17727, Cedar Run, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 17727, Cedar Run, Pennsylvania is 16 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

33.33 percent of residents in 17727 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 20.31 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Upmc Wellsboro with a distance of 18.36 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Commute to Healthcare in Cedar Run, PA (ZIP Code 17727)**

The quiet beauty of Cedar Run, Pennsylvania, nestled in the heart of the Pine Creek Valley, offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. Yet, the serene landscape presents a unique challenge: healthcare access, particularly for specialized needs like breast cancer treatment. This analysis delves into the transportation landscape surrounding ZIP Code 17727, evaluating the accessibility of breast cancer healthcare facilities and assigning a "Breast Cancer Score" to reflect the ease or difficulty of reaching these vital services. This score will consider drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transportation services, providing a comprehensive picture for residents and those considering moving to Cedar Run.

The foundation of any healthcare access assessment is the ability to reach medical facilities. For residents of Cedar Run, this often means relying on personal vehicles. The primary route for accessing healthcare outside the immediate area involves traveling on PA-414, a winding road that connects Cedar Run to larger towns like Jersey Shore and Williamsport. This route, while scenic, can be slow-going, especially during peak travel times or inclement weather.

The journey to UPMC Williamsport, a major healthcare provider offering comprehensive cancer care, requires navigating PA-414 to US-220 North. The drive, under ideal conditions, is approximately 45 to 60 minutes. However, this timeframe can easily extend due to traffic, particularly near Williamsport, or seasonal road conditions. The drive to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, another prominent cancer care facility, is significantly longer, typically exceeding two hours via US-220 South and I-80 East. This extended travel time underscores the importance of considering transportation logistics when assessing healthcare access.

Public transit options in and around Cedar Run are limited. Lycoming County Transportation provides some service, but it is primarily demand-response, meaning rides must be scheduled in advance. This service, while offering a lifeline for some, may not be ideal for urgent needs or frequent appointments. Furthermore, the availability of wheelchair-accessible vehicles (ADA features) should be confirmed when booking. Public transit options are not a viable solution for patients with breast cancer.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Williamsport area, but their presence in Cedar Run itself is less certain. Availability can fluctuate based on driver availability and demand. Relying on ride-sharing for regular appointments or treatments could prove unreliable and costly. The cost of ride-sharing also adds to the overall expense of healthcare access, potentially creating a barrier for some patients.

Medical transportation services, designed specifically for patients with medical needs, offer a more specialized approach. Companies like Medical Transportation Management (MTM) and Logisticare provide non-emergency medical transportation, including rides to and from appointments. These services often cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring assistance. However, the availability and coverage of these services in Cedar Run should be verified, and the cost can be substantial, often requiring pre-authorization from insurance providers.

Evaluating the various transportation options reveals a complex picture of healthcare access in Cedar Run. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with limited public transit and the uncertainty of ride-sharing availability, creates a challenging landscape, especially for individuals facing the physical and emotional demands of breast cancer treatment. The extended drive times to major cancer centers further complicate the situation, potentially impacting treatment adherence and overall well-being.

Considering these factors, a "Breast Cancer Score" for Cedar Run (ZIP Code 17727) is assigned. The score reflects the following:

* **Drive Time:** The primary reliance on personal vehicles and the significant drive times to major cancer centers (45-60 minutes to Williamsport, over two hours to Danville) contribute to a lower score.
* **Public Transit:** The limited and demand-response nature of public transit significantly reduces the score.
* **Ride-Sharing:** The uncertain availability and potential cost of ride-sharing services impact the score negatively.
* **Medical Transportation:** While medical transportation services offer a specialized solution, their availability and cost must be considered.

**Breast Cancer Score: 6/10**

This score indicates that while healthcare access is available, it presents significant challenges. Residents of Cedar Run must carefully consider the transportation logistics involved in accessing breast cancer care. This includes planning for extended drive times, exploring medical transportation options, and potentially relying on family or friends for assistance.

For individuals considering moving to Cedar Run, this score highlights the importance of assessing their healthcare needs and transportation capabilities. Prospective residents should research the availability of cancer care facilities, explore medical transportation options, and factor in the potential costs and time commitment associated with accessing healthcare.

In conclusion, while Cedar Run offers a tranquil lifestyle, its location presents challenges regarding healthcare access, particularly for specialized needs like breast cancer treatment. The "Breast Cancer Score" reflects the complexities of transportation, highlighting the need for careful planning and consideration for residents and those contemplating a move to this beautiful but geographically isolated area. The need for effective transportation solutions is critical for ensuring timely access to life-saving care.