17837, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania COPD Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 17837, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

82.61 percent of residents in 17837 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.88 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Geisinger Medical Center with a distance of 15.47 miles from the area.

## COPD Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 17837

Considering a move to Lewisburg, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17837) and managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)? Evaluating your healthcare access is paramount. This analysis provides a COPD Score, assessing transportation options and their impact on your ability to reach essential medical services. We'll delve into drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, painting a comprehensive picture of healthcare accessibility in this charming Susquehanna Valley town.

Lewisburg, nestled in Union County, offers a blend of historical charm and modern amenities. However, its rural setting influences transportation options, particularly impacting individuals with COPD, who may experience breathing difficulties and require frequent medical appointments. The COPD Score considers the ease and reliability of reaching healthcare providers, factoring in potential challenges.

**Drive Times and Road Networks:**

The primary healthcare provider for residents of 17837 is Evangelical Community Hospital, located in Lewisburg. Driving is the most common mode of transportation. Accessing Evangelical is generally straightforward, with well-maintained roads. However, the reliance on personal vehicles necessitates considering potential traffic, weather conditions, and your ability to drive safely with COPD.

From most locations within 17837, the hospital is easily accessible via **Market Street**, a central thoroughfare. Expect a drive time of approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on your specific location and traffic. Other roads, such as **Buffalo Road** and **St. Mary Street**, also provide direct routes.

For residents living further from the town center, access to the hospital involves navigating roads like **Route 45**, **Route 15**, and **Route 405**. These highways can experience increased traffic during peak hours, potentially extending travel times. Be mindful of weather conditions, especially during winter months, as snow and ice can significantly impact driving safety and accessibility.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transportation options are limited in Lewisburg. The primary provider is the **River Valley TransitValley Transit (RVT)**, which operates a bus system. While RVT offers routes within the broader region, service within Lewisburg itself is less frequent and may not directly serve all areas.

Currently, the RVT does not have dedicated routes that directly serve Evangelical Community Hospital. This necessitates a transfer or a longer walk from a bus stop. Bus schedules should be carefully examined to determine the feasibility of using public transit for medical appointments.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a crucial consideration. RVT buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and other features to accommodate passengers with disabilities. However, it's essential to confirm the availability of these features on specific routes and to plan accordingly, especially if you require assistance.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Lewisburg area. However, their availability may be limited, especially during off-peak hours or in more remote areas. Dependability is a key factor. Consider the potential wait times and the reliability of these services for scheduled medical appointments.

Medical transportation services offer specialized transportation for individuals with medical needs. Several providers serve the Lewisburg area. These services typically offer door-to-door transportation, often with trained personnel and specialized vehicles equipped to accommodate individuals with mobility limitations or medical equipment.

**Medical Transportation Brands:**

* **FirstCall Medical Transport:** This is a local service providing non-emergency medical transportation. They offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles and stretcher services.
* **Care Ride:** This is another option for non-emergency medical transportation, offering door-to-door service.
* **Medical Transport Services (MTS):** MTS provides both local and long-distance medical transportation, often with specialized equipment.

**COPD Score Considerations:**

The COPD Score assesses the ease and reliability of accessing healthcare. It considers the following factors:

* **Drive Time:** Shorter drive times to Evangelical Community Hospital contribute to a higher score.
* **Public Transit Accessibility:** The availability and convenience of RVT routes to the hospital impact the score.
* **Ride-Sharing Availability:** The reliability and affordability of ride-sharing services influence the score.
* **Medical Transportation Options:** The availability, cost, and features of medical transportation services contribute to the score.
* **ADA Accessibility:** The availability of accessible transportation options is a crucial factor, particularly for individuals with mobility limitations.

**Scoring:**

The COPD Score is a subjective assessment based on the factors described above. A higher score indicates better healthcare access.

* **High Score (8-10):** Excellent healthcare access. Short drive times, readily available public transit or ride-sharing, and accessible medical transportation options.
* **Moderate Score (5-7):** Good healthcare access. Reasonable drive times, some public transit options, and available ride-sharing or medical transportation.
* **Low Score (1-4):** Limited healthcare access. Longer drive times, limited public transit, and potential challenges with ride-sharing or medical transportation.

**Applying the Score to 17837:**

Lewisburg generally receives a **Moderate Score (5-7)**. While Evangelical Community Hospital is conveniently located, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transit options pose challenges. Ride-sharing availability is variable, and the need for medical transportation may arise.

**Recommendations:**

* **Assess your driving ability:** If you have COPD, evaluate your ability to drive safely, considering potential breathing difficulties and fatigue.
* **Explore medical transportation options:** Investigate the services offered by local medical transportation providers.
* **Plan for public transit limitations:** If you choose to use public transit, carefully review RVT schedules and plan for potential delays or transfers.
* **Consider ride-sharing availability:** Familiarize yourself with ride-sharing options and potential wait times.
* **Develop a contingency plan:** Have a backup plan for transportation in case of emergencies or unforeseen circumstances.

**Conclusion:**

Moving to Lewisburg (17837) presents a generally manageable healthcare landscape, but careful planning is essential for individuals with COPD. Evaluating your transportation options, considering the limitations of public transit, and exploring ride-sharing and medical transportation services are crucial steps. By understanding the available resources and developing a comprehensive transportation plan, you can ensure reliable access to the healthcare you need, promoting a healthier and more fulfilling life in this charming Pennsylvania town.