18472, Waymart, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 18472, Waymart, Pennsylvania is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

56.85 percent of residents in 18472 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.20 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wayne Memorial Hospital with a distance of 7.59 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Waymart, PA (ZIP Code 18472)**

The quest for timely and accessible breast cancer care is a journey, a complex navigation of appointments, treatments, and the emotional weight of diagnosis. For residents of Waymart, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18472), this journey is shaped by the unique landscape of Northeastern Pennsylvania, demanding a careful consideration of transportation options and healthcare access. This analysis provides a “Breast Cancer Score,” a composite evaluation of the ease with which individuals can access breast cancer-related healthcare within and around Waymart. It considers the crucial elements of transportation, from personal vehicles to public transit, and the availability of medical facilities.

Waymart, nestled in Wayne County, is a rural community. The primary mode of transportation is the personal vehicle. The major thoroughfares influencing healthcare access are Pennsylvania Route 296, which runs directly through Waymart, and Pennsylvania Route 6, a vital east-west artery connecting to larger towns. Interstate 84, though not immediately accessible, offers a connection to Scranton and other regional hubs. Drive times are crucial, especially when prompt medical attention is required.

A drive to the nearest comprehensive cancer center, Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton, typically takes around 45 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic. The route involves navigating Pennsylvania Route 6 and then merging onto Interstate 84. This drive time becomes a significant factor, especially during peak hours or adverse weather conditions. The journey to other regional healthcare facilities, such as Moses Taylor Hospital in Scranton or Wayne Memorial Hospital in Honesdale, will also factor into the score.

Public transportation options are limited in Waymart. The Lackawanna County Transit System (LCTS) does not directly serve Waymart. This lack of public transportation presents a considerable barrier for individuals without access to a personal vehicle. Those reliant on public transit face a challenging situation, potentially requiring multiple transfers and extended travel times to reach medical appointments. The absence of readily available public transit significantly impacts the “Breast Cancer Score.”

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, though their availability can be variable, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Securing a ride-share for a medical appointment requires advance planning and can be costly. Medical transportation services, such as those provided by local ambulance companies or specialized non-emergency medical transport providers, offer a more reliable option for those unable to drive. However, these services also come with associated costs and require pre-booking.

The availability of specialized medical transportation services is a positive factor, but the overall lack of public transit and the reliance on personal vehicles contribute to a lower “Breast Cancer Score.” The score reflects the challenges faced by individuals in Waymart when accessing breast cancer-related healthcare.

The “Breast Cancer Score” also evaluates the availability of healthcare facilities offering breast cancer services. The proximity to hospitals and clinics with diagnostic imaging, surgical oncology, radiation therapy, and medical oncology services is crucial. Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton offers a comprehensive range of breast cancer services, including screening, diagnosis, treatment, and support services. The presence of these comprehensive services is a significant advantage for residents of Waymart.

Wayne Memorial Hospital in Honesdale also provides certain breast cancer services. However, the scope of services may be less extensive than those offered at the larger cancer centers in Scranton. The availability of these facilities, combined with the transportation challenges, shapes the overall healthcare access landscape for breast cancer patients in Waymart.

The “Breast Cancer Score” considers the potential impact of these factors on patient outcomes. Timely access to screening, diagnosis, and treatment is critical for successful breast cancer management. Delays in accessing care can negatively affect patient outcomes. The score, therefore, reflects the potential for delays due to transportation challenges and the limited availability of public transit.

For individuals considering moving to Waymart, the “Breast Cancer Score” is an essential consideration. It highlights the importance of assessing transportation options and healthcare access before making a relocation decision. Potential residents should carefully evaluate their ability to access healthcare facilities, considering their reliance on personal vehicles, the availability of ride-sharing services, and the potential need for medical transportation.

The score is not just a number; it is a reflection of the lived experience of individuals navigating breast cancer care in Waymart. It acknowledges the emotional and physical toll of the disease and the added burden of transportation challenges. The score underscores the importance of community support, patient advocacy, and the need for ongoing efforts to improve healthcare access in rural areas.

The “Breast Cancer Score” for Waymart, PA (ZIP Code 18472) is a complex evaluation. The score is influenced by the reliance on personal vehicles, the absence of robust public transit, and the drive times to regional healthcare facilities. While specialized medical transportation services and the availability of comprehensive cancer centers in nearby Scranton offer some advantages, the overall transportation challenges contribute to a lower score.

This score is not a definitive judgment, but a tool for understanding the realities of healthcare access in Waymart. It emphasizes the need for individuals to proactively plan for their healthcare needs, considering their transportation options and the availability of medical services. For potential residents, the score serves as a reminder to carefully assess their healthcare access before making a move. It highlights the importance of community resources, patient advocacy, and the ongoing pursuit of improved healthcare access for all.