17094, Thompsontown, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 17094, Thompsontown, Pennsylvania is 27 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

51.38 percent of residents in 17094 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 22.33 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital with a distance of 17.53 miles from the area.

Here's a draft of the "Breast Cancer Score" write-up for ZIP code 17094, designed to meet your specifications:

**Breast Cancer Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Thompsontown (ZIP Code 17094)**

Considering a move to Thompsontown, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17094)? Beyond the quaint charm and rural landscape, a crucial factor in your decision-making should be healthcare access, particularly for a disease as prevalent as breast cancer. This "Breast Cancer Score" evaluates the ease of transportation to essential medical facilities offering breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment within a reasonable distance. It considers drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing availability, all critical components of healthcare access.

Thompsontown, nestled in Juniata County, presents unique transportation challenges. The area is predominantly rural, with limited public transportation options. Therefore, personal vehicle transportation is the primary mode for accessing healthcare. This analysis focuses on the drive times to hospitals and clinics in the surrounding areas, understanding that timely access to care is paramount in breast cancer treatment.

The primary artery for accessing healthcare from Thompsontown is Route 322, a major east-west highway. Driving east on Route 322 provides access to Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital, a significant healthcare provider approximately 15 miles away. The drive, typically taking around 20-25 minutes under normal traffic conditions, is a relatively straightforward journey. However, weather conditions, particularly during winter months, can significantly impact travel times, potentially extending the commute.

Further afield, the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, a comprehensive facility offering advanced cancer care, is accessible via Route 322 and then Route 322/Interstate 81 South. This trip involves a drive of approximately 50-60 miles, translating to a drive time of about an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes. While a longer commute, the Hershey Medical Center provides specialized cancer treatment options and access to clinical trials, potentially offering crucial advantages for some patients.

Public transit options in Thompsontown are limited. Juniata County does not have a robust public transportation system. Therefore, relying on public transit for healthcare access is difficult. This lack of public transit significantly impacts the "Breast Cancer Score," as it restricts options for individuals who do not drive or cannot drive.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, operate in the area, though availability may vary. Securing a ride, especially during off-peak hours or for longer distances, might prove challenging. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, particularly for frequent appointments. The reliability of ride-sharing services is another concern, as delays or cancellations could disrupt critical healthcare appointments.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for transporting patients to medical appointments, are available in the region. Companies like Medical Transportation Management (MTM) and LogistiCare offer non-emergency medical transportation. These services often require pre-booking and may have specific eligibility requirements. While these services can be invaluable for those without personal transportation, their availability and coverage in Thompsontown should be carefully investigated.

The "Breast Cancer Score" considers these factors to provide a comprehensive assessment of healthcare access. The score is not a single number but a qualitative evaluation. The score is a function of drive times, the presence or absence of public transit, and the availability and reliability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services.

For individuals with breast cancer or those at high risk, the "Breast Cancer Score" in Thompsontown reflects the challenges of rural healthcare access. The reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transit options necessitate careful planning and consideration. The longer drive times to specialized cancer centers, like the Hershey Medical Center, require additional planning.

The availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services offers some support, but their reliability and cost need careful assessment. The score also considers the impact of weather conditions on travel times, particularly during winter.

Moving to Thompsontown requires a thorough evaluation of these transportation factors. While the area offers a peaceful lifestyle, the distance to healthcare facilities must be factored into the decision-making process. The "Breast Cancer Score" aims to provide a realistic picture of healthcare access, allowing potential residents to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

The drive to Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital, while relatively short, is still a factor. The longer drive to the Hershey Medical Center presents a greater challenge. The lack of public transit further compounds the challenges.

Therefore, the "Breast Cancer Score" for Thompsontown (ZIP code 17094) is moderate. While access to basic healthcare is available, the reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the potential for longer travel times to specialized cancer centers create challenges. Individuals considering a move to Thompsontown, especially those with existing breast cancer diagnoses or a high risk of developing the disease, should carefully assess their transportation needs and plan for potential travel delays.

The "Breast Cancer Score" emphasizes the importance of proactive planning. Establishing relationships with local medical providers, understanding the availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services, and preparing for potential travel disruptions are crucial steps in ensuring adequate healthcare access.

In conclusion, the "Breast Cancer Score" for Thompsontown reflects the realities of rural healthcare access. While the community offers a desirable lifestyle, the transportation challenges necessitate careful consideration. Prospective residents should weigh the benefits of rural living against the potential limitations of healthcare access, ensuring they can effectively manage their healthcare needs. The "Breast Cancer Score" serves as a guide, encouraging a thorough evaluation of transportation options and a proactive approach to healthcare planning.