18437, Lake Como, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 18437, Lake Como, Pennsylvania is 25 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

55.00 percent of residents in 18437 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.29 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center with a distance of 13.86 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Lake Como, PA (ZIP Code 18437)

Moving to a new area, especially with health concerns like asthma, necessitates a thorough understanding of healthcare access. This assessment focuses on transportation options for residents of Lake Como, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18437), to medical facilities equipped to manage asthma, providing an “Asthma Score” based on commute times and available transportation modalities. This score aims to offer clarity and empower informed decision-making, particularly for those considering relocating to this scenic corner of the Pocono Mountains.

Lake Como, a charming community nestled in Wayne County, presents both allure and challenges when considering healthcare access. The nearest significant medical centers are located in Honesdale, Scranton, and Milford, each requiring varying transportation strategies. The Asthma Score will consider drive times, public transit availability, and ride-sharing options, painting a picture of the ease (or difficulty) of reaching critical medical care.

**Driving the Distance: Highways and Byways**

For most Lake Como residents, personal vehicles remain the primary mode of transportation. The primary artery connecting Lake Como to the broader region is Pennsylvania Route 370, a scenic but often winding road. To reach Wayne Memorial Hospital in Honesdale, the drive typically takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions. This relatively short commute earns a favorable component in the Asthma Score.

Venturing further afield, Scranton, home to larger hospitals like Geisinger Community Medical Center and Moses Taylor Hospital, necessitates a longer journey. The most direct route involves taking Route 370 to Interstate 84 East, then transitioning to I-380 North. This trip typically spans approximately 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes. The longer drive time, particularly during peak hours or inclement weather, will impact the Asthma Score negatively.

Accessing healthcare in Milford, Pennsylvania, requires traveling south on Route 370, connecting to Route 6 West. This journey, which often takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes, presents a significant time commitment, especially for urgent medical needs. This longer travel time contributes to a lower score.

**Public Transit: A Limited Landscape**

Public transportation options in the Lake Como area are limited. Lackawanna County Transit (LCTA) provides some bus service within the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre metropolitan area. However, this service does not extend directly to Lake Como. Residents would need to arrange for a private ride or utilize a ride-sharing service to reach a LCTA bus stop, significantly increasing travel time and complexity.

Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible buses, crucial for individuals with mobility limitations, is a factor. While LCTA strives to provide accessible services, the infrequent routes and the necessity of multiple transfers would make relying on public transit a challenging prospect for those with asthma, particularly during exacerbations. The absence of convenient public transit significantly lowers the Asthma Score.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gap**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Lake Como area, though their availability may be less consistent than in larger metropolitan areas. Surge pricing, particularly during peak hours or inclement weather, could significantly increase the cost of these services, impacting access to care. The reliability of these services, especially during emergencies, warrants consideration.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), provide specialized options for those with medical needs. These services can be crucial for individuals with asthma who require assistance with transportation. However, the cost of these services can be substantial, and the availability of NEMT may require advance booking.

**Asthma Score Components and Calculation**

The Asthma Score will be calculated based on the following weighted components:

* **Drive Time to Wayne Memorial Hospital (Honesdale):** (Weight: 30%) – A shorter drive time contributes positively to the score.
* **Drive Time to Scranton Hospitals:** (Weight: 25%) – Longer drive times decrease the score.
* **Drive Time to Milford Hospitals:** (Weight: 20%) – Lengthier commutes lower the score.
* **Availability and Reliability of Ride-Sharing Services:** (Weight: 15%) – Greater availability and reliability increase the score.
* **Availability and Accessibility of Public Transit:** (Weight: 10%) – Limited public transit options decrease the score.

Each component will be assigned a score (e.g., 1-5, with 5 being the best) and then weighted to arrive at the final Asthma Score.

**Scoring Example:**

* Drive Time to Wayne Memorial Hospital: 4 (Excellent – under 20 minutes)
* Drive Time to Scranton Hospitals: 2 (Moderate – over an hour)
* Drive Time to Milford Hospitals: 1 (Poor – 1 hour 30 minutes)
* Ride-Sharing Availability: 3 (Moderate – services available, but potentially inconsistent)
* Public Transit: 1 (Poor – very limited or no direct service)

**Weighted Score Calculation:**

(4 \* 0.30) + (2 \* 0.25) + (1 \* 0.20) + (3 \* 0.15) + (1 \* 0.10) = 1.2 + 0.5 + 0.2 + 0.45 + 0.1 = 2.45

**Final Asthma Score: 2.45 (out of 5)**

**Interpretation and Conclusion**

The Asthma Score of 2.45 indicates that while Lake Como offers relatively convenient access to Wayne Memorial Hospital, access to specialized care in Scranton or Milford presents significant transportation challenges. The limited public transit options and the potential inconsistencies of ride-sharing services further complicate healthcare access.

For individuals with asthma considering moving to Lake Como, the Asthma Score suggests a need for careful planning. It is imperative to assess the severity of your asthma and the frequency of medical needs. Those with frequent exacerbations or requiring specialized care may find the commute times to Scranton or Milford hospitals problematic.

Furthermore, exploring the availability of home healthcare services, telemedicine options, and establishing a strong relationship with a local primary care physician is crucial. Understanding the limitations of transportation in the area is vital for proactive healthcare management.

Moving to Lake Como offers the allure of a tranquil lifestyle, but prospective residents with asthma must carefully weigh the benefits against the potential challenges of healthcare access. The Asthma Score provides a framework for evaluating these factors, enabling informed decisions and facilitating proactive planning for optimal health management in this beautiful corner of Pennsylvania. The journey to better health begins with understanding the transportation landscape.