18629, Mehoopany, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 18629, Mehoopany, Pennsylvania is 16 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

66.24 percent of residents in 18629 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 25.96 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wilkes-Barre General Hospital with a distance of 25.00 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Mehoopany, PA (ZIP Code 18629)

The prospect of a breast cancer diagnosis casts a long shadow, and the journey to healing often begins with navigating the complexities of healthcare access. For residents of Mehoopany, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18629), a rural community nestled in the heart of Wyoming County, this journey presents unique challenges. This report, a “Breast Cancer Score” analysis, examines the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access, focusing on the crucial element of timely and reliable transportation to medical appointments. This is especially critical when considering the stresses of cancer treatment.

Mehoopany’s location, while picturesque, significantly impacts healthcare access. The nearest comprehensive medical facilities equipped to handle breast cancer diagnosis and treatment are situated in surrounding towns and cities. This necessitates reliance on various transportation options, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The “Breast Cancer Score” will evaluate these options, considering drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation options. The goal is to provide a clear picture of the logistical hurdles faced by residents seeking breast cancer care.

**Drive Times and Roadways: The Asphalt Arteries of Care**

For many Mehoopany residents, personal vehicles remain the primary mode of transportation. The drive to the nearest medical facilities is a critical factor. The primary route to access healthcare involves traversing the scenic but often winding roads of Wyoming County. Route 6, a major east-west artery, provides the most direct path to larger towns like Tunkhannock, where some primary care physicians and limited medical services are available. The drive on Route 6 is generally manageable, but can be affected by weather conditions, especially during winter months.

For specialized care, such as mammograms, biopsies, or chemotherapy, patients typically need to travel further afield. The drive to Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Plains Township, a major regional healthcare provider, involves a drive of approximately 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic and route selection. This journey typically involves Route 6 East to Interstate 81 South. Interstate 81 offers high-speed travel, but can be prone to congestion during peak hours.

Another option, particularly for those seeking care at hospitals in Scranton, involves a drive of roughly 60-75 minutes. This route typically includes Route 6 East to Interstate 81 North. The drive time is influenced by traffic, road conditions, and the specific location of the medical facility within Scranton. This extended travel time can be particularly challenging for patients undergoing treatment, who may experience fatigue, nausea, and other side effects.

**Public Transit: A Limited Lifeline**

Public transportation options in Mehoopany and the surrounding areas are limited. The lack of robust public transit presents a significant barrier to healthcare access for those who do not own a vehicle or are unable to drive. Wyoming County does have a small public transit system, but its routes and schedules are designed primarily for local travel and may not offer convenient or direct access to major medical centers.

The availability of ADA-accessible public transit is crucial for patients with mobility limitations. While the county's public transit system strives to provide ADA-compliant services, the limited frequency of routes and potential for long wait times can pose significant challenges. Patients relying on public transit may need to factor in significant travel time, potentially adding hours to their appointments and increasing the overall burden of their treatment.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the region, but their presence in Mehoopany is less consistent than in more densely populated areas. Availability can be unpredictable, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, particularly for frequent appointments.

Medical transportation services offer a more specialized option for patients needing assistance. These services typically provide door-to-door transportation, often with trained personnel to assist patients with mobility issues. Several medical transportation companies operate in the region, including MedExpress Transportation and American Medical Response. However, these services can be expensive, and their availability may be limited, requiring advance booking and potentially adding to the stress of scheduling appointments.

**Assessing the "Breast Cancer Score": A Multifaceted Approach**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Mehoopany (ZIP Code 18629) would incorporate several key factors. Drive times to major medical facilities, availability and reliability of public transit, the accessibility and affordability of ride-sharing services, and the cost and availability of medical transportation options would be carefully evaluated. The score would also consider the impact of these transportation challenges on patients' overall well-being, including their ability to attend appointments, access support services, and maintain a sense of normalcy during treatment.

**The Importance of Healthcare Access: Moving to Mehoopany**

For individuals considering moving to Mehoopany, or for those already residing there, understanding the challenges of healthcare access is paramount. The "Breast Cancer Score" serves as a critical tool for assessing the logistical realities of seeking breast cancer care in this rural community. It highlights the need for careful planning, resourcefulness, and a proactive approach to ensure timely and reliable transportation to medical appointments. The score also underscores the importance of advocating for improved transportation options and healthcare access for all residents, particularly those facing the challenges of a breast cancer diagnosis.

The "Breast Cancer Score" isn't just a number; it's a reflection of the community's commitment to supporting its residents through the most difficult of times. It’s a reminder that the journey to healing is a complex one, and that access to care is a fundamental right, regardless of location. The score will illuminate the need for continued efforts to improve transportation options, ensuring that all residents of Mehoopany have the opportunity to receive the timely and effective care they deserve.