17862, Penns Creek, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 17862, Penns Creek, Pennsylvania is 11 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

77.30 percent of residents in 17862 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 26.21 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Geisinger Medical Center with a distance of 25.49 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Penns Creek, PA (ZIP Code 17862)**

Penns Creek, Pennsylvania, a charming rural community nestled in the heart of the Susquehanna Valley, offers a tranquil lifestyle. However, when considering healthcare access, particularly for a diagnosis as critical as breast cancer, the idyllic setting presents specific transportation challenges. This write-up, a “Breast Cancer Score” assessment, analyzes the practicalities of getting to and from crucial medical appointments, focusing on the available transportation options within and around ZIP Code 17862.

The ability to reach timely and consistent healthcare is paramount in managing breast cancer. Factors like treatment frequency, potential side effects, and the need for ongoing monitoring make reliable transportation a cornerstone of effective care. This analysis considers drive times, public transit availability, and alternative transportation solutions to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities for residents of Penns Creek.

**Drive Times and Road Networks**

The primary arteries serving Penns Creek are Pennsylvania Route 104 and Pennsylvania Route 235. These roads, while scenic, are predominantly two-lane highways, which can lead to slower travel times, particularly during peak hours or inclement weather. The nearest major medical centers are located in Selinsgrove, approximately 15 miles east, and Lewistown, about 30 miles southwest.

Reaching the Geisinger Medical Center in Selinsgrove, a significant healthcare provider, typically involves a 20- to 30-minute drive via PA-104 East. The journey to the UPMC Hospital in Lewistown, offering comprehensive cancer care, requires a 40- to 50-minute drive, primarily via PA-35 South. These drive times are estimates and can vary depending on traffic, weather conditions, and the specific destination within the medical complex.

The rural nature of the area means that access to specialized cancer centers further afield, such as those in Harrisburg or Hershey, necessitates longer travel times. These trips could easily exceed an hour, adding significant stress and logistical burdens to patients already dealing with the physical and emotional demands of treatment.

**Public Transportation Options**

Public transportation options in Penns Creek are limited. The Susquehanna Valley Transportation Authority (SVTA) provides bus service, but its routes and schedules are geared toward serving the larger towns and cities in the region. SVTA Route 104, for instance, might offer some connectivity, but its frequency and route coverage within ZIP Code 17862 may not be sufficient for regular medical appointments.

The availability of ADA-accessible buses is a crucial consideration for patients with mobility limitations. The SVTA does offer accessible vehicles, but the availability of these buses on specific routes and at specific times should be verified. Furthermore, the lack of extensive public transit necessitates careful planning and coordination, especially for those requiring multiple appointments or treatment sessions.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation Services**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Penns Creek area, though their availability can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in more remote locations. Relying on ride-sharing for frequent medical appointments requires advance planning and a degree of flexibility. Surge pricing, especially during peak hours or inclement weather, can also add to the financial burden.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by local ambulance companies or specialized medical transport providers, offer a more reliable option for patients who require assistance with mobility or have other medical needs. These services typically provide door-to-door transportation, including assistance with getting in and out of vehicles. However, these services often come at a higher cost than public transit or ride-sharing, and insurance coverage may vary.

**Medical Transportation Brands**

Several medical transportation brands operate in the region, including:

* **AmbuCare:** Provides non-emergency medical transportation.
* **Med-Ride:** Offers wheelchair-accessible transportation and other specialized services.
* **First Transit:** Operates accessible transportation services in the area.

**Healthcare Access and the Breast Cancer Score**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Penns Creek, based on this transportation analysis, reflects the challenges faced by residents needing to access timely and consistent breast cancer care. The score is affected by the drive times to medical centers, the limitations of public transit, and the reliance on ride-sharing or medical transportation services.

For a resident of Penns Creek, the journey to healthcare involves careful planning, potential financial burdens, and the need for a strong support system. The Breast Cancer Score should consider the availability of resources, the ability to secure reliable transportation, and the overall impact on the patient's well-being.

**Moving to Penns Creek and Healthcare Considerations**

Individuals considering moving to Penns Creek should carefully evaluate the healthcare access options. While the community offers a peaceful environment, the transportation limitations should be factored into the decision-making process, especially for those with pre-existing medical conditions or a family history of cancer.

Prospective residents should research the availability of local medical providers, assess the accessibility of transportation services, and explore the potential costs associated with healthcare access. Understanding the transportation landscape is essential for making an informed decision and ensuring that healthcare needs can be met effectively.

**Conclusion**

Navigating the healthcare landscape in Penns Creek, particularly for breast cancer patients, requires a proactive approach. While the community offers a desirable lifestyle, the transportation challenges necessitate careful planning, resourcefulness, and a strong support network. Addressing the limitations of transportation options is crucial for ensuring that residents have access to timely and effective breast cancer care. This "Breast Cancer Score" assessment underscores the importance of understanding the practical realities of healthcare access in Penns Creek, PA (ZIP Code 17862).