17965, Port Carbon, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 17965, Port Carbon, Pennsylvania is 65 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

74.03 percent of residents in 17965 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 7.27 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Geisinger St. Luke's Hospital with a distance of 4.56 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Port Carbon (ZIP Code 17965)

The decision to move to a new town, especially when considering healthcare access, is a significant one. This analysis, focusing on Port Carbon, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17965), provides a "Breast Cancer Score," a composite assessment of transportation options and healthcare facilities relevant to breast cancer care. It aims to assist potential residents in understanding the ease of accessing vital medical services, particularly for those seeking relocation or considering healthcare needs.

Port Carbon, nestled in Schuylkill County, presents a unique landscape for healthcare access. The town's location, while offering a sense of community, also influences the transportation options available for medical appointments, making this a critical component of our score. The score considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services, all essential factors in determining the feasibility of receiving timely and consistent breast cancer care.

**Drive Time Dynamics: The Open Road to Care**

The primary artery for moving to Port Carbon and accessing healthcare is undoubtedly **Interstate 81**. Heading north on I-81 opens the door to facilities in Pottsville, a short drive away. Southbound on I-81, and you'll find yourself on the path to Reading and beyond, expanding the network of healthcare options. The drive to Pottsville, home to facilities like Geisinger St. Luke's Hospital, typically takes under 10 minutes, a significant advantage for urgent needs and routine appointments.

However, relying solely on I-81 presents potential challenges. Traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, can extend travel times, impacting the timely arrival for appointments. Alternative routes, such as **Route 209** and **Route 901**, offer options for navigating around potential bottlenecks. Route 209, while scenic, can be slower due to its winding nature and traffic lights, while Route 901 provides a more direct, albeit less traveled, path to Pottsville.

For those seeking specialized care, the drive to larger medical centers in Reading, approximately an hour away via I-78, or even Philadelphia, around two hours away, becomes a consideration. These longer distances necessitate careful planning, accounting for traffic, weather conditions, and the need for comfortable transportation.

**Public Transit: A Limited Footprint**

Public transportation in Port Carbon is limited, a significant factor influencing our Breast Cancer Score. The Schuylkill Transportation System (STS) provides bus service within the county, but routes and schedules may not directly serve all healthcare facilities or offer convenient access for all residents. While STS buses are equipped with ADA accessibility features, including ramps and designated seating, the frequency of service and the coverage area require careful evaluation.

The absence of a robust public transportation network highlights the importance of alternative transportation options, especially for individuals who cannot drive or prefer not to. This constraint underscores the need for residents to explore other means of accessing healthcare.

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

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft operate in the area, offering a potential solution for transportation. However, availability can fluctuate depending on demand and driver density. Booking rides in advance, especially for early morning appointments or late-night discharges, is highly recommended. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a factor, particularly for frequent appointments or longer distances.

Medical transportation services, such as non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), provide specialized assistance for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring medical assistance during transport. These services typically require pre-booking and may involve specific eligibility criteria. Several NEMT providers serve Schuylkill County, offering options for transporting patients to and from medical appointments, including those related to breast cancer care.

**The Breast Cancer Score: A Composite View**

Calculating the Breast Cancer Score involves weighing the factors discussed above. Drive times to healthcare facilities, the availability and reliability of public transit, the accessibility of ride-sharing services, and the presence of medical transport options are all considered. The score also incorporates the proximity of radiation therapy centers, chemotherapy facilities, and breast cancer specialists.

A higher score indicates greater ease of access to breast cancer care, reflecting shorter drive times, a more robust public transit system, and readily available ride-sharing and medical transport options. A lower score suggests potential challenges, requiring residents to carefully plan transportation and consider the impact of travel time on their care.

**Moving to Port Carbon: A Healthcare Perspective**

For those contemplating a move to Port Carbon, the Breast Cancer Score provides a critical lens for evaluating healthcare access. While the town offers a close-knit community and a more relaxed pace of life, the limited public transportation and reliance on personal vehicles or ride-sharing necessitate careful consideration.

Individuals with breast cancer or at high risk should thoroughly research the availability of healthcare services, including specialists, diagnostic imaging, and treatment options, within a reasonable driving distance. Planning for appointments, accounting for traffic, and exploring all transportation options are crucial for ensuring timely and consistent care.

The Breast Cancer Score is not just a number; it's a guide to understanding the realities of healthcare access in Port Carbon. It empowers potential residents to make informed decisions, ensuring they can receive the care they need while adapting to the unique transportation landscape of their new community. Careful planning, proactive research, and a willingness to explore all available transportation options are essential for navigating the healthcare system in Port Carbon successfully. The goal is to ensure that the commute to healthcare does not become a barrier to receiving the best possible care.