18625, Lake Winola, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 18625, Lake Winola, Pennsylvania is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

77.61 percent of residents in 18625 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.23 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Lehigh Valley Hospital - Dickson City with a distance of 11.96 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 18625

The journey to quality healthcare, particularly for critical conditions like breast cancer, is more than just a medical appointment. It's a complex equation influenced by transportation, accessibility, and the availability of specialized care. For residents of ZIP code 18625, encompassing the serene beauty of Lake Winola, this equation takes on a unique character. This write-up will explore the "Breast Cancer Score" for this area, considering the transportation landscape that dictates healthcare access, especially for those facing the challenges of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.

The Breast Cancer Score isn't a formal metric, but rather a holistic assessment of the ease with which individuals in 18625 can access breast cancer-related healthcare services. It considers factors like drive times to diagnostic facilities, the availability of public transit, the presence of ride-sharing options, and the potential for medical transport. This score is particularly relevant for those considering moving to Lake Winola, offering a critical perspective on their healthcare options.

For residents of 18625, the primary mode of transportation is undoubtedly the personal vehicle. The major arteries connecting the area to healthcare facilities are Pennsylvania Route 309 and US Route 6. Driving to the nearest hospitals and cancer centers will significantly impact the Breast Cancer Score.

Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Plains Township, a regional healthcare hub, is approximately a 20-30 minute drive via PA-309. This facility offers comprehensive cancer care, including diagnostic imaging, surgical oncology, and radiation therapy. The drive time can fluctuate depending on traffic, particularly during peak commuting hours.

Another key destination is the Commonwealth Health Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, reachable in about 30-40 minutes via US-6 and PA-309. This hospital offers a range of cancer services, including chemotherapy and supportive care. The potential for delays due to traffic, especially during rush hour, must be factored into the Breast Cancer Score.

These drive times, while manageable, are crucial for patients undergoing treatment. Frequent appointments for chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or follow-up consultations can place a significant burden on patients and their families. The Breast Cancer Score reflects this reality, acknowledging that longer travel times can negatively impact the patient experience.

Public transportation options in 18625 are limited, which poses a challenge for those without access to a personal vehicle. The Luzerne County Transportation Authority (LCTA) provides bus services, but routes serving 18625 are infrequent and may not directly connect to major healthcare facilities.

For instance, a patient might need to take a bus on route 17, which travels along PA-309, and then transfer to another route to reach a hospital. This multi-leg journey can be time-consuming and stressful, especially for individuals experiencing fatigue or other side effects from treatment. The Breast Cancer Score recognizes this limitation, highlighting the need for alternative transportation solutions.

ADA accessibility is a critical consideration for public transit. LCTA buses are equipped with features to accommodate passengers with disabilities, but the availability of accessible routes and the ease of transfers can vary. The Breast Cancer Score considers the challenges faced by individuals with mobility limitations, acknowledging the importance of accessible transportation options.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a more convenient alternative to public transit. However, the availability of these services in 18625 can be variable. Ride-sharing apps may be readily accessible during peak hours, but availability could be limited during off-peak times or in more remote areas.

The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, particularly for frequent appointments. The Breast Cancer Score takes into account the financial implications of relying on ride-sharing, recognizing that transportation costs can add to the overall burden of cancer care.

Medical transport services provide a specialized solution for patients who require assistance with transportation. Companies like MedTrans and American Medical Response (AMR) offer non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and stretcher services. These services are essential for patients who are unable to drive or use public transit due to their medical condition.

The Breast Cancer Score considers the availability and cost of medical transport services, recognizing their crucial role in ensuring access to care for vulnerable patients. However, these services can be expensive, and their availability may be limited, particularly in rural areas.

The Breast Cancer Score for 18625 is not simply a number; it's a reflection of the realities of healthcare access in a specific geographical area. The drive times to hospitals and cancer centers, the limitations of public transit, the variable availability of ride-sharing, and the cost of medical transport all contribute to this score.

For those considering moving to Lake Winola, this score is essential. It provides a realistic assessment of the transportation challenges that might be encountered when seeking breast cancer-related healthcare. It underscores the importance of planning for transportation needs, whether through personal vehicles, ride-sharing, or medical transport services.

Ultimately, the Breast Cancer Score for 18625 highlights the need for a multi-faceted approach to healthcare access. This includes supporting public transit improvements, promoting ride-sharing options, and ensuring the availability of affordable medical transport services. It also emphasizes the importance of community support and resources for patients and their families, helping them navigate the complexities of healthcare and ensuring they receive the care they need.