17867, Rebuck, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 17867, Rebuck, Pennsylvania is 35 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

40.30 percent of residents in 17867 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 22.55 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Geisinger Medical Center with a distance of 18.09 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Rebuck, PA (ZIP Code 17867)

The diagnosis of breast cancer throws a wrench into life, demanding swift and reliable healthcare access. For residents of Rebuck, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17867), a rural community nestled in the heart of Northumberland County, the journey to comprehensive care presents unique challenges. This report assesses the 'Breast Cancer Score' for this area, considering the critical element of transportation, a vital link to treatment, support, and ultimately, survival.

The very fabric of healthcare access in Rebuck is interwoven with the limitations of its geographic isolation. The nearest hospitals equipped to handle breast cancer diagnosis and treatment are not within walking distance. This necessitates a reliance on various transportation modes, each with its own set of advantages and drawbacks. The score, therefore, is not merely a numerical value but a reflection of the realities of navigating the healthcare landscape for residents of this community.

**Drive Times and Roadways: The Asphalt Arteries**

The most common route to healthcare facilities involves personal vehicles. The primary roadways serving Rebuck are Pennsylvania Route 147 and Pennsylvania Route 225. These roads, while generally well-maintained, can experience delays due to seasonal weather conditions, particularly during winter months. The drive to the nearest major hospitals, such as Evangelical Community Hospital in Lewisburg or Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, typically ranges from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific destination.

Lewisburg, a town with a population of around 5,700, is approximately 25 miles from Rebuck. The drive along Route 147 and Route 45, then onto Route 15, is generally straightforward, but the potential for congestion near Lewisburg's commercial areas can add time to the commute. Danville, home to Geisinger Medical Center, is roughly 35 miles away, requiring travel on Route 225 and then Route 11. This route, while offering scenic views, can be subject to more traffic, particularly during peak hours.

Navigating these roadways is more than just a matter of distance; it is also a matter of personal capacity. A patient undergoing treatment may experience fatigue, nausea, or other side effects, making driving difficult or impossible. The availability of a reliable driver or the ability to afford alternative transportation becomes paramount.

**Public Transit: The Limited Options**

Public transportation options in Rebuck are extremely limited. The primary public transit provider for Northumberland County is the Northumberland County Transportation Authority (NCTA). However, NCTA's service area is not extensive, and its routes are designed to serve the more populated areas of the county.

While NCTA offers demand-response services, including door-to-door transportation, these services often require advance booking and are subject to availability. Furthermore, the frequency of these services may not align with the scheduling needs of breast cancer patients, who often require frequent appointments for chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and follow-up care.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant features, such as wheelchair accessibility, are available on NCTA vehicles. However, the limited scope of the service area and the potential for long wait times pose significant challenges for individuals with mobility limitations.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Rebuck area, but their availability can be inconsistent, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant barrier for some patients, particularly those on fixed incomes or facing financial hardship due to their illness.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), offer a more specialized option. These services are designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, but they can be costly and may require pre-authorization from insurance companies. The availability of these services can also be limited, particularly in rural areas.

**Medical Transport Brands:**

* **Geisinger Life Flight:** Offers air and ground medical transport, primarily for emergency situations.
* **Ambulance Services:** Several local ambulance services provide transport for emergency and non-emergency medical needs.
* **NEMT Providers:** Numerous companies offer non-emergency medical transportation, often contracted through insurance providers.

**The Impact on the Breast Cancer Score**

The Breast Cancer Score for Rebuck, Pennsylvania, is significantly impacted by the transportation challenges. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limitations of public transit, and the potential cost and availability issues associated with ride-sharing and medical transport all contribute to a lower score.

This score reflects the potential difficulties faced by breast cancer patients in accessing timely and convenient healthcare. The longer drive times, the limited public transit options, and the potential for transportation-related delays can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and potential disruptions in treatment schedules.

**Moving to Rebuck: A Consideration**

For individuals considering moving to Rebuck, Pennsylvania, the issue of healthcare access, and specifically transportation, must be a key factor in their decision. While the area offers a peaceful, rural lifestyle, the distance from major medical facilities and the limited transportation options present significant challenges for those requiring frequent medical care.

Prospective residents should carefully assess their healthcare needs, their ability to drive, and their financial resources to determine whether the transportation challenges are manageable. They should also research the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services in the area and consider the potential costs associated with these options.

**Conclusion: A Call for Improvement**

The Breast Cancer Score for Rebuck highlights the critical need for improved healthcare access in rural communities. This includes initiatives to enhance public transportation options, increase the availability of affordable ride-sharing services, and expand access to medical transport.

Furthermore, community-based programs that offer transportation assistance, such as volunteer driver programs or partnerships with local organizations, can play a vital role in bridging the transportation gap. By addressing these challenges, we can improve the quality of life for breast cancer patients in Rebuck and ensure that they have access to the care they need to fight this disease. The journey to recovery should not be burdened by the obstacles of transportation; instead, it should be supported by a network of accessible and reliable options, allowing patients to focus on what matters most: their health.