17723, Cammal, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 17723, Cammal, Pennsylvania is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

40.91 percent of residents in 17723 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.70 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Bucktail Medical Center with a distance of 15.15 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Cammal, PA (ZIP Code 17723)

The serenity of Cammal, Pennsylvania, nestled within the embrace of the Susquehanna River Valley, offers a unique allure. However, for those considering a move, particularly those with a family history or personal experience with breast cancer, a crucial element demands careful consideration: healthcare access. This analysis, a "Breast Cancer Score" for ZIP code 17723, delves into the realities of transportation and its impact on accessing vital breast cancer screening and treatment services. We’ll explore the challenges and opportunities, offering a comprehensive picture for informed decision-making.

The very fabric of healthcare access is woven with the threads of transportation. In Cammal, a rural community, the distance to specialized medical facilities becomes a significant factor. This is especially true for breast cancer care, which often necessitates frequent appointments for screenings, diagnostics, treatment, and follow-up care. Delays in accessing these services can have serious implications, impacting both treatment outcomes and overall quality of life.

The primary mode of transportation in this area is, unsurprisingly, the personal vehicle. The roads, however, present their own set of considerations. The drive to the nearest comprehensive breast cancer center in Williamsport, approximately 30 miles away, involves navigating a mix of state highways and local roads. Route 220 North, a major artery, will be the most direct route, offering a relatively smooth journey. However, traffic can be a factor, especially during peak commuting hours, potentially adding valuable minutes to the travel time.

The journey then continues on US-15 North, which takes you into Williamsport. This highway, while generally well-maintained, can experience congestion, particularly near the city limits. The final leg of the trip might involve navigating local roads to reach the specific medical facility. The total drive time, under ideal conditions, is estimated to be around 45 minutes to an hour. This duration can easily be extended by traffic, weather conditions, or unexpected road closures.

Public transportation options in this rural setting are extremely limited. The local transit authority, River Valley TransitValley Transit, operates a bus service within the Williamsport area, but it does not extend to Cammal. Therefore, relying on public transit for healthcare access in this ZIP code is essentially impossible. This lack of public transportation presents a significant barrier, particularly for individuals who do not own a vehicle, are unable to drive, or have mobility limitations. ADA-accessible options are non-existent in this scenario, further exacerbating the challenges for those with disabilities.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Williamsport, but their presence in Cammal is less certain. While these services might be accessible for trips to and from Williamsport, their reliability and availability in a rural area like Cammal cannot be guaranteed. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant financial burden, especially for frequent medical appointments. This further underscores the reliance on personal vehicles for healthcare access.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to assist patients with medical appointments, offer a potential solution. Several companies operate in the region, including specialized medical transport providers. These services typically provide door-to-door transportation, including assistance with mobility and other needs. However, the availability of these services in Cammal and their associated costs need to be carefully investigated.

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Cammal, therefore, reflects the challenges posed by limited transportation options. The reliance on personal vehicles, the potential for lengthy travel times, and the absence of reliable public transit create a situation where healthcare access is significantly influenced by mobility and financial resources. This score underscores the importance of considering the practical realities of accessing healthcare when contemplating a move to this community.

For those with breast cancer concerns, the proximity to specialized medical facilities is a critical factor. The drive time to Williamsport, while manageable, can become a significant burden with frequent appointments. The lack of alternative transportation options exacerbates the challenges, especially for those with limited mobility or financial constraints.

The availability of support services, such as patient navigation programs, can help mitigate some of these challenges. These programs often assist patients with coordinating transportation, scheduling appointments, and navigating the complexities of the healthcare system. However, the effectiveness of these programs depends on their accessibility and the resources available to them.

The decision to move to Cammal requires careful consideration of the implications for healthcare access. While the community offers a peaceful and scenic environment, the transportation limitations pose a significant challenge for those requiring regular medical care. This "Breast Cancer Score" serves as a crucial tool for individuals and families, providing a realistic assessment of the healthcare landscape and empowering them to make informed decisions.

Moving to Cammal, while appealing for its tranquility, demands a proactive approach to healthcare planning. Exploring the availability of medical transportation services, assessing the reliability of ride-sharing options, and understanding the potential costs associated with transportation are essential steps. This proactive planning ensures that healthcare access remains a manageable aspect of life in this beautiful, yet geographically isolated, community.

The "Breast Cancer Score" isn’t just about numbers; it's about understanding the lived experience of accessing healthcare. It's about recognizing the importance of transportation in ensuring timely access to vital screenings, treatments, and follow-up care. It's about empowering individuals to make informed choices, considering not just the beauty of the landscape but also the practical realities of navigating the healthcare system in ZIP code 17723.