17851, Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 17851, Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

68.75 percent of residents in 17851 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.76 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Schuylkill Medical Center - South Jackson Street with a distance of 14.26 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare in Mount Carmel (ZIP Code 17851)

The crisp mountain air of Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania, might beckon those seeking respite from urban congestion, but a move requires careful consideration, particularly for individuals managing asthma. This assessment, the “Asthma Score,” analyzes the accessibility of healthcare within ZIP Code 17851, focusing on transportation options, a critical factor impacting healthcare access. The goal is to provide a comprehensive picture for prospective residents, emphasizing the realities of commuting to medical appointments.

Mount Carmel, nestled in Northumberland County, presents a unique transportation landscape. Its relative isolation, coupled with the terrain, influences the availability and efficiency of various transportation modes. This assessment delves into the specifics, highlighting both opportunities and challenges.

The cornerstone of transportation in Mount Carmel is the private vehicle. Driving provides the most direct and flexible access to healthcare facilities. However, drive times are crucial, and they vary significantly depending on the destination and the time of day.

For primary care, the Mount Carmel Medical Center, located within the town, offers immediate access. Reaching this facility involves minimal travel, typically less than five minutes. The primary routes are local roads, ensuring swift access.

Specialist care, however, often necessitates travel outside of Mount Carmel. Geisinger Shamokin Area Community Hospital, approximately 15 minutes away via **PA-61 South**, is a common destination. This drive, though relatively short, can be affected by traffic during peak hours.

For more specialized care, like pulmonology or allergy specialists, residents often travel to larger hospitals in Danville, about 45 minutes away. The journey involves navigating **PA-54 East** and then **US-11 South**. This longer commute requires careful planning and consideration of potential delays.

The availability of public transit in Mount Carmel is limited, impacting healthcare access for those without personal vehicles. The Northumberland County Transportation Authority (NCTA) provides bus services. However, the routes are infrequent, and the coverage is not comprehensive.

Route 10, for instance, connects Mount Carmel to Shamokin and provides access to some healthcare facilities. However, the frequency of buses can pose a challenge, particularly for appointments requiring precise timing. The ADA accessibility of these buses is a crucial factor for individuals with disabilities.

Further afield, access to more comprehensive healthcare facilities in Danville or Sunbury via public transit requires multiple transfers and significantly increases travel time. This can be a significant barrier for individuals with asthma, who may require frequent medical visits and face breathing difficulties during long commutes.

Ride-sharing services, like Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their presence is not as robust as in larger metropolitan areas. Availability can be inconsistent, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. This unreliability can make it difficult to schedule and attend medical appointments.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients, offer an alternative. Companies like Medical Transportation Management (MTM) and LogistiCare provide non-emergency medical transportation. These services often cater to individuals with disabilities or those who lack personal transportation. However, availability and eligibility criteria vary, and prior booking is often required.

The Asthma Score considers the cumulative impact of these transportation options. It acknowledges that the accessibility of healthcare is not solely determined by the distance to a facility but also by the ease and reliability of getting there.

For individuals with asthma, the stress and physical exertion associated with travel can exacerbate symptoms. The longer the commute, the greater the potential for exposure to triggers like air pollution and allergens.

Moving to Mount Carmel requires careful consideration of these factors. While the area may offer a slower pace of life, the limited transportation options can pose challenges for healthcare access.

The Asthma Score is not a static metric. It is dynamic, reflecting the evolving transportation landscape. The introduction of new services or improvements to existing infrastructure can alter the score over time.

The availability of telehealth services is another crucial factor. Telehealth can reduce the need for in-person visits, particularly for routine check-ups or medication management. However, access to reliable internet connectivity is essential for telehealth to be a viable option.

For individuals with severe asthma or those requiring frequent specialized care, the limitations in transportation options might necessitate careful consideration. Weighing the benefits of living in a more rural environment against the challenges of accessing healthcare is paramount.

The Asthma Score encourages prospective residents to proactively research the transportation options available to them. Contacting the NCTA, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation providers can provide valuable insights into their specific needs.

Furthermore, engaging with local healthcare providers to understand their telehealth capabilities and appointment scheduling flexibility is crucial. This proactive approach can help individuals with asthma make informed decisions about moving to Mount Carmel.

The Asthma Score is a tool for informed decision-making. It is not intended to discourage relocation but to provide a realistic assessment of the challenges and opportunities associated with accessing healthcare in ZIP Code 17851.

By understanding the intricacies of transportation and healthcare access, prospective residents can make informed choices, ensuring their health and well-being are prioritized. The journey to a new home should not compromise the ability to receive timely and effective medical care.