18826, Kingsley, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 18826, Kingsley, Pennsylvania is 27 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

58.58 percent of residents in 18826 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 20.29 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Barnes-Kasson County Hospital with a distance of 17.00 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Kingsley, PA (ZIP Code 18826)

The crisp air of Kingsley, Pennsylvania, nestled in the heart of Susquehanna County, offers a bucolic charm that draws many seeking a respite from the urban sprawl. However, for individuals managing asthma, the idyllic setting must be viewed through the lens of healthcare accessibility, a critical factor in maintaining respiratory health. This "Asthma Score" write-up explores the transportation landscape in and around ZIP Code 18826, focusing on the challenges and opportunities for those needing regular medical care, especially for asthma management. It's designed to inform potential residents considering moving to Kingsley, ensuring they understand the realities of navigating the healthcare system.

The cornerstone of healthcare access is, of course, the ability to reach medical facilities. In Kingsley, the primary mode of transportation is personal vehicle. The town itself is small, and navigating within it is generally straightforward. However, the nearest hospitals and specialized care centers are located outside the immediate vicinity, presenting potential transportation hurdles.

Driving is the most common means of transportation to access healthcare. The primary routes involve navigating the local roads and highways. From Kingsley, a trip to Endless Mountains Health Systems (EMHS) in Montrose, PA, the closest hospital, involves traveling on PA-167 South. The drive is approximately 15 miles and typically takes around 25-30 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions. This route is generally well-maintained, but winter weather can present challenges.

For specialized care, such as pulmonology or allergy services, patients may need to travel further. Scranton, PA, approximately 45 miles away, offers a wider array of medical specialists and hospitals, including Geisinger Community Medical Center and Moses Taylor Hospital. The most direct route to Scranton from Kingsley is generally via PA-171 South, connecting to I-81 North. The drive can take between one hour and 15 minutes to one hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic. This route involves a combination of highways and interstate travel, which can be subject to congestion, especially during peak hours.

For those without personal vehicles, public transportation options are limited in Kingsley. The Susquehanna County Transportation Authority (SCTA) provides some public transit services, but these are primarily focused on serving the needs of the elderly and individuals with disabilities. Public transportation may not provide the frequency or flexibility required for regular asthma care appointments. The SCTA does offer ADA-accessible vehicles, but these services require advance booking and may have limited routes and schedules.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their availability can be inconsistent. While these services might be accessible, their presence is not as reliable as in larger metropolitan areas. Ride-sharing fares can also be expensive, particularly for longer distances to Scranton or other medical centers. This can create a financial burden for those with limited incomes or those requiring frequent medical visits.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients, offer another option. Companies like MedTrans offer non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services can be booked in advance and provide door-to-door service. However, the cost of medical transportation can be substantial, potentially requiring prior authorization from insurance providers.

The challenges associated with transportation can significantly impact healthcare access. Individuals with asthma require regular check-ups, medication refills, and potentially emergency care. Delays in reaching medical facilities can exacerbate symptoms, leading to increased hospitalizations and a diminished quality of life. The lack of readily available public transportation and the reliance on personal vehicles place a burden on those without cars or those who are unable to drive.

For individuals considering moving to Kingsley with asthma, a thorough assessment of the transportation landscape is crucial. The potential resident must consider the distance to medical facilities, the availability of transportation options, and the associated costs. A pre-move visit to the area, including a trial run of potential routes to healthcare providers, is highly recommended.

Furthermore, prospective residents should research the availability of telemedicine services. Telehealth appointments can provide a valuable alternative to in-person visits, particularly for routine check-ups and medication management. Ensuring access to reliable internet connectivity is essential for utilizing telehealth services.

When evaluating the "Asthma Score" for Kingsley, several factors must be considered. The lack of robust public transportation, the reliance on personal vehicles, and the potential for long travel times to specialized care facilities all contribute to a lower score. However, the presence of ride-sharing services, medical transportation options, and the potential for telehealth appointments can partially mitigate these challenges.

In conclusion, while Kingsley offers a peaceful environment, the healthcare access landscape presents unique challenges for individuals with asthma. Careful planning, proactive assessment of transportation needs, and a reliance on a network of healthcare professionals are essential for ensuring effective asthma management. Moving to Kingsley requires a pragmatic approach to healthcare access, acknowledging the limitations and leveraging the available resources to create a sustainable plan for respiratory health. The key to success lies in understanding the transportation realities and proactively planning for the healthcare needs of the individual.