18837, Rome, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 18837, Rome, Pennsylvania is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

54.64 percent of residents in 18837 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.91 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Robert Packer Hospital with a distance of 12.21 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Rome, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18837)**

The quaint borough of Rome, Pennsylvania, nestled in Bradford County, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities when it comes to healthcare access, particularly for individuals facing a breast cancer diagnosis. This analysis, framed as a "Breast Cancer Score," delves into the transportation landscape within and around ZIP code 18837, evaluating the ease with which residents can reach essential medical services. The aim is to provide a clear picture of the resources available, considering drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing possibilities, and medical transport services.

The score reflects the critical link between accessible transportation and timely healthcare, a vital factor in successful breast cancer treatment and overall well-being. Understanding these complexities is crucial for residents, potential newcomers considering moving to Rome, and healthcare providers seeking to optimize their outreach.

**The Road Ahead: Drive Times and Highway Navigation**

For many residents of Rome, the automobile remains the primary mode of transportation. The town's relative isolation necessitates reliance on personal vehicles for most errands, including medical appointments. The most direct route to larger medical centers involves navigating the network of highways and local roads.

The nearest major medical facilities, including hospitals and specialized cancer centers, are located in cities like Sayre, Towanda, and Elmira, New York. These destinations are accessible via several key roadways. Route 187, a primary artery, connects Rome to the north and south, serving as a crucial link to Route 220. Route 220 then provides access to Sayre, a drive of approximately 15 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic. This route offers a relatively straightforward journey, though winter weather conditions can pose challenges.

Traveling to Towanda, the county seat, typically involves taking Route 187 south to Route 6, a drive that could take approximately 30 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions. Elmira, New York, a larger city with more extensive medical resources, is accessible via Route 17 (now Interstate 86), a drive that could take approximately 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic and the specific destination within Elmira.

The Breast Cancer Score considers the impact of these drive times. Longer travel distances can translate to increased stress, fatigue, and financial burdens associated with fuel costs and vehicle maintenance. For individuals undergoing treatment, these factors can significantly impact their ability to adhere to treatment schedules and maintain their quality of life.

**Public Transit: A Limited Landscape**

Public transportation options in Rome and the surrounding areas are limited. Bradford County does not have a robust public transit system. This lack of readily available public transportation presents a significant barrier to healthcare access for those who do not have access to a personal vehicle or cannot drive due to physical limitations or other constraints.

The absence of comprehensive public transit necessitates reliance on alternative transportation solutions. For individuals who cannot drive, this can create a significant challenge in accessing healthcare. The Breast Cancer Score considers the impact of this limitation, recognizing the importance of equitable access to healthcare for all residents.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gap**

In the absence of robust public transit, ride-sharing services and medical transport providers play a crucial role in bridging the gap in transportation options. While ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft may have limited availability in rural areas like Rome, they can still be an option for some residents. Availability and pricing can vary significantly depending on the time of day, demand, and driver availability.

Medical transport services, specifically designed to transport individuals to and from medical appointments, offer a more specialized solution. These services often cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those who require assistance with their transportation needs. Several medical transport providers operate in the region, including those that provide non-emergency medical transportation.

The Breast Cancer Score acknowledges the importance of these alternative transportation solutions. While ride-sharing services can offer a convenient option for some, medical transport services provide a vital lifeline for individuals who require specialized assistance. The score considers the availability, cost, and accessibility of these services in the region.

**Medical Facilities and Healthcare Access**

The availability of comprehensive breast cancer care in and around Rome is a critical factor in the Breast Cancer Score. The nearest hospitals and cancer centers offer a range of services, including screening, diagnosis, treatment, and supportive care.

The Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, Pennsylvania, offers comprehensive cancer care services, including medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology. The hospital's cancer center provides a multidisciplinary approach to patient care, with a team of specialists working together to develop individualized treatment plans.

Other hospitals and cancer centers in the region, such as those in Towanda and Elmira, New York, also provide essential breast cancer care services. The Breast Cancer Score considers the proximity of these facilities, the range of services offered, and the ease with which residents can access them.

**The Impact of the Score: Moving to Rome with Breast Cancer**

The Breast Cancer Score provides a nuanced understanding of the transportation and healthcare landscape in Rome, Pennsylvania. It highlights the challenges and opportunities faced by individuals diagnosed with breast cancer. For potential newcomers considering moving to Rome, the score offers valuable insights into the accessibility of healthcare services.

The score underscores the importance of careful planning and consideration when choosing a place to live, especially for individuals with chronic health conditions. Factors such as transportation options, proximity to medical facilities, and the availability of support services are crucial elements in ensuring access to quality healthcare.

**Conclusion: A Call to Action**

The Breast Cancer Score for Rome, Pennsylvania, reveals a complex interplay of factors that influence healthcare access. While the area offers access to essential medical facilities, transportation limitations present a significant challenge. The absence of robust public transit, coupled with the reliance on personal vehicles, ride-sharing, and medical transport services, underscores the need for ongoing efforts to improve healthcare access.

This analysis serves as a call to action for local stakeholders, including healthcare providers, community organizations, and government agencies. Collaboration is essential to address the transportation barriers that hinder access to care. This could involve exploring options to expand public transit, promoting ride-sharing initiatives, and increasing the availability of medical transport services.

By prioritizing transportation solutions, the community can improve the Breast Cancer Score and ensure that all residents of Rome, Pennsylvania, have the opportunity to receive timely, high-quality breast cancer care. This is a vital step in fostering a healthier and more equitable community.