18464, Tafton, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 18464, Tafton, Pennsylvania is 34 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

61.74 percent of residents in 18464 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 20.37 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wayne Memorial Hospital with a distance of 12.42 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Tafton, PA (ZIP Code 18464)

The crisp air and rolling hills of Tafton, Pennsylvania, offer a bucolic escape. Yet, for residents managing asthma, the tranquility of this Pike County haven is intertwined with the complexities of accessing healthcare. This "Asthma Score" write-up analyzes the transportation landscape within and surrounding ZIP code 18464, focusing on healthcare access, a critical consideration for those contemplating a move to Tafton. We will delve into drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation, providing a comprehensive picture of the journey to medical care.

The primary concern for asthmatics in Tafton is the distance to specialized medical facilities. The nearest hospitals with comprehensive respiratory care are located in Scranton, approximately 40 miles away, and in the Pocono region, around 30 miles distant. This geographical reality immediately highlights the importance of reliable transportation.

Driving is the most common mode of transportation. From Tafton, the journey to Scranton typically involves navigating a combination of roads. Route 6, a major east-west artery, provides a direct but often congested route. Travel time can vary significantly depending on traffic, weather, and the time of day, but generally averages around one hour. Alternative routes might include taking Route 507 south to Interstate 84 west, then connecting to Interstate 380 north, eventually leading to Scranton. This route, while longer in terms of mileage, might offer a smoother, less congested ride, especially during peak hours.

The journey to Pocono Medical Center in East Stroudsburg is shorter. The most direct route involves taking Route 6 east to Route 209 south. This drive, typically taking 45 minutes to an hour, is generally less prone to heavy traffic compared to the Scranton route. However, both routes present challenges for individuals experiencing an asthma exacerbation, making rapid access to care crucial.

Public transportation options in and around Tafton are limited. The lack of a robust public transit system presents a significant barrier to healthcare access for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a vehicle. There are no regularly scheduled bus routes directly serving Tafton. This absence underscores the dependence on private vehicles or alternative transportation methods for accessing medical appointments and emergency care.

While a comprehensive public transit system is absent, there are some potential options for those seeking transportation to healthcare. The Lackawanna County Transportation Authority (LCTA) provides bus services in the Scranton area. While the LCTA doesn't directly service Tafton, a resident could potentially arrange a ride to a connecting point, such as a park-and-ride location near Interstate 84, and then utilize the LCTA to reach medical facilities in Scranton. However, this option requires careful planning, coordination, and an extended travel time.

Accessibility for individuals with disabilities is a crucial consideration. The LCTA's buses are ADA-compliant, featuring ramps and other accommodations to ensure accessibility for passengers with mobility limitations. However, the lack of direct service to Tafton and the reliance on connecting routes may pose challenges for individuals with severe asthma or other respiratory conditions.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer another transportation alternative. Availability in Tafton and the surrounding areas may be limited compared to larger metropolitan areas. However, ride-sharing services can provide a convenient and readily available option for scheduled appointments or urgent care needs. The cost of ride-sharing, particularly for longer distances to Scranton or the Poconos, can be a significant factor, especially for individuals with limited financial resources.

Medical transportation services are specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments. These services often cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those who require medical assistance during transport. Several medical transportation companies operate in the region, offering services such as ambulance transport, wheelchair-accessible vans, and non-emergency medical transportation.

Ambulance services are available for emergency situations. The response time of emergency medical services (EMS) is critical for asthmatics experiencing a severe attack. The proximity of ambulance services to Tafton and the efficiency of their response times are essential factors in assessing healthcare access.

The Asthma Score for commuting to healthcare in Tafton, PA (ZIP Code 18464) is influenced by several factors. The primary challenge is the distance to specialized medical facilities. The reliance on private vehicles or ride-sharing services adds to the complexity. The limited public transit options and the absence of direct bus routes to medical facilities in Scranton or the Poconos are significant limitations.

The drive times to healthcare facilities, while manageable, can be stressful for individuals with asthma. Traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, can exacerbate the challenges of traveling to medical appointments. The availability and cost of ride-sharing services are also important considerations.

Medical transportation services provide a valuable option for individuals who require assistance with transportation. However, the cost of these services can be a barrier for some residents. The efficiency of ambulance services and their response times are crucial for managing asthma emergencies.

For individuals with asthma considering a move to Tafton, careful planning and consideration of transportation options are essential. Assessing the availability of reliable transportation, the cost of ride-sharing or medical transportation, and the proximity of emergency medical services are crucial.

In conclusion, while Tafton offers a peaceful environment, the transportation landscape presents challenges for those managing asthma. The Asthma Score is affected by the distance to healthcare facilities, the limited public transit options, and the reliance on private vehicles or ride-sharing services. Understanding these factors is crucial for making informed decisions about healthcare access and ensuring the well-being of residents with asthma. Moving to Tafton requires thoughtful consideration of these transportation realities to ensure that healthcare access is readily available when needed.