17070, New Cumberland, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 17070, New Cumberland, Pennsylvania is 75 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

79.04 percent of residents in 17070 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 4.05 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Upmc Pinnacle Hospitals with a distance of 2.99 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 17070

The quaint borough of New Cumberland, Pennsylvania, nestled along the Susquehanna River, offers a charming residential experience within the 17070 ZIP code. However, for individuals facing a breast cancer diagnosis, the idyllic setting must be weighed against the realities of healthcare access. This analysis, a "Breast Cancer Score" for 17070, delves into the complexities of transportation and its impact on timely and effective treatment. It considers drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing availability, crucial factors influencing a patient's journey through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.

The cornerstone of this score is **transportation**. The ability to reach medical appointments, chemotherapy sessions, radiation therapy, and follow-up care is paramount. Delays or difficulties in getting to these critical appointments can significantly impact a patient's health outcomes and quality of life. This score, therefore, assesses the ease and efficiency of transportation options available to residents of 17070, aiming to provide a realistic picture of healthcare access.

**Driving the Healthcare Landscape:**

For many residents, the primary mode of transportation is the personal vehicle. The proximity of major roadways is a mixed blessing. The Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76) provides relatively rapid access to healthcare facilities in Harrisburg and Hershey, but toll costs and potential traffic congestion can add to the financial and emotional burden of treatment.

Reaching UPMC Harrisburg Hospital, a major regional healthcare provider, involves navigating the local road network. From New Cumberland, the drive typically utilizes the Carlisle Pike (US-11/15), a busy commercial artery, and then transitions onto I-83 South. The drive, depending on traffic, can range from 15 to 30 minutes. During peak hours, this commute can become considerably longer, potentially causing undue stress for patients already grappling with the challenges of breast cancer.

Hershey Medical Center, renowned for its comprehensive cancer care, is accessible via the Harrisburg Expressway (I-83) North, connecting to the Hershey exit. The drive, approximately 20 to 40 minutes, offers a more scenic route but can also be affected by traffic, especially during rush hour.

Furthermore, smaller, specialized clinics and imaging centers are scattered throughout the region. Accessing these facilities often involves utilizing local roads like Market Street, Bridge Street, and 17th Street. Careful planning and awareness of traffic patterns are essential for ensuring timely arrival at appointments.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public transportation in the 17070 area is limited, presenting a significant challenge for those without personal vehicles or who are unable to drive. The Capital Area Transit (CAT) system serves the greater Harrisburg area, but its routes and frequency may not adequately meet the needs of breast cancer patients.

Route 10, a key CAT bus route, travels along the Carlisle Pike (US-11/15), offering a potential connection to some medical facilities. However, this route may not directly serve all hospitals or clinics, and the wait times between buses can be considerable.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a crucial consideration. CAT buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and ramps, ensuring access for individuals with mobility impairments. However, the limited route coverage and potential for long travel times can still pose challenges for patients undergoing treatment.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the 17070 area, providing an alternative to driving or public transit. These services offer on-demand transportation, potentially reducing the stress of navigating traffic and parking. However, the cost of ride-sharing can quickly accumulate, particularly for frequent appointments. Furthermore, the availability of drivers, especially during off-peak hours, cannot be guaranteed.

Medical transportation services specifically cater to patients needing assistance getting to and from medical appointments. These services often provide door-to-door transportation, including assistance with mobility and luggage. Companies like American Medical Response (AMR) and local private transportation providers offer these services. While convenient, medical transportation can be expensive and may require advance booking.

**The Impact on Healthcare Access:**

The availability and efficiency of transportation directly impact healthcare access for breast cancer patients in 17070. Long travel times, unreliable public transit, and the cost of ride-sharing can create significant barriers to care. These challenges can lead to missed appointments, delayed treatment, and increased stress for patients.

For individuals considering **moving to New Cumberland**, this "Breast Cancer Score" provides essential insights. The proximity to healthcare facilities is a crucial factor, but the accessibility of those facilities through various transportation options is equally important. A patient's ability to manage their appointments and treatment regimen is deeply intertwined with their ability to get to those appointments.

**Recommendations and Considerations:**

To improve the "Breast Cancer Score" for 17070, several strategies are recommended. Expanding the CAT bus routes and increasing the frequency of service, particularly along key medical corridors, would significantly improve healthcare access. Partnering with ride-sharing companies to offer subsidized transportation for cancer patients could also alleviate the financial burden.

Furthermore, promoting awareness of medical transportation services and providing information about financial assistance programs for transportation costs can empower patients. Encouraging the development of telehealth services, where appropriate, could reduce the need for in-person appointments.

**Conclusion:**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for 17070 highlights the complexities of healthcare access, particularly the critical role of transportation. While the area offers proximity to quality medical facilities, the limitations of public transit and the cost of ride-sharing pose challenges for patients. By addressing these transportation barriers through strategic improvements and supportive programs, the community can enhance healthcare access and improve the quality of life for individuals facing breast cancer. This assessment is a starting point, a call to action for community leaders, healthcare providers, and residents to work together to ensure that all individuals in 17070 have equitable access to the care they need.