17250, Rouzerville, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 17250, Rouzerville, Pennsylvania is 74 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

48.00 percent of residents in 17250 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.72 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wellspan Waynesboro Hospital with a distance of 2.60 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Rouzerville (ZIP Code 17250)

The quiet charm of Rouzerville, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17250), offers a respite from the hustle and bustle. But for residents facing a breast cancer diagnosis, the idyllic setting presents a unique challenge: navigating the complexities of **healthcare access**. This write-up, a "Breast Cancer Score" for the area, will explore the **transportation** landscape, assessing the ease with which individuals can reach vital medical services, from initial screenings to ongoing treatment and support. Considering the potential impact of a diagnosis, understanding these factors becomes paramount, especially for anyone **moving to Rouzerville**.

The cornerstone of this assessment revolves around the time and effort required to reach comprehensive breast cancer care. This includes access to mammography screening, diagnostic imaging (ultrasounds, MRIs), surgical oncology, radiation therapy, medical oncology (chemotherapy, immunotherapy), and supportive services like physical therapy, counseling, and support groups. The availability of these services within a reasonable travel distance significantly impacts a patient's ability to receive timely and effective care.

**Driving the Route to Care:**

For most Rouzerville residents, personal vehicles represent the primary mode of **transportation**. The nearest comprehensive breast cancer centers are located in Hagerstown, Maryland, and Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Driving times fluctuate based on traffic, weather conditions, and the specific destination.

Traveling to Hagerstown, Maryland, often involves navigating a combination of roads. A typical route might begin on PA-16 East, a winding road that connects Rouzerville to the more significant arteries. This road then intersects with I-81 South, a major north-south interstate. The drive to Meritus Medical Center in Hagerstown, a facility offering comprehensive cancer care, is approximately 20-30 minutes, covering roughly 15-20 miles. The journey is generally straightforward, but commuters should be mindful of rush hour congestion on I-81.

Alternatively, residents may opt to travel to Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, for care. This trip typically involves PA-16 West, leading to US-30 West, a busy commercial corridor. The drive to Chambersburg Hospital, which offers a range of cancer services, takes approximately 25-35 minutes, covering around 18-25 miles. This route, while slightly longer, provides an alternative option, especially if traffic on I-81 is heavy.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public **transportation** options in Rouzerville and the surrounding areas are limited. The primary provider is the Rabbittransit, which operates a network of bus routes throughout Franklin County. However, these routes are infrequent and may not directly serve medical facilities.

Rabbittransit offers a demand-response service called "Shared Ride," which can be booked in advance for trips within Franklin County. This service is designed for individuals with disabilities and those with limited mobility. While it can be used for medical appointments, it requires careful planning and scheduling, potentially adding significant travel time. The availability of ADA-accessible vehicles is crucial for individuals with physical limitations. However, the lack of frequent service and the need for pre-booking make public transit a less-than-ideal option for many patients undergoing treatment.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Rouzerville area. However, their availability and cost can vary. Patients may experience difficulty securing a ride, especially during off-peak hours or for appointments requiring early morning or late evening travel. The expense of ride-sharing can also become a significant burden, particularly for those undergoing multiple treatments or appointments.

Medical **transportation** services, specializing in non-emergency medical transport, offer a more specialized solution. These services typically provide door-to-door service, often with trained personnel to assist patients. Companies like MedStar and American Medical Response operate in the region. While these services provide a valuable option, they can be costly and may require prior authorization from insurance providers.

**The Score: A Composite Assessment:**

Evaluating the **healthcare access** landscape in Rouzerville for breast cancer patients requires considering the strengths and weaknesses of each **transportation** option. The Breast Cancer Score for ZIP Code 17250 is therefore a composite assessment, incorporating factors like drive times, public transit accessibility, ride-share availability, and the cost and availability of medical **transportation**.

The score is influenced by the relative ease of driving to nearby hospitals, the limitations of public transit, and the potential financial and logistical challenges of ride-sharing and medical **transportation**.

For individuals **moving to Rouzerville**, this score serves as a crucial factor in their decision-making process. It highlights the need for careful planning, particularly for those who may not have access to a personal vehicle or who face mobility challenges.

**Factors Influencing the Score:**

* **Proximity to Cancer Centers:** The relatively short driving distances to Hagerstown and Chambersburg provide a solid foundation.
* **Limited Public Transit:** The lack of readily available and frequent public transit significantly impacts the score.
* **Ride-Share Variability:** The unpredictable availability and cost of ride-sharing services introduce uncertainty.
* **Medical Transportation Costs:** The expense of medical **transportation** services can be a significant barrier.
* **Support Services:** The availability of support groups and counseling services in the area impacts the overall score.

**Recommendations for Improvement:**

To improve the Breast Cancer Score for Rouzerville, several initiatives could be implemented. These include:

* **Advocating for Increased Public Transit:** Working with Rabbittransit to expand service, particularly routes that directly serve medical facilities.
* **Promoting Ride-Share Partnerships:** Exploring partnerships between healthcare providers and ride-sharing services to offer discounted rates or subsidized rides.
* **Expanding Medical Transportation Options:** Increasing the availability of affordable and accessible medical **transportation** services.
* **Community Outreach:** Educating residents about available resources and **transportation** options.

**Conclusion:**

The Breast Cancer Score for Rouzerville (ZIP Code 17250) reflects a mixed landscape. While the relatively short driving distances to cancer centers offer a positive aspect, the limited public transit options and the potential challenges associated with ride-sharing and medical **transportation** present significant hurdles. For anyone considering **moving to Rouzerville**, or for current residents, a clear understanding of these **healthcare access** challenges is essential. By addressing these issues, the community can improve the quality of life for those facing a breast cancer diagnosis, ensuring they receive timely and comprehensive care.