17846, Millville, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 17846, Millville, Pennsylvania is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

67.66 percent of residents in 17846 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.85 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Geisinger-Bloomsburg Hospital with a distance of 9.20 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Millville, PA (ZIP Code 17846)**

The journey to healthcare, particularly for critical needs like breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, becomes a significant factor when considering where to live. This analysis explores the landscape of transportation options available to residents of Millville, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17846), assessing their impact on breast cancer healthcare access. We'll delve into drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, providing a comprehensive picture for informed decision-making, especially for those contemplating moving to Millville.

Millville, a charming community nestled in Columbia County, offers a serene lifestyle. However, its relative remoteness presents challenges regarding healthcare access. Understanding the transportation infrastructure is crucial for anyone needing specialized medical services. This assessment aims to illuminate the realities of navigating healthcare in this area, focusing on the specific needs of individuals potentially facing a breast cancer diagnosis.

**Drive Times: The Paved Path to Care**

For many Millville residents, the car remains the primary mode of transportation. The drive times to healthcare facilities are heavily influenced by the local road network. The most direct route to larger hospitals and specialized cancer centers often involves navigating the major arteries.

To access Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, a prominent healthcare provider, residents typically travel via **PA-42 South** and then connect to **I-80 East** or **US-11 South**. The distance is roughly 25 miles, and the drive time, under normal traffic conditions, is approximately 30-45 minutes. This travel time is crucial, especially for urgent appointments or treatments.

Another important destination is UPMC Susquehanna in Williamsport. The journey involves taking **PA-42 North** and then connecting to **US-220 North**. This route covers approximately 40 miles, with a drive time of about 50 minutes to an hour. These times are estimates, and traffic, weather, and road construction can significantly affect them.

The availability of parking at these facilities is also a consideration. While most hospitals offer parking garages or lots, the cost and convenience can vary. Furthermore, individuals undergoing treatment may experience fatigue or mobility issues, making parking accessibility a critical factor.

**Public Transit: A Limited Network**

Public transportation options in Millville and the surrounding areas are limited. Columbia County, like many rural regions, lacks a robust public transit system. This poses a significant challenge for individuals who do not drive or cannot drive due to medical conditions.

The primary public transit provider in the area is the **Columbia County Transportation Authority (CCTA)**. The CCTA offers a demand-response service, meaning rides must be scheduled in advance. This service is typically used for trips within the county, including medical appointments. However, the availability of rides is subject to scheduling constraints and may not always be convenient.

The CCTA does provide ADA-accessible vehicles, ensuring individuals with disabilities can access transportation. However, the limited service area and the need for advance booking can still create barriers to healthcare access. For those needing frequent treatments or appointments, relying solely on public transit can be challenging.

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

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Millville area, but their availability can be inconsistent. The presence of these services is often dependent on driver availability, which can fluctuate depending on the time of day and demand. Relying on ride-sharing for critical medical appointments requires careful planning and may involve longer wait times.

Medical transport services offer a more specialized option for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring assistance during travel. Several companies operate in the region, providing non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT). These services typically involve a wheelchair-accessible vehicle and trained personnel to assist patients.

**Medical Transport Brands**

Several brands offer these crucial services. **First Transit** and **LogistiCare** are prominent providers, offering transportation to and from medical appointments. These services often require pre-authorization and may be covered by insurance, but the process can sometimes be complex.

**Assessing the Breast Cancer Score**

When evaluating healthcare access in Millville, several factors must be considered. The drive times to hospitals and cancer centers are moderate, but the reliance on personal vehicles can be a significant hurdle for those without access to a car. The limited public transit options further exacerbate this challenge.

Ride-sharing services offer a potential alternative, but their reliability is questionable. Medical transport services provide a vital lifeline for individuals with mobility limitations, but the availability and insurance coverage can vary.

For individuals considering moving to Millville, the Breast Cancer Score would be influenced by these factors. The score would reflect the relative ease or difficulty of accessing timely and convenient breast cancer healthcare. It would take into account the drive times, the limitations of public transit, and the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services.

**Conclusion: A Call for Enhanced Access**

The transportation landscape in Millville presents both opportunities and challenges for individuals seeking breast cancer healthcare. While drive times to major medical centers are manageable, the limited public transit options and the variable availability of ride-sharing services can create barriers.

For residents and those considering moving to Millville, a proactive approach is essential. This includes understanding the available transportation options, planning appointments in advance, and exploring medical transport services if needed.

Improving healthcare access in Millville requires a multi-faceted approach. Expanding public transit options, increasing the availability of ride-sharing services, and streamlining the medical transport process would significantly benefit residents. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their transportation limitations, can access the timely and comprehensive breast cancer care they deserve.