18464, Tafton, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 18464, Tafton, Pennsylvania is 34 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

61.74 percent of residents in 18464 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 20.37 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wayne Memorial Hospital with a distance of 12.42 miles from the area.

The gentle slopes and serene lakes of Tafton, Pennsylvania, nestled in ZIP Code 18464, offer a tranquil escape. However, the idyllic setting demands careful consideration of a critical aspect of life: healthcare access, particularly for those concerned about breast cancer. This Breast Cancer Score analysis examines the transportation landscape, evaluating how readily residents can access essential medical services, a crucial factor for anyone considering moving to Tafton.

Our focus centers on transportation options, the lifeblood connecting individuals to vital healthcare resources. The availability and efficiency of these modes directly impact the quality of life and the potential for early detection and treatment of breast cancer. Delving into drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, we’ll uncover the realities of navigating the healthcare system from this Pocono Mountain haven.

Drive times are the initial hurdle. The primary thoroughfare, Route 6, winds through the area, offering a scenic but sometimes slow passage. For a mammogram or consultation, the closest major healthcare facility, Wayne Memorial Hospital in Honesdale, is approximately a 20- to 30-minute drive, depending on traffic. This drive often utilizes Route 6, and the secondary route, Route 590, can offer an alternative, albeit with similar timeframes.

Further afield, the Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton presents a more comprehensive suite of services, including specialized cancer care. This journey, predominantly via Interstate 84 East, stretches to about an hour. Interstate 84, a vital artery, often experiences congestion during peak hours, potentially extending travel times. The ability to navigate these routes efficiently becomes paramount.

Public transportation presents a different challenge. The lack of a robust public transit system in this rural area significantly impacts healthcare access. There are no direct bus routes serving Tafton with any frequency. This absence leaves individuals reliant on personal vehicles, ride-sharing, or medical transport, highlighting the limitations of public transportation in this specific context.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a potential solution, yet their availability can be inconsistent. Demand fluctuates, particularly in a less densely populated area, and wait times can vary. While they provide a degree of flexibility, the cost can quickly accumulate, especially for frequent appointments or treatments. The reliance on these services, therefore, requires careful financial planning.

Medical transport services fill a critical gap, particularly for individuals with mobility limitations or those lacking personal transportation. Several providers operate in the region, including ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation companies. These services offer door-to-door assistance, ensuring patients reach their appointments safely. However, availability and scheduling constraints are factors to consider, and the costs can be substantial.

The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features on any public transit that may exist are critical. Unfortunately, in this area, the absence of public transit renders this point moot. However, any ride-sharing service or medical transport must adhere to ADA regulations, providing accessible vehicles and assistance as needed.

The journey to healthcare, specifically for breast cancer concerns, is a multifaceted one in Tafton. The reliance on personal vehicles underscores the importance of vehicle maintenance and reliable transportation. The limited public transit options and the variable nature of ride-sharing necessitate careful planning and a proactive approach to scheduling appointments.

The Breast Cancer Score for Tafton, Pennsylvania, ZIP Code 18464, reflects the challenges presented by the transportation landscape. While the drive times to nearby hospitals are reasonable, the lack of public transit and the reliance on ride-sharing and medical transport introduce complexities.

For individuals considering moving to Tafton, this analysis underscores the importance of assessing their transportation needs and their ability to navigate the healthcare system. The availability of personal transportation, the financial implications of ride-sharing or medical transport, and the potential need for assistance all play a crucial role.

Early detection and timely treatment are paramount in breast cancer care. The transportation infrastructure directly impacts the ability to access screenings, consultations, and treatments. The Breast Cancer Score, therefore, serves as a crucial tool for understanding the realities of healthcare access in this community.

The serene beauty of Tafton should not overshadow the practical considerations of healthcare. This analysis highlights the need for a well-defined transportation strategy, ensuring that residents can readily access the medical services they require. The Breast Cancer Score, in this context, becomes a vital measure of healthcare access, informing decisions and promoting proactive planning for those seeking the tranquility of this Pocono Mountain haven.