18322, Brodheadsville, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 18322, Brodheadsville, Pennsylvania is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

42.59 percent of residents in 18322 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.22 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is St Luke's Hospital - Monroe Campus with a distance of 11.74 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Brodheadsville (ZIP Code 18322)

The crisp mountain air of Brodheadsville, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18322), beckons with promises of a tranquil life. However, for individuals managing asthma, the reality of **healthcare access** hinges on a crucial factor: **transportation**. This write-up explores the **transportation** landscape, evaluating the challenges and opportunities for residents seeking timely and effective asthma care, ultimately contributing to an "Asthma Score" reflecting the ease of **healthcare access** within this specific geographic area.

Brodheadsville, nestled in the Pocono Mountains, presents a unique **transportation** profile. The area is predominantly car-dependent, with limited public **transportation** options. This reliance on personal vehicles significantly impacts the Asthma Score, as it directly influences the time and stress associated with reaching medical appointments. The ability to quickly access care during an asthma exacerbation is paramount, and this is where the **transportation** infrastructure becomes critically important.

The primary arteries serving Brodheadsville are **Interstate 80 (I-80)**, **Route 209**, and **Route 115**. **I-80** offers a relatively direct route to larger medical centers in the Lehigh Valley, such as St. Luke's Hospital – Monroe Campus in Stroudsburg (approximately a 20-30 minute drive, depending on traffic) and Lehigh Valley Hospital – Pocono in East Stroudsburg (similarly, a 25-35 minute drive). However, **I-80** is often subject to heavy traffic, particularly during peak commuting hours and holiday weekends, which can dramatically increase drive times and exacerbate the anxiety of an asthma patient.

**Route 209** provides a more local, though often slower, alternative. It connects Brodheadsville to Stroudsburg and other surrounding towns. **Route 115** serves as a north-south connector, facilitating access to areas like Blakeslee and the Poconos' northern reaches. While these routes offer more direct access to local physician offices and urgent care facilities, they can also be congested, particularly during school hours and peak shopping periods. Navigating these roads during an asthma attack could be a significant challenge.

Public **transportation** options are limited. Monroe County Transit Authority (MCTA) provides bus service, but its routes and frequency are restricted. Route 101, for instance, travels between Stroudsburg and East Stroudsburg, potentially offering a connection to medical facilities, but service is infrequent, and the routes may not be easily accessible from all parts of Brodheadsville. Furthermore, the availability of **ADA-accessible** buses, while mandated, may not always align with the specific needs of an individual experiencing an asthma flare-up. The reliance on public **transportation** significantly lowers the Asthma Score due to its limited availability and potential for increased travel time.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, offering an alternative to personal vehicles. However, the availability of drivers can fluctuate, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, especially for frequent medical appointments. While ride-sharing provides a degree of flexibility, it is not a guaranteed solution, and its reliability is a key consideration in the Asthma Score.

Medical **transportation** services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical **transportation** (NEMT), are also available. These services are crucial for individuals requiring assistance during an asthma exacerbation or for those with mobility limitations. The response time of emergency medical services is critical in these situations, and the proximity of emergency facilities is a positive factor in the Asthma Score. Several local ambulance companies provide services to Brodheadsville, ensuring access to immediate medical attention.

The **healthcare access** landscape in Brodheadsville is further shaped by the availability of local medical facilities. While the area boasts several primary care physicians, specialists, and urgent care centers, their proximity to the patient's residence is crucial. The Asthma Score considers the travel time to the nearest pulmonologist, allergist, and emergency room, as well as the availability of pharmacies for medication refills. The ability to quickly obtain necessary medications and specialized care is a critical component of effective asthma management.

For individuals **moving to Brodheadsville**, a thorough assessment of the **transportation** options and the proximity of medical facilities is essential. The Asthma Score should factor in the potential for increased travel times due to traffic congestion, the limited availability of public **transportation**, and the reliance on personal vehicles. It is also important to consider the availability of ride-sharing services and medical **transportation** options.

The Asthma Score for Brodheadsville, therefore, reflects a mixed bag. While the presence of local medical facilities and emergency services is a positive factor, the limited public **transportation** options and the reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with potential traffic congestion, present significant challenges. The score would likely be moderate, reflecting the need for careful planning and proactive measures to ensure timely **healthcare access** for asthma patients.

In conclusion, navigating the **transportation** network in Brodheadsville is a crucial aspect of managing asthma. The Asthma Score reflects the complexities of **healthcare access** in this region, emphasizing the importance of individual planning, awareness of available resources, and a proactive approach to ensure that asthma patients can receive the timely and effective care they need. The score serves as a reminder that while the natural beauty of Brodheadsville is appealing, the practicalities of **transportation** and **healthcare access** must be carefully considered when making a decision about **moving to Brodheadsville**.