17834, Kulpmont, Pennsylvania COPD Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 17834, Kulpmont, Pennsylvania is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

55.16 percent of residents in 17834 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.15 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Geisinger Medical Center with a distance of 13.81 miles from the area.

## COPD Score: Navigating Healthcare in Kulpmont, PA (ZIP Code 17834)

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) presents significant challenges, demanding consistent access to healthcare. This write-up assesses the accessibility of healthcare services for individuals residing in Kulpmont, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17834), focusing on transportation options and their impact on healthcare access. The evaluation considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, ultimately assigning a "COPD Score" reflecting the ease or difficulty of reaching essential medical care. This is particularly relevant for anyone considering moving to Kulpmont.

Kulpmont, a small borough nestled in Northumberland County, offers a peaceful, close-knit community. However, its rural setting presents transportation hurdles, potentially impacting healthcare access for residents, especially those managing COPD. The ability to get to and from medical appointments, pharmacies, and pulmonary rehabilitation programs is critical for effective COPD management. This analysis explores the landscape of transportation options available in Kulpmont, offering a realistic assessment of the challenges and opportunities for individuals living with COPD.

**Drive Time Dynamics:**

The primary mode of transportation in Kulpmont is personal vehicles. The central location of the borough offers relatively easy access to several healthcare facilities within a reasonable driving distance. Geisinger Shamokin Area Community Hospital, approximately 5 miles away, is a primary destination for many residents. The drive typically takes around 10-15 minutes, primarily utilizing **Route 61** and local roads. This short drive time offers a positive aspect to the COPD score.

For more specialized care, such as pulmonology specialists or advanced diagnostic imaging, residents may need to travel to larger medical centers in nearby cities. Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, PA, a major regional healthcare provider, is about a 40-minute drive, mainly via **Route 61** and **Interstate 80**. This longer drive time requires careful planning, especially for individuals with COPD who may experience breathing difficulties during travel.

Another option, depending on specific needs, is to travel to the UPMC facilities in the Williamsport area. This drive, primarily utilizing **Route 220** and **Interstate 80**, can take approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. This longer distance, combined with potential traffic congestion, could significantly impact the COPD score, as it increases the time and effort required to access healthcare.

**Public Transit Perspectives:**

Public transportation options in Kulpmont are limited. Northumberland County Transportation Authority (NCTA) provides bus service, though the routes and schedules are not designed to specifically cater to frequent healthcare appointments. While the NCTA offers some routes that pass through Kulpmont, the frequency of service is limited, and the routes may not directly serve all healthcare facilities.

The NCTA website does not specify ADA accessibility features on all routes. Individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring assistance with boarding and disembarking may face challenges. The lack of readily available, frequent, and accessible public transit significantly impacts the COPD score, as it reduces the independence and flexibility of individuals needing to travel to medical appointments.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport Considerations:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the region, but their availability in Kulpmont itself can be unpredictable. Response times and the availability of drivers, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather, are not guaranteed. Relying solely on ride-sharing for regular healthcare appointments is therefore risky, potentially leading to missed appointments and compromised care.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for individuals with medical needs, are available in the area. These services often provide door-to-door transportation, including assistance with mobility and medical equipment. However, these services typically require advance booking and can be costly. While medical transport offers a reliable solution, the cost and the need for pre-planning can negatively affect the COPD score.

**The COPD Score and Recommendations:**

Considering the factors above, the COPD score for Kulpmont (ZIP Code 17834) is moderately challenging. The proximity of Geisinger Shamokin Area Community Hospital offers a positive element, but the limited public transit, the uncertain availability of ride-sharing, and the cost of medical transport introduce significant hurdles. The longer drive times to larger medical centers further compound the challenges.

For individuals with COPD considering moving to Kulpmont, careful consideration of transportation needs is essential. Relying solely on personal vehicles requires the ability to drive and maintain a vehicle. Explore options for medical transport services, and investigate the availability of family or friends who can provide transportation assistance.

Individuals with COPD should also familiarize themselves with the NCTA routes and schedules, even though the service is limited. Planning appointments around the bus schedule, if possible, could offer a backup option.

Furthermore, it is advisable to consider the availability of telehealth services. Telehealth consultations with pulmonologists and other healthcare providers can reduce the need for frequent travel, improving the COPD score.

Finally, individuals should explore options for pulmonary rehabilitation programs, ideally located within a reasonable distance from their residence. Participation in these programs can significantly improve lung function and overall quality of life, reducing the need for frequent trips to healthcare facilities.

The COPD score in Kulpmont reflects the balance between the accessibility of local healthcare options and the limitations of the transportation infrastructure. While the community offers a peaceful environment, individuals with COPD must proactively address transportation challenges to ensure consistent access to the healthcare they need.