17862, Penns Creek, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 17862, Penns Creek, Pennsylvania is 11 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

77.30 percent of residents in 17862 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 26.21 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Geisinger Medical Center with a distance of 25.49 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Penns Creek (ZIP Code 17862)

The air in Penns Creek, Pennsylvania, whispers promises of rural tranquility, a haven for those seeking respite from the urban clamor. Yet, for individuals managing asthma, the allure of this serene landscape hinges on a crucial factor: reliable and accessible healthcare. This analysis, an "Asthma Score" assessment, delves into the complexities of commuting to medical facilities from ZIP code 17862, focusing on transportation options and their implications for respiratory health.

The very essence of healthcare access is intertwined with the ability to reach it. For residents of Penns Creek, the journey to medical care is often a deliberate act, a carefully planned expedition. The nearest hospitals and specialized clinics are not immediate neighbors; they exist beyond the embrace of the town, necessitating a reliance on various transportation modes.

The primary mode of transportation in this rural setting is, unsurprisingly, the personal vehicle. The open road, however, can present challenges. Driving times to essential healthcare facilities, such as Geisinger Medical Center in Danville or Evangelical Community Hospital in Lewisburg, become critical determinants of healthcare access.

The most direct route to Danville involves navigating Pennsylvania Route 104 South, a two-lane highway that winds through the rolling hills. Expect a drive time of approximately 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic and the time of day. This journey, while seemingly straightforward, can be impacted by weather conditions, particularly during the winter months. Snow and ice can significantly increase travel times and pose risks for individuals with asthma, who are particularly vulnerable to the effects of cold air.

Alternatively, the trip to Lewisburg, home to Evangelical Community Hospital, involves a similar drive time, but utilizes a different network of roads. Route 104 North and then US Route 15 North are the primary arteries for this journey. This route also presents potential challenges, including traffic congestion during peak hours and the possibility of construction delays.

For those without personal vehicles, public transportation options become vital. The Susquehanna Valley Transportation Authority (SVTA) provides limited bus service in the region. However, the routes serving Penns Creek are infrequent and may not offer direct access to all healthcare facilities. The SVTA's website details the specific routes, schedules, and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility features of each bus.

ADA compliance is paramount for individuals with asthma, who may experience mobility limitations or require assistance. The availability of ramps, lifts, and designated seating on public transit is crucial for ensuring a safe and comfortable journey. The SVTA's commitment to ADA standards is a key factor in determining the accessibility of their services for residents of Penns Creek.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the region, offering a potentially convenient alternative to driving or relying on public transit. However, the availability and cost of these services can vary significantly, particularly in rural areas. Demand, surge pricing, and the distance to the nearest driver can all influence the practicality of ride-sharing for healthcare appointments.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients with healthcare needs, offer another avenue for accessing medical care. Companies like Medical Transportation Management (MTM) and LogistiCare provide non-emergency medical transportation services, including transportation to and from doctor's appointments, dialysis treatments, and other healthcare-related destinations. These services often cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those who lack access to other transportation options.

The Asthma Score for Penns Creek, therefore, must consider the interplay of these transportation factors. The score reflects the degree of difficulty and potential risks associated with accessing healthcare facilities, specifically for individuals with asthma.

The distance to medical facilities, the availability of public transportation, the reliability of ride-sharing services, and the presence of medical transportation options all contribute to the overall score. Weather conditions, traffic congestion, and the accessibility of transportation modes for individuals with disabilities are also critical considerations.

For individuals with asthma, the ability to reach medical care quickly and reliably is paramount. Delays in accessing treatment can exacerbate symptoms, leading to potentially serious health complications. The Asthma Score, therefore, provides a framework for evaluating the suitability of Penns Creek for individuals with asthma, highlighting the transportation challenges and the available resources.

Moving to Penns Creek, for someone with asthma, necessitates a thorough understanding of the transportation landscape. Proximity to healthcare facilities is just one piece of the puzzle; the ability to reach those facilities safely and efficiently is equally important. Careful consideration of the available transportation options, including personal vehicles, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation, is essential for making an informed decision.

The Asthma Score, in essence, serves as a compass, guiding individuals with asthma through the complexities of healthcare access in Penns Creek. It underscores the importance of proactive planning, the need for reliable transportation, and the critical role of community resources in ensuring the well-being of residents with respiratory conditions.

The assessment reveals that while Penns Creek offers the tranquility of rural living, healthcare access requires careful planning and a reliance on personal vehicles. Public transportation options are limited, and ride-sharing services may be subject to availability and cost. Medical transportation services provide a valuable alternative, but their availability and coverage should be verified.

Ultimately, the Asthma Score highlights the need for ongoing efforts to improve transportation infrastructure and expand healthcare access in Penns Creek. Investing in public transportation, promoting ride-sharing services, and ensuring the availability of medical transportation options are crucial steps in creating a healthier and more accessible community for all residents, including those managing asthma.