17235, Marion, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 17235, Marion, Pennsylvania is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

86.75 percent of residents in 17235 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.75 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wellspan Chambersburg Hospital with a distance of 5.80 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in ZIP Code 17235

The insidious tendrils of breast cancer touch countless lives, demanding timely and accessible healthcare. Assessing the ease with which residents of ZIP Code 17235 can reach critical services is paramount. This analysis, a "Breast Cancer Score," delves into the intricate web of **transportation** options, evaluating their efficiency and availability to determine the feasibility of **healthcare access** for those facing this challenging diagnosis.

The geographical heart of this analysis is Marion, Pennsylvania, a community nestled within the 17235 ZIP code. Considering **moving to Marion**? Understanding the healthcare landscape, particularly the pathways to breast cancer care, becomes a vital consideration. This score illuminates the practical realities of reaching essential medical appointments, from initial screenings to complex treatments.

**Driving the Distance: Highways and Byways**

For many, the automobile remains the primary mode of **transportation**. The success of this option hinges on the proximity of healthcare facilities and the efficiency of the road network. From the center of Marion, the primary route to Chambersburg Hospital, a key provider of breast cancer services, is via US Route 30 East. The drive typically takes 10 to 15 minutes, a relatively manageable timeframe.

However, peak traffic hours on Route 30, particularly during the morning and evening commutes, can significantly extend travel times. Accidents, while unpredictable, can further disrupt this crucial artery. Alternative routes, such as taking a combination of local roads like Mont Alto Road and Scotland Avenue, offer potential detours, but their narrow lanes and stop-and-go traffic can prove less efficient.

Another critical facility is the Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center in Camp Hill, a more distant but comprehensive option. Reaching this location necessitates a drive of approximately 45 to 60 minutes, primarily utilizing Interstate 81 North. While the interstate offers higher speeds, potential traffic congestion around Harrisburg, especially during rush hour, can create significant delays.

Further afield, the Hershey Medical Center, renowned for its cancer care, presents a drive of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes via I-81 North and the Pennsylvania Turnpike. This journey, while potentially offering access to specialized care, underscores the potential burden of extended travel for frequent appointments.

**Public Transit: A Limited Landscape**

Public **transportation** options within the 17235 ZIP code are limited, posing a significant challenge to **healthcare access**. The primary provider, rabbittransit, offers bus routes, but their coverage in Marion and surrounding areas is sparse.

Route 75, the closest route to Marion, provides service along Route 30, potentially offering a connection to Chambersburg. However, the frequency of this route is limited, with buses running primarily during peak commuting hours. The schedules may not align with the demanding schedules of medical appointments.

The availability of ADA-accessible buses is crucial for individuals with mobility limitations. rabbittransit does offer accessible vehicles, but their availability on specific routes and at specific times should be verified to ensure reliable access. The need to navigate bus schedules, potential transfers, and the distance from bus stops to medical facilities adds layers of complexity to this mode of **transportation**.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gap**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a more flexible **transportation** option, particularly for those without personal vehicles. However, their availability in rural areas like Marion can be variable. Surge pricing, common during peak demand, could also pose a financial burden for frequent medical appointments.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed for patients, offer a specialized solution. Companies like Medical Transportation Management (MTM) and Logisticare provide non-emergency medical **transportation**, often covered by insurance. These services can offer door-to-door service, including assistance with mobility, which is invaluable for patients undergoing treatment. However, availability and scheduling requirements should be carefully investigated.

**Assessing the Score: A Multifaceted Approach**

The Breast Cancer Score for ZIP Code 17235 is not a single number but a composite assessment. It considers several factors: the proximity of healthcare facilities, the efficiency of the road network, the availability and reliability of public **transportation**, the accessibility of ride-sharing services, and the presence of specialized medical **transportation** options.

The score also weighs the potential for delays due to traffic, weather conditions, and the individual needs of patients. The availability of support services, such as patient navigators who can assist with **transportation** arrangements, further influences the overall score.

The score is not static; it can fluctuate based on infrastructure improvements, changes in service availability, and the evolving needs of the community. The goal is to provide a clear and actionable assessment of the challenges and opportunities related to **healthcare access** for individuals facing breast cancer in Marion and its surrounding areas.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Journey**

The Breast Cancer Score for ZIP Code 17235 reveals a mixed landscape. While the proximity of Chambersburg Hospital offers a relatively accessible option for some, the limitations of public **transportation** and the potential for lengthy drives to more specialized facilities pose significant challenges.

For individuals considering **moving to Marion**, or already residing there, a thorough understanding of these **transportation** realities is essential. Utilizing a combination of personal vehicles, ride-sharing services, and medical **transportation** options, while navigating the limitations of public transit, is often necessary to ensure timely access to critical breast cancer care. Ongoing efforts to improve public transit, expand ride-sharing availability, and promote patient navigation services are crucial to enhance the Breast Cancer Score and improve **healthcare access** for all residents.