18451, Paupack, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 18451, Paupack, Pennsylvania is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

50.56 percent of residents in 18451 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.89 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wayne Memorial Hospital with a distance of 12.47 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in ZIP Code 18451

The journey to quality healthcare, particularly for a diagnosis as life-altering as breast cancer, demands more than just medical expertise. It necessitates a robust and reliable transportation infrastructure, especially in a region like ZIP Code 18451, encompassing the picturesque town of Paupack, Pennsylvania. This analysis, a “Breast Cancer Score” if you will, evaluates the accessibility of breast cancer-related healthcare services from this specific location, considering various transportation options and their associated challenges. For those contemplating moving to Paupack, understanding these nuances is paramount.

The primary consideration is, of course, the availability of specialized breast cancer care. This includes diagnostic imaging, surgical oncology, medical oncology (chemotherapy and immunotherapy), radiation oncology, and supportive services like physical therapy and counseling. The “Breast Cancer Score” factors in the proximity of these services, the ease of reaching them, and the overall burden of transportation on patients and their families.

**Driving Distances and Roadways:**

For residents of Paupack, the automobile reigns supreme as the primary mode of transportation. The most direct route to major healthcare centers typically involves navigating the roadways. The drive to Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton, a regional hub for specialized care, is approximately a 30- to 45-minute journey, depending on traffic and the specific location within Paupack. This trip primarily utilizes **Route 6**, a major east-west artery, and then **Interstate 81** to reach Scranton.

The drive to larger facilities like the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, while offering a broader range of specialized services, is a significantly longer commitment. This journey, spanning roughly 2 to 2.5 hours, necessitates utilizing **Interstate 84** east to **Interstate 380** south, then connecting to **Interstate 80** east before eventually merging onto **Interstate 476** (the Pennsylvania Turnpike) south. This extended travel time adds a layer of complexity, especially for patients undergoing frequent treatments or experiencing fatigue.

Smaller, more local hospitals and clinics, offering basic imaging and initial consultations, are available within a 15- to 20-minute drive, often accessible via **Route 507** or **Route 390**. However, these facilities may not offer the comprehensive services required for advanced breast cancer treatment.

**Public Transportation Challenges:**

Public transportation options in the Paupack area are limited, posing a significant challenge for individuals without access to a personal vehicle. The lack of a robust public transit system directly impacts healthcare access, especially for those unable to drive due to illness, age, or financial constraints.

The Lackawanna County Transportation Authority (LCTA) provides some bus service in the Scranton area, but its routes rarely extend into the more rural areas like Paupack. Even if a route were available, the potential for multiple transfers and lengthy travel times would likely make it impractical for cancer patients. Furthermore, the frequency of service, particularly on weekends and evenings, is often insufficient to accommodate the needs of patients requiring regular appointments.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance is crucial for any public transportation system. While the LCTA does offer some accessible vehicles, the overall lack of service in the Paupack area renders this feature largely irrelevant for residents seeking healthcare.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Scranton area, providing a potential alternative to personal vehicles. However, their reliability and affordability can be variable, especially in a rural setting. Surge pricing during peak hours or inclement weather could significantly increase the cost of transportation, placing an additional financial burden on patients.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more specialized solution. These services often provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel to assist patients. Several medical transport companies operate in the region, including MedStar Ambulance and Care Ride. However, the cost of these services can be substantial, and availability may be limited, requiring advance booking.

**The “Breast Cancer Score” in Context:**

The “Breast Cancer Score” for ZIP Code 18451 reflects a mixed picture. While the proximity to Scranton offers reasonable access to a range of services, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transportation options present significant challenges. The long travel times to Philadelphia, while offering access to cutting-edge care, can be particularly taxing for patients.

For individuals considering moving to Paupack, the “Breast Cancer Score” highlights the importance of careful planning. Assessing personal transportation capabilities, exploring the availability of ride-sharing services, and researching medical transportation options are crucial steps. Proximity to family or friends who can provide transportation support is also a significant factor.

The overall score is negatively impacted by the lack of robust public transit and the potential financial burden of ride-sharing or medical transportation. The score is somewhat offset by the relatively short drive to Scranton and the availability of local healthcare facilities for initial consultations and basic imaging.

**Conclusion:**

Navigating the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 18451, especially for breast cancer patients, requires a proactive approach to transportation. While the area offers access to a range of healthcare options, the limitations of public transportation and the reliance on personal vehicles necessitate careful planning and consideration. For those contemplating moving to Paupack, understanding these transportation challenges is crucial to ensuring timely access to quality care and minimizing the burden on patients and their families. The “Breast Cancer Score” serves as a reminder that healthcare access extends beyond the availability of medical professionals; it encompasses the ease and affordability of reaching those professionals when they are needed most.