17120, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 17120, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania is 60 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

0.00 percent of residents in 17120 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 1.54 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Upmc Pinnacle Hospitals with a distance of 0.78 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in ZIP Code 17120

Relocating to a new city, especially when considering healthcare needs, demands thorough investigation. This assessment focuses on breast cancer care accessibility within ZIP Code 17120, a critical factor for anyone *moving to Harrisburg* or residing in the area. We'll examine *transportation* options, from car travel to public transit, and evaluate their impact on *healthcare access*, particularly for those seeking breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. This analysis provides a "Breast Cancer Score," a subjective assessment reflecting the ease of reaching essential medical services.

The central element of this score is drive time. Residents of 17120 have a good foundation for healthcare access, as several major medical facilities are within reasonable driving distance. Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center, located at 503 North 21st Street, is a primary destination for many. From the heart of 17120, a drive to Holy Spirit typically takes between 10 and 15 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The journey involves navigating city streets, including 21st Street, and potentially crossing the busy I-83 corridor.

Uptown Harrisburg's UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg Hospital, at 111 South Front Street, is another crucial option. Accessing it involves a slightly longer drive, usually 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the starting point within 17120. This route often utilizes the I-83 South, or the more scenic, but potentially slower, Front Street. Traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, can significantly impact these drive times.

Beyond these primary hospitals, specialized breast cancer centers and imaging facilities are also important. The Breast Care Center at UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg, for example, offers comprehensive services. Reaching this center involves a similar drive time as the main hospital, making it readily accessible for residents of 17120. The proximity of these facilities contributes positively to the Breast Cancer Score.

Public *transportation* options in Harrisburg offer a degree of connectivity, but their effectiveness for medical appointments requires careful consideration. The Capital Area Transit (CAT) system provides bus service throughout the city and surrounding areas. Several bus routes serve the 17120 ZIP Code, including routes 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. These routes connect to major hospitals and medical centers, offering an alternative to driving.

However, the frequency and travel times of CAT buses can be a drawback. Waiting times can be significant, and the overall journey time is often considerably longer than driving. For example, a bus trip to Holy Spirit Medical Center might take 30 to 45 minutes, including walking time to and from bus stops. While CAT strives to be ADA-compliant, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities, the physical demands of navigating bus stops and transfers can be challenging.

The availability of ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, adds another layer to the *transportation* landscape. These services offer on-demand *transportation*, potentially reducing travel times compared to public transit. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a barrier for some individuals, particularly for frequent medical appointments. Availability can also fluctuate, especially during peak hours or in less populated areas.

Medical *transportation* services, specifically designed for patients with mobility challenges or other needs, are available. These services often provide door-to-door *transportation* and may offer assistance with getting in and out of vehicles. Companies such as Med-Trans and Access Transportation Services are common in the Harrisburg area. While these services can be invaluable, they often require pre-booking and may have associated costs.

The "Breast Cancer Score" considers the ease of access to essential medical services, taking into account drive times, public *transportation* options, and ride-sharing and medical *transportation* services. The score is not a numerical value but a qualitative assessment.

The relatively short drive times to major hospitals and specialized centers contribute positively to the score. Residents of 17120 can typically reach critical healthcare facilities within a reasonable timeframe. The presence of public *transportation*, while less convenient than driving, provides an alternative for those who do not have access to a car. Ride-sharing and medical *transportation* services further enhance *healthcare access*, particularly for those with specific needs.

However, the score is tempered by the potential for traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, and the limitations of public transit, including longer travel times and potential accessibility challenges. The cost of ride-sharing and medical *transportation* services can also be a factor.

Overall, the Breast Cancer Score for 17120 is moderately favorable. The area offers good *healthcare access* due to the proximity of major medical facilities. While the *transportation* options are not perfect, they provide a reasonable level of connectivity. For individuals *moving to Harrisburg* and concerned about breast cancer care, 17120 offers a good starting point, with the caveat that careful consideration of individual *transportation* needs is crucial.

The final recommendation is that anyone considering a move to 17120 should thoroughly research specific healthcare providers, assess their individual *transportation* needs, and weigh the pros and cons of each option to ensure they can comfortably and efficiently access the care they require. This proactive approach will contribute to a positive experience with *healthcare access* in the Harrisburg area.