17363, Stewartstown, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 17363, Stewartstown, Pennsylvania is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

29.54 percent of residents in 17363 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.78 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wellspan York Hospital with a distance of 14.32 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Stewartstown, PA (ZIP Code 17363)

Considering a move to the charming borough of Stewartstown, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17363)? Beyond the quaint streets and friendly faces, understanding healthcare access is paramount, especially concerning a critical illness like breast cancer. This analysis provides a "Breast Cancer Score," a holistic assessment of transportation options available to residents needing timely diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care. We'll delve into the practicalities of getting to vital appointments, considering drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services. This information is crucial for informed decision-making, ensuring potential residents can navigate the healthcare landscape effectively.

The "Breast Cancer Score" is not a numerical value but a narrative evaluation. It considers the multifaceted nature of healthcare access, acknowledging that factors beyond simple distance significantly impact a patient's experience. This includes the reliability and convenience of transportation options, the availability of specialized medical facilities, and the potential for logistical challenges. The goal is to provide a clear picture of the transportation landscape, empowering individuals to make informed choices about their healthcare needs.

**Driving to Healthcare: The Backbone of Access**

For residents of Stewartstown, personal vehicles are often the primary mode of transportation for healthcare appointments. The major roadways dictate travel times to various medical facilities. The primary artery is Pennsylvania Route 851, which connects Stewartstown to surrounding towns and cities. Heading east on Route 851, one can access facilities in Shrewsbury, a short drive away.

For more comprehensive care, residents often journey to York, a larger city with a greater concentration of medical specialists and hospitals. The most direct route to York involves taking Pennsylvania Route 851 east, merging onto Interstate 83 North. This route typically takes between 25 and 40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Interstate 83 offers a relatively smooth and efficient commute, but rush hour congestion can significantly extend travel times.

Another option is to use Route 851 to connect with Pennsylvania Route 24, which also leads to York. This route may offer alternative access points to medical facilities and could be less congested at certain times. However, it might involve navigating more local roads and traffic signals, potentially adding to the overall travel time.

Further afield, Baltimore, Maryland, offers a wide array of specialized medical centers. The journey to Baltimore involves taking Interstate 83 South. The drive typically takes between 1 hour and 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic. This option is valuable for accessing specialized care, such as advanced cancer treatment centers, but it requires careful consideration of the longer travel time.

**Public Transit: Limited but Present**

Public transportation options in Stewartstown are limited. The York County Transportation Authority (YCTA) provides some bus service in the area. However, routes directly serving Stewartstown are infrequent, and the system is primarily designed to connect to York.

Route 15 provides service to Shrewsbury, which is a short distance from Stewartstown. From Shrewsbury, connections to other YCTA routes might be possible, but the overall travel time to York could be significantly extended due to transfers and waiting times. The YCTA website provides detailed route information, including schedules and maps.

It is crucial to note the accessibility features of the YCTA buses. All YCTA buses are ADA-compliant, meaning they are equipped with features like ramps and lifts to accommodate passengers with disabilities. However, potential users should confirm specific route accessibility and schedule availability with the YCTA.

For individuals reliant on public transit, the limited service and potential for extended travel times pose a significant challenge. Planning appointments around bus schedules and factoring in potential delays is essential.

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

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Stewartstown area, providing an alternative to personal vehicles and public transit. These services offer on-demand transportation, potentially offering greater flexibility and convenience than the YCTA. However, ride-sharing availability and pricing can fluctuate depending on demand and time of day.

For individuals facing mobility challenges or requiring assistance, medical transportation services are a valuable resource. These services specialize in transporting patients to and from medical appointments. They often provide door-to-door service and can accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility aids.

Several medical transport companies operate in the York County area. These companies include, but are not limited to, First Transit, Medical Transportation Management (MTM), and local private providers. Researching and contacting these services in advance is crucial to understand their service areas, pricing, and availability.

Medical transport services are particularly important for individuals undergoing cancer treatment, as they may experience fatigue, weakness, or other side effects that make driving difficult or unsafe.

**Healthcare Facilities: The Destination Matters**

The availability of healthcare facilities within reasonable driving distance is a critical factor in the "Breast Cancer Score." While Stewartstown itself does not have a major hospital, residents have access to several hospitals and medical centers in the surrounding areas.

WellSpan York Hospital in York is a major healthcare provider offering a comprehensive range of medical services, including cancer care. UPMC Memorial Hospital in York is another option. Both hospitals offer oncology departments, diagnostic imaging services, and surgical facilities.

For specialized cancer treatment, such as radiation therapy or advanced surgical procedures, residents may need to travel to larger medical centers in Baltimore, Maryland. The Johns Hopkins Hospital and the University of Maryland Medical Center are renowned for their cancer care programs.

The proximity of these facilities, coupled with the available transportation options, directly impacts the "Breast Cancer Score." Shorter travel times and readily available transportation enhance the overall access to care, while longer distances and limited transportation options can create significant challenges.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Healthcare Landscape**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Stewartstown, PA (ZIP Code 17363) reflects a mixed picture. While personal vehicles offer the most convenient access to healthcare facilities, particularly in York, the limited public transit options and potential for long drives to specialized centers in Baltimore present challenges. Ride-sharing and medical transport services offer valuable alternatives, especially for individuals with mobility limitations or undergoing treatment.

Moving to Stewartstown requires careful consideration of these transportation factors. Prospective residents should assess their individual healthcare needs, including the frequency and type of appointments required. Researching the availability and cost of ride-sharing and medical transport services is essential. Planning for potential delays due to traffic or weather conditions is also prudent.

Ultimately, the "Breast Cancer Score" emphasizes the importance of proactive planning and informed decision-making. By understanding the transportation landscape and available healthcare resources, residents can navigate the healthcare system effectively and ensure timely access to the care they need. This includes considering the potential impact of transportation on the quality of life and the ability to adhere to treatment plans.