17301, Abbottstown, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 17301, Abbottstown, Pennsylvania is 69 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

68.52 percent of residents in 17301 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.89 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Upmc Hanover with a distance of 5.66 miles from the area.

The information provided in this response is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.

**Breast Cancer Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 17301 (Abbottstown, PA)**

Assessing healthcare access, particularly for a disease like breast cancer, involves more than just proximity to a hospital. It's a complex equation of available resources, transportation options, and the ability of an individual to navigate the system. In ZIP Code 17301, a rural community nestled in south-central Pennsylvania, this equation presents unique challenges and opportunities. Our "Breast Cancer Score" for this area will consider these factors, focusing on the crucial element of *transportation* and its impact on *healthcare access*.

The primary consideration is the location of comprehensive breast cancer care facilities. In the immediate vicinity of Abbottstown, specialized oncology services are limited. Residents needing advanced diagnostics, surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy must travel to larger medical centers. This necessitates a careful examination of *transportation* options.

**Drive Times and Roadways**

The most common mode of *transportation* in this area is the personal vehicle. The major roadways influencing access to breast cancer care are crucial. Traveling east, a drive of approximately 15-20 miles on **US Route 30** leads to York, Pennsylvania. York Hospital, a major regional healthcare provider, offers a comprehensive breast care program. This drive typically takes 25-40 minutes, depending on traffic. The ease of this commute is important, especially for frequent appointments.

Heading west, **US Route 30** provides access to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, approximately 15 miles away. While Gettysburg Hospital offers some cancer services, it does not have the same breadth of specialized breast cancer care as York Hospital. The drive time is comparable to York, around 25-40 minutes.

Northward, **Pennsylvania Route 94** offers a route to Hanover, Pennsylvania, roughly 10 miles away. Hanover Hospital, while smaller than York Hospital, provides some breast cancer services, including screening and diagnosis. The drive time is generally shorter, around 15-25 minutes. However, the range of specialized care may be more limited.

These drive times are estimates and can fluctuate significantly, particularly during peak traffic hours. Residents of Abbottstown should factor in potential delays when scheduling appointments. The condition of the roads, including weather-related hazards, also plays a role.

**Public Transit Challenges**

Public *transportation* options in ZIP Code 17301 are extremely limited. The York County Transportation Authority (YCTA) provides bus service, but it is primarily focused on the York area and offers minimal service to Abbottstown. The available routes, if any, are infrequent and may not directly connect to medical facilities.

The lack of robust public *transportation* poses a significant barrier to *healthcare access* for those who do not have access to a personal vehicle, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources. This is a critical consideration when evaluating the overall "Breast Cancer Score."

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area, but their reliability and cost can vary. Availability might be limited, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of frequent ride-share trips to medical appointments can quickly become a financial burden.

Medical *transportation* services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are another option. Several companies operate in the region, offering wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained drivers. These services can be more expensive than ride-sharing but may provide a more reliable and comfortable option, particularly for patients undergoing treatment. However, the availability of these services and their coverage by insurance plans must be carefully investigated.

**ADA Accessibility Considerations**

For individuals with disabilities, the accessibility of *transportation* is paramount. Public *transportation* options, if available, must adhere to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, ensuring accessibility for individuals using wheelchairs or other mobility devices. When considering ride-sharing or medical *transportation*, it is crucial to confirm the availability of ADA-compliant vehicles.

**Impact on the "Breast Cancer Score"**

The combination of limited public *transportation*, variable ride-sharing availability, and the need for travel to access comprehensive breast cancer care significantly impacts the "Breast Cancer Score" for ZIP Code 17301. The score reflects the challenges faced by residents in accessing timely and convenient medical care.

The score is also influenced by the distance to specialized facilities, the potential for traffic delays, and the financial implications of *transportation* costs. Residents must carefully plan their appointments, considering travel time, parking availability, and the potential need for assistance.

**Moving to Abbottstown: Healthcare Access Considerations**

For individuals considering *moving to Abbottstown*, the availability of *healthcare access* should be a key factor in their decision-making process. While the area offers a peaceful, rural setting, the lack of immediate access to comprehensive breast cancer care requires careful consideration. Prospective residents should research the *transportation* options available to them, including the availability of personal vehicles, the potential for ride-sharing services, and the costs associated with medical *transportation*.

They should also investigate the availability of support services, such as patient navigators, who can assist with coordinating appointments and *transportation*. Understanding the complexities of *transportation* and *healthcare access* is essential for ensuring that residents can receive the care they need.

**Conclusion**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for ZIP Code 17301 highlights the importance of *transportation* in *healthcare access*. While the area offers a pleasant living environment, the limitations in *transportation* options, particularly public transit, create significant challenges for residents needing breast cancer care. The score emphasizes the need for careful planning, the consideration of various *transportation* methods, and the importance of exploring available resources to ensure timely and convenient access to medical services. This is a crucial consideration for anyone living in or *moving to Abbottstown*.