18701, Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 18701, Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

81.47 percent of residents in 18701 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 2.54 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wilkes-Barre General Hospital with a distance of 1.28 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 18701

The journey to healthcare, particularly for those facing the complexities of breast cancer, is more than a medical appointment; it's a logistical undertaking. This analysis, focusing on ZIP code 18701 (Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania), examines the accessibility of breast cancer care, considering the vital component of transportation. Understanding the transportation landscape is crucial for residents, especially those newly **moving to Wilkes-Barre**, seeking optimal **healthcare access**. We will delve into drive times, public transit, ride-sharing options, and medical transport services, ultimately providing a "Breast Cancer Score" reflecting the ease or difficulty of accessing essential care.

Wilkes-Barre, nestled in the Wyoming Valley, presents a unique transportation challenge. The city's layout, coupled with the surrounding terrain, influences travel times and options. For those diagnosed with or at risk of breast cancer, timely access to screening, diagnosis, and treatment is paramount. This analysis considers the key facilities offering these services, focusing on their proximity to 18701 and the various transportation modalities available.

**Drive Times: The Asphalt Arteries**

Driving remains a primary mode of transportation in the region. The most direct route to several key healthcare providers from 18701 involves navigating the roadways. Accessing Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, a major regional healthcare hub, typically involves a drive of approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. The primary thoroughfare, **Interstate 81**, offers a relatively swift north-south connection, but congestion during peak hours can extend travel times.

Another vital facility, Commonwealth Health Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, is a shorter drive, usually around 5-10 minutes. Access is primarily via **South Main Street** and **North Street**. Again, traffic flow is a critical factor. These roads, while direct, can experience delays during rush hour.

Further afield, specialized cancer centers or treatment facilities may require longer drives. The distance to facilities in Scranton or Allentown, for example, could involve a drive of an hour or more, utilizing **Interstate 81** or the **Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-476)**, respectively. This increased travel time underscores the importance of considering the patient's physical condition, appointment schedules, and the potential for fatigue.

**Public Transit: Navigating the Network**

Public transportation, while available, presents limitations in Wilkes-Barre. The Luzerne County Transportation Authority (LCTA) provides bus service throughout the area. Several routes serve the 18701 ZIP code, offering connections to various medical facilities. However, the frequency of these routes can be limited, especially during evenings and weekends.

The LCTA operates a network of bus routes, with specific numbers serving key areas. For example, Route 9 connects Wilkes-Barre to Kingston and Plymouth, potentially providing access to medical offices and clinics along the way. Route 18 serves the downtown area, offering connections to the main hospital and medical centers.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a critical factor. The LCTA strives to provide accessible services, with buses equipped with ramps or lifts for wheelchair users. However, the overall coverage and frequency of service may still pose challenges for individuals with mobility limitations or those undergoing treatment that may affect their physical stamina. Planning and coordinating transportation in advance is essential.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: On-Demand Solutions**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Wilkes-Barre. These services offer a convenient, on-demand option for transportation to medical appointments. The availability of drivers and the cost of rides can vary depending on the time of day and demand. For individuals with limited mobility or those unable to drive, ride-sharing provides a valuable alternative.

Medical transportation services cater specifically to patients needing assistance with transportation. These services often provide door-to-door service, including assistance with boarding and disembarking. Several companies operate in the Wilkes-Barre area, including private medical transport providers. These services can be particularly helpful for patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy, where fatigue and physical limitations are common.

**Medical Transport Brands:**

* **Care Ride:** Offers non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
* **Valley Transportation:** Provides transportation services for medical appointments, dialysis, and other healthcare needs.
* **Ambu-Ride:** Offers non-emergency medical transportation.

**The Breast Cancer Score: A Holistic Assessment**

Creating a "Breast Cancer Score" requires a holistic assessment. It considers drive times, public transit accessibility, ride-sharing availability, and the presence of medical transportation services. Factors such as the frequency of bus routes, the cost of ride-sharing, and the availability of medical transport providers all contribute to the overall score.

For 18701, the score would likely reflect a mixed picture. The proximity of major hospitals offers a relatively favorable element. However, the limitations of public transit, the potential for traffic delays, and the reliance on personal vehicles or ride-sharing services for many residents can create challenges. The availability of medical transportation services provides a crucial safety net for those with mobility limitations or undergoing treatment.

**Moving to Wilkes-Barre:**

For those **moving to Wilkes-Barre**, understanding the **transportation** landscape is crucial. Prioritizing proximity to healthcare facilities, assessing public transit options, and investigating ride-sharing and medical transport services should be part of the relocation planning. This proactive approach ensures that individuals have reliable access to the care they need.

**Healthcare Access:**

**Healthcare access** is a multifaceted issue. While Wilkes-Barre offers a range of medical facilities, the ease with which residents can reach these facilities is a critical determinant of their overall health outcomes. The Breast Cancer Score, therefore, serves as a valuable tool for evaluating the accessibility of care and identifying areas for improvement.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Path to Care**

The journey through breast cancer treatment is complex. The transportation element, though often overlooked, plays a vital role. In 18701, the Breast Cancer Score reflects a landscape where driving is the primary mode, public transit offers limited options, and ride-sharing and medical transport provide crucial support. By understanding these factors, residents can better navigate the path to care, ensuring timely access to the essential services they need. This understanding is especially important for those **moving to Wilkes-Barre** and needing to assess their **healthcare access** options.