17023, Elizabethville, Pennsylvania COPD Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 17023, Elizabethville, Pennsylvania is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

61.12 percent of residents in 17023 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 21.27 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Penn State Health Hampden Medical Center with a distance of 21.46 miles from the area.

## COPD Score: Navigating Healthcare in Elizabethville (ZIP Code 17023)

Elizabethville, Pennsylvania, a charming borough nestled in the heart of Dauphin County, offers a tranquil setting for its residents. However, for individuals managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), the accessibility of healthcare becomes a critical consideration. This analysis, presented as a "COPD Score," delves into the transportation landscape within and around ZIP Code 17023, focusing on drive times, public transit options, ride-share availability, and medical transport services, all vital elements influencing healthcare access for those with respiratory challenges. This information is particularly relevant for anyone contemplating moving to Elizabethville and requiring consistent medical care.

The primary factor influencing healthcare access in Elizabethville is the reliance on personal vehicles. The town's layout and the location of major healthcare providers necessitate driving. For residents, this means understanding the typical drive times to essential medical facilities. The most direct route to Harrisburg, the county seat and home to several hospitals and specialist clinics, involves utilizing **Route 22** East. The drive, without significant traffic, can take approximately 45 to 60 minutes. However, peak traffic hours, especially during morning and evening commutes, can significantly extend this time, potentially adding another 20-30 minutes, a critical consideration for COPD patients who may experience shortness of breath or other respiratory distress.

Alternatively, accessing healthcare facilities to the north, such as those in Sunbury or Selinsgrove, involves navigating **Route 225** or **Route 147**. Drive times to these locations vary, but generally range from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific destination. These routes are often less congested than the Harrisburg corridor, offering a potentially smoother journey. However, they may also involve navigating winding roads and rural landscapes, which could pose challenges for drivers or passengers with mobility limitations.

Public transportation options in Elizabethville and the surrounding areas are limited. The **Capital Area Transit (CAT)**, the primary public transit provider for the Harrisburg area, does not directly serve Elizabethville with fixed-route bus services. This lack of public transportation significantly impacts healthcare access for individuals who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle. This is a significant disadvantage for those with COPD, who may find driving difficult due to fatigue, shortness of breath, or medication side effects.

While fixed-route bus services are absent, the **Dauphin County Human Services** offers limited transportation options for seniors and individuals with disabilities. These services typically require advance booking and are primarily designed for medical appointments and essential errands. However, the availability and scheduling of these services can be restrictive, and they may not always be readily available for urgent or unexpected healthcare needs. The lack of readily available public transit is a significant barrier to healthcare access for many Elizabethville residents.

Ride-sharing services, such as **Uber** and **Lyft**, are available in the Harrisburg area, including Elizabethville. However, their availability can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in rural areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, especially for frequent medical appointments. For individuals with COPD, the financial burden of relying on ride-sharing for transportation to and from healthcare appointments can be substantial.

Specialized medical transportation services offer a crucial lifeline for individuals with COPD who require assistance with transportation. Several companies operate in the area, providing non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services. These services typically involve wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained drivers who can assist patients with mobility and other needs. **American Medical Response (AMR)** and **CareRide** are two examples of companies providing these services. However, the availability and cost of these services can vary, and advance booking is often required.

The "COPD Score" for Elizabethville, based on this analysis, is moderate. While the town offers a pleasant living environment, the limitations in transportation options pose significant challenges for individuals with COPD. The reliance on personal vehicles, the lack of robust public transit, and the potential inconsistencies of ride-sharing services create barriers to healthcare access. While medical transportation services are available, their cost and scheduling constraints can also be problematic.

For individuals considering moving to Elizabethville with COPD, careful consideration of transportation needs is essential. Assessing the proximity of healthcare providers, the availability of personal vehicles, and the potential reliance on medical transportation services is crucial. Understanding the drive times, the cost of ride-sharing, and the limitations of public transit will enable informed decisions about healthcare access and overall quality of life.

The ability to navigate the transportation landscape is directly linked to the ability to manage COPD effectively. Regular medical appointments, access to medications, and prompt responses to respiratory distress are all vital for maintaining health and well-being. The lack of readily available transportation options can significantly impact a COPD patient’s ability to adhere to their treatment plan and access timely medical care.

In conclusion, while Elizabethville offers a desirable living environment, the transportation infrastructure presents challenges for individuals with COPD. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the potential costs associated with ride-sharing and medical transportation services necessitate careful planning and consideration. For those contemplating moving to Elizabethville, a thorough assessment of their transportation needs and healthcare access requirements is paramount to ensuring a successful and healthy transition. The "COPD Score" for Elizabethville highlights the importance of proactive planning and the need for potential improvements in transportation options to better serve the healthcare needs of its residents, particularly those managing chronic respiratory conditions.