17249, Rockhill Furnace, Pennsylvania COPD Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 17249, Rockhill Furnace, Pennsylvania is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

40.85 percent of residents in 17249 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 21.73 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Fulton County Medical Center with a distance of 21.72 miles from the area.

## COPD Score: Navigating Healthcare in Rockhill Furnace (ZIP Code 17249)

The serene landscapes of Rockhill Furnace, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17249), beckon with the promise of a tranquil life. However, for individuals managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), the idyllic setting demands careful consideration of healthcare access. This write-up, a "COPD Score" of sorts, examines the transportation landscape, crucial for those seeking healthcare within and beyond the community, providing a realistic assessment for anyone contemplating moving to Rockhill Furnace. It focuses on drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport options, offering a comprehensive view of healthcare access in the area.

The cornerstone of healthcare access in Rockhill Furnace is, undoubtedly, the automobile. The nearest major medical facilities are in Chambersburg and Huntingdon, necessitating a reliance on personal vehicles. A journey to Chambersburg Hospital, a primary care destination, involves a drive of approximately 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific route chosen. This drive typically involves navigating Pennsylvania Route 75, a winding two-lane highway that can experience congestion during peak hours. The final stretch to the hospital often includes sections of Interstate 81, a major artery that can experience delays.

The drive to UPMC-Huntingdon, a more specialized facility, presents a similar challenge. The route generally requires a 50-70 minute drive, primarily utilizing Pennsylvania Route 26 and Pennsylvania Route 994. These roads, while scenic, can be challenging for those with breathing difficulties, especially during inclement weather. The variable nature of these routes, coupled with the potential for traffic, underscores the importance of planning and considering alternative routes, like Pennsylvania Route 641, to mitigate potential delays.

Public transportation options in the Rockhill Furnace area are limited. The primary provider is the rabbittransit system, which operates throughout Franklin and Fulton counties. However, the routes serving Rockhill Furnace are infrequent and primarily designed for general public transportation, not specifically tailored for healthcare access. While rabbittransit does offer ADA-compliant vehicles, providing accommodations for individuals with disabilities, the routes themselves may not directly connect to all healthcare facilities. The lack of frequent service and the potential for long travel times make public transit a less-than-ideal option for those with COPD, who may require rapid and reliable access to medical care.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their presence is not as robust as in larger metropolitan areas. Availability can be unpredictable, especially during off-peak hours or in remote locations. Relying on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments could prove challenging, requiring advanced planning and potentially incurring higher costs due to surge pricing and longer travel distances. For individuals with COPD, the uncertainty and potential delays associated with ride-sharing services may be a significant drawback.

Medical transport services offer a more specialized solution. Companies like AMR (American Medical Response) and local ambulance services provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) for individuals requiring assistance getting to and from medical appointments. These services typically involve trained personnel and specialized vehicles equipped to accommodate individuals with mobility limitations and medical needs. While NEMT services provide a valuable resource, they often require pre-booking and can be more expensive than other transportation options.

The "COPD Score" for Rockhill Furnace reflects the challenges and considerations for individuals with COPD. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the variability of ride-sharing services all contribute to a complex landscape. The drive times to healthcare facilities, the potential for traffic delays, and the lack of readily available transportation alternatives necessitate careful planning and consideration.

For those contemplating moving to Rockhill Furnace, a thorough assessment of their individual healthcare needs is paramount. The availability of reliable transportation, the frequency of medical appointments, and the severity of their COPD symptoms should all be factored into the decision-making process. Exploring NEMT options, establishing relationships with local healthcare providers, and identifying backup transportation plans are crucial steps in ensuring access to timely and appropriate medical care.

The beauty of Rockhill Furnace is undeniable, but the realities of healthcare access must be carefully weighed. The "COPD Score" serves as a guide, highlighting the importance of proactive planning and the need to adapt to the transportation landscape to ensure a healthy and fulfilling life in this picturesque community. The ability to navigate the transportation challenges and secure reliable healthcare access is the key to successfully integrating into the Rockhill Furnace community.