17731, Eagles Mere, Pennsylvania COPD Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 17731, Eagles Mere, Pennsylvania is 22 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

40.68 percent of residents in 17731 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.85 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Geisinger Medical Center Muncy with a distance of 16.77 miles from the area.

## COPD Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 17731

The crisp mountain air of Eagles Mere, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17731), beckons with promises of serenity and a slower pace of life. Yet, for individuals managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), the idyllic setting demands a critical assessment: how easily can they access necessary healthcare? This write-up offers a "COPD Score" analysis, focusing on transportation options and their implications for healthcare access, a crucial factor for anyone considering moving to Eagles Mere.

The cornerstone of our analysis is understanding the drive-time challenges. Eagles Mere, nestled in Sullivan County, is remote. The nearest hospitals and specialized respiratory care centers are located in Williamsport, approximately 50 miles south, or Scranton, roughly 80 miles east. The primary route south is via Route 220, a two-lane highway that can be subject to seasonal weather delays, especially during winter months. The drive, under ideal conditions, takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. The eastern route to Scranton involves a combination of Route 42, Interstate 80, and Interstate 81, a journey that can easily exceed 2 hours, factoring in traffic and potential road closures.

The secondary roads, such as Route 154 and Route 487, offer scenic drives but are less direct and can add considerable time to the commute. These routes are generally less maintained and can present challenges for vehicles with limited ground clearance or during inclement weather. Therefore, reliance on these roads for routine medical appointments is not advisable.

Public transportation options are limited in Sullivan County. The lack of a robust public transit system presents a significant barrier to healthcare access for individuals with COPD. There are no readily available bus routes that directly connect Eagles Mere to Williamsport or Scranton. The absence of a reliable public transportation network exacerbates the challenges of healthcare access for those who cannot or should not drive, a common scenario for individuals managing COPD.

ADA-compliant features are a critical consideration for any public transportation assessment. Given the absence of a functional public transit system, the availability of ADA-compliant features is, unfortunately, a moot point in this context. The lack of accessible transportation options further compounds the difficulties faced by individuals with mobility limitations, a frequent consequence of COPD.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Williamsport area, but their presence in Eagles Mere is sporadic, if present at all. The limited availability of these services, coupled with the distance to healthcare facilities, makes them an unreliable option for routine medical appointments. The cost of ride-sharing, particularly for long-distance trips, can also be a significant financial burden, further hindering healthcare access.

Medical transportation services offer a more specialized solution for individuals with COPD. Several companies provide non-emergency medical transportation in the region. These services typically offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel to assist patients. However, the cost of medical transportation can be substantial, and advance booking is often required. Moreover, the availability of these services may be limited, especially during peak hours or in emergencies.

The "COPD Score" for transportation in ZIP Code 17731, therefore, reflects a challenging landscape. The remoteness of Eagles Mere, coupled with the limited transportation options, presents significant barriers to healthcare access. The reliance on personal vehicles, the lack of public transit, the sporadic presence of ride-sharing, and the cost of medical transportation all contribute to a complex situation.

For individuals with COPD, the drive-time to healthcare facilities is a major consideration. The potential for delays due to weather or traffic, the physical strain of long drives, and the need for frequent medical appointments can make the commute a significant challenge. The lack of alternative transportation options further exacerbates these difficulties.

Healthcare access is not merely about the availability of medical facilities; it also encompasses the ease with which individuals can reach those facilities. In the case of Eagles Mere, the transportation infrastructure presents a significant obstacle to healthcare access. This is particularly true for individuals with COPD, who may require frequent medical attention, including pulmonary rehabilitation, oxygen therapy, and regular check-ups.

Moving to Eagles Mere, therefore, requires a careful assessment of the transportation challenges. While the area offers a tranquil environment, the limited transportation options can make it difficult to access healthcare services. Individuals with COPD should carefully weigh the benefits of living in Eagles Mere against the potential difficulties of commuting to medical appointments.

The "COPD Score" for Eagles Mere, based on transportation factors, is low. The lack of public transit, the limited availability of ride-sharing, and the reliance on personal vehicles for long-distance travel create significant barriers to healthcare access. While medical transportation services offer a viable alternative, the cost and availability of these services must be carefully considered.

The implications of this "COPD Score" are clear: individuals with COPD considering moving to Eagles Mere must carefully evaluate their ability to manage the transportation challenges. They should factor in the potential for delays, the cost of transportation, and the need for frequent medical appointments. A proactive approach, including careful planning and the establishment of a reliable transportation plan, is essential for ensuring adequate healthcare access.

The ideal scenario would involve a comprehensive transportation plan, including the availability of a reliable vehicle, the identification of medical transportation providers, and the establishment of a support network to assist with transportation needs. Furthermore, exploring telemedicine options, where appropriate, can help reduce the frequency of in-person visits.

In conclusion, the beauty of Eagles Mere must be balanced against the realities of its remote location and the limited transportation options. For individuals with COPD, the "COPD Score" reflects a challenging landscape, demanding careful planning and proactive measures to ensure adequate healthcare access. The decision to move to Eagles Mere should be made with a clear understanding of these challenges and a commitment to addressing them effectively.