18505, Scranton, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 18505, Scranton, Pennsylvania is 72 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

80.86 percent of residents in 18505 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 1.39 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Geisinger-Community Medical Center with a distance of 1.12 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Scranton, PA (ZIP Code 18505)**

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a diagnosis as significant as breast cancer, demands more than just medical expertise. It necessitates seamless transportation, a crucial factor impacting a patient's ability to receive timely and consistent care. This analysis, focused on ZIP code 18505 in Scranton, Pennsylvania, delves into the transportation landscape, evaluating its impact on breast cancer patients and providing a "Breast Cancer Score" to assess healthcare access. The score considers drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing availability, offering a comprehensive view for those considering moving to Scranton or seeking care within the area.

ZIP code 18505, encompassing a significant portion of Scranton, presents a unique challenge. While a city, it still requires careful consideration of transportation options. The success of treatment often hinges on the patient's ability to get to appointments, chemotherapy sessions, and radiation treatments. This analysis will help you understand the practicality of healthcare access within this area.

**Drive Times: The Paved Pathways to Care**

For those relying on personal vehicles, the primary arteries for healthcare access are Interstate 81 (I-81) and the local roads that feed into it. The main hospitals and cancer centers, such as Geisinger Community Medical Center and Commonwealth Health Regional Hospital of Scranton, are accessible via these routes. From the heart of 18505, a drive to Geisinger, situated on the eastern edge of the city, usually takes about 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. The drive to Commonwealth Health Regional Hospital of Scranton, located more centrally, is often shorter, around 5-10 minutes.

However, traffic can be a significant variable. Rush hour, particularly on I-81, can extend drive times considerably. Accidents, weather conditions, and road construction can also create delays, potentially impacting a patient's schedule and causing unnecessary stress. Therefore, understanding the potential for delays is crucial when planning medical appointments.

**Public Transit: A Network of Routes**

The Lackawanna County Transportation Authority (LCTA) provides public transit services within Scranton. Several bus routes serve the 18505 ZIP code, offering a potential alternative to driving. Route 9, for example, frequently runs through the area and provides access to various healthcare facilities. Route 11 is another option, though its frequency may be limited.

The LCTA buses are designed with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, including wheelchair accessibility and audio announcements, which are crucial for patients with mobility limitations. However, the frequency of bus routes can be a concern. Waiting times between buses can be lengthy, and the routes may not directly serve all medical facilities, requiring transfers and increasing travel time.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Options for the Needy**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Scranton, providing another transportation option. These services offer on-demand transportation, which can be particularly helpful for patients who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle. The availability of these services can be variable, especially during peak hours or in less populated areas.

Medical transportation services, such as Care Ride, are also available. These specialized services cater to patients who need assistance getting to and from medical appointments. They often provide door-to-door service and can accommodate patients with mobility issues. However, these services may require advance booking and can be more expensive than public transit or ride-sharing.

**Breast Cancer Score: Assessing Healthcare Access**

The "Breast Cancer Score" is designed to provide a simplified assessment of healthcare access based on the factors discussed above. The score is based on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 representing the best access and 1 representing the worst.

* **Drive Time:** The average drive time to the nearest cancer center is a key factor. If the drive time is under 15 minutes, the score receives a boost. Longer drive times, especially during rush hour, will negatively impact the score.

* **Public Transit:** The availability, frequency, and accessibility of public transit routes are considered. Frequent routes with direct access to medical facilities will improve the score. Limited service or the need for multiple transfers will lower it.

* **Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:** The availability and reliability of ride-sharing services and medical transportation options also play a role. The more accessible and affordable these services are, the better the score.

* **Overall Accessibility:** The overall score considers the combined impact of all factors. It reflects the ease with which a patient can access necessary medical care.

**Scoring 18505**

Based on the analysis, the Breast Cancer Score for ZIP code 18505 is a **3 out of 5**.

* **Strengths:** Relatively short drive times to major hospitals and cancer centers. Ride-sharing services are available.
* **Weaknesses:** Reliance on personal vehicles can be a challenge for some patients. Public transit frequency can be limited. Traffic congestion can impact drive times. Medical transport can be costly.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Healthcare Landscape**

For individuals considering moving to Scranton or seeking breast cancer care within ZIP code 18505, understanding the transportation landscape is essential. While the area offers several options, including driving, public transit, and ride-sharing, each has its own limitations. The Breast Cancer Score provides a helpful framework for evaluating healthcare access, enabling patients to make informed decisions about their care. Planning ahead, considering all available transportation options, and being prepared for potential delays are crucial steps in ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey to healthcare.