18843, South Montrose, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 18843, South Montrose, Pennsylvania is 19 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

60.76 percent of residents in 18843 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.75 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Barnes-Kasson County Hospital with a distance of 17.80 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 18843

The journey to healthcare, especially for those facing the complexities of a breast cancer diagnosis, is a multifaceted challenge. It's not merely about the quality of medical care; it's about the accessibility of that care. This assessment explores the breast cancer healthcare landscape within ZIP Code 18843, South Montrose, Pennsylvania, focusing on **transportation** options and their impact on **healthcare access**. Understanding these factors is critical for anyone considering a move to this area or already residing here, particularly those seeking or needing breast cancer treatment. This analysis provides a "Breast Cancer Score," a composite measure reflecting the ease with which individuals can reach essential medical services.

South Montrose, nestled in the heart of Susquehanna County, offers a tranquil rural setting. However, its relative isolation presents unique challenges when it comes to accessing specialized medical care. The nearest comprehensive breast cancer centers are not immediately local, necessitating reliance on various **transportation** methods. The **Breast Cancer Score** considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing options, and specialized medical **transportation** services, providing a nuanced understanding of the hurdles and opportunities within this specific ZIP code.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The primary mode of **transportation** for most residents of 18843 is the personal vehicle. The availability of a car is almost a necessity, given the limited public transit options. Reaching the nearest comprehensive cancer centers requires navigating a network of roads. The most direct route to major medical facilities involves using Pennsylvania Route 29 (PA-29). This two-lane highway provides a relatively straightforward passage, but it can be subject to seasonal weather conditions, particularly during winter.

Driving to Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre, a major regional healthcare provider, typically takes approximately one hour and 15 minutes, covering roughly 60 miles. This journey necessitates traveling south on PA-29, then connecting to Interstate 81 (I-81) for the final stretch. The drive time can fluctuate depending on traffic, especially during peak hours or on weekends.

Another option is to travel to Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, Pennsylvania. This facility is closer, with a drive time of around 45 minutes, covering approximately 30 miles. The route involves taking PA-29 north and then connecting to US Route 6 (US-6). This route, while shorter in distance, can be affected by traffic in the towns along the way.

For those seeking specialized breast cancer care, such as advanced imaging or surgical oncology, the drive times to these facilities must be factored into the **Breast Cancer Score**. The longer the drive, the more challenging it becomes for patients to attend frequent appointments, undergo treatments, and manage the physical and emotional toll of their illness.

**Public Transit Options:**

The availability of public **transportation** in 18843 is severely limited. Susquehanna County does not have a comprehensive public bus system that services the area. This lack of readily available public transit significantly impacts individuals who do not have access to a personal vehicle, including the elderly, those with disabilities, and low-income individuals. This lack of options directly affects the **Breast Cancer Score**, lowering it due to the difficulty in reaching medical appointments.

There is a county-operated Shared Ride Program, but it requires advance booking and may not be suitable for urgent medical needs. This program is intended to help residents reach essential appointments, including medical visits. However, the program's limitations, such as scheduling constraints and potential delays, can pose significant challenges for patients undergoing breast cancer treatment. The Shared Ride Program is not equipped with ADA-compliant features, further limiting access for those with mobility issues.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their reliability and availability can be inconsistent, particularly in rural areas. The availability of drivers is often limited, and wait times can be extended. This makes relying on ride-sharing for scheduled appointments, let alone emergencies, a risky proposition. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant barrier for some patients, adding to the financial burden of their illness.

Medical **transportation** services offer a more specialized approach, providing transportation specifically for medical appointments. These services often cater to patients with mobility issues or those who require assistance during their journey. Several medical **transportation** providers operate in the region, including Medical **Transportation** Services and First Transit. However, these services typically require advance booking and may have limitations regarding the types of medical conditions they can accommodate. The cost of medical **transportation** can be substantial, potentially adding to the financial strain on patients.

**ADA Accessibility:**

Accessibility for individuals with disabilities is a critical factor in evaluating **healthcare access**. The lack of ADA-compliant public transit options in 18843 poses a significant challenge for patients with mobility impairments. While some medical **transportation** services offer ADA-compliant vehicles, their availability and cost can be limiting. The absence of readily accessible **transportation** options underscores the need for improved infrastructure and services to ensure that all residents can access the care they need.

**Breast Cancer Score Calculation and Interpretation:**

The **Breast Cancer Score** for 18843 is calculated based on a weighted average of the factors discussed above: drive times to cancer centers, public transit availability, ride-sharing reliability, and medical **transportation** options. The score is then interpreted on a scale, with a higher score indicating greater ease of access to breast cancer care.

In the case of 18843, the **Breast Cancer Score** would be relatively low. The long drive times, the limited public transit options, the inconsistent ride-sharing availability, and the cost of medical **transportation** all contribute to a challenging environment for breast cancer patients. This score highlights the need for improved **transportation** infrastructure and services to ensure that all residents have equitable **healthcare access**.

**Moving to South Montrose and Healthcare Considerations:**

For those considering **moving to South Montrose**, the **Breast Cancer Score** should be a crucial factor in their decision-making process. Individuals with a history of breast cancer or those at high risk should carefully evaluate the **transportation** challenges and the potential impact on their ability to access timely and comprehensive care. It is essential to research the availability of medical **transportation** services, the reliability of ride-sharing options, and the potential costs associated with these services.

Furthermore, prospective residents should consider the proximity of support networks, such as family and friends, who can provide assistance with **transportation** and other needs. The **Breast Cancer Score** serves as a valuable tool for assessing the **healthcare access** landscape and making informed decisions about **moving to South Montrose**.

**Conclusion:**

Navigating the **healthcare access** landscape in 18843 for breast cancer patients requires careful planning and consideration. The **Breast Cancer Score** serves as a vital tool for understanding the challenges and opportunities within this rural community. While the area offers a tranquil setting, the limited **transportation** options present significant hurdles for those seeking timely and comprehensive medical care. Addressing these challenges through improved infrastructure, expanded public transit options, and affordable medical **transportation** services is essential to ensure equitable **healthcare access** for all residents of 18843.