17888, Wilburton, Pennsylvania COPD Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 17888, Wilburton, Pennsylvania is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

73.94 percent of residents in 17888 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.36 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Geisinger-Bloomsburg Hospital with a distance of 13.86 miles from the area.

## COPD Score: Navigating Healthcare in Wilburton, PA (ZIP Code 17888)

Wilburton, Pennsylvania, nestled in the heart of Northumberland County, presents a unique landscape for individuals managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The rural setting, while offering scenic beauty, can pose significant challenges to healthcare access, particularly for those with mobility limitations or breathing difficulties. This write-up, designed as a "COPD Score" assessment, analyzes the transportation landscape within and surrounding ZIP code 17888, focusing on the accessibility of healthcare facilities and the practicalities of navigating the region.

The ability to reach medical appointments promptly and reliably is paramount for COPD patients. This score considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and specialized medical transportation services, providing a comprehensive overview for residents and those considering moving to Wilburton.

The primary arteries for transportation in and out of Wilburton are Route 901 and Route 487. Route 901, a two-lane road, connects Wilburton to Shamokin and Mount Carmel, offering access to larger medical centers. Driving to Geisinger Shamokin Area Community Hospital, the closest major hospital, typically takes around 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions. Route 487, running north and south, provides access to Bloomsburg and Danville, where more specialized medical care, including pulmonary specialists and respiratory therapy, can be found. The drive to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, a larger facility, can take approximately 45-60 minutes.

These drive times, while manageable for some, can be taxing for individuals with COPD, especially during exacerbations. The winding roads and potential for traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours or inclement weather, add another layer of complexity. The need for frequent medical appointments, including pulmonary rehabilitation, medication refills, and regular check-ups, underscores the importance of reliable and efficient transportation options.

Public transportation in the region, while present, is limited. Northumberland County Transportation Authority (NCTA) provides bus services, but routes and schedules are infrequent, especially to and from Wilburton. Bus stops may not be conveniently located for all residents, and accessibility features, such as wheelchair lifts, may not be available on all buses. The NCTA does offer an ADA-compliant paratransit service, providing door-to-door transportation for individuals with disabilities who cannot utilize the fixed-route buses. However, this service requires advance booking and may have limited availability, potentially hindering timely access to healthcare. The absence of robust public transit options presents a significant barrier for those who cannot drive or prefer not to.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their presence is not as consistent as in more urban environments. Availability can be unpredictable, particularly during off-peak hours or in remote areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a factor, especially for frequent medical appointments. The reliability of these services, especially during emergencies or inclement weather, needs careful consideration.

Specialized medical transportation services, designed specifically for patients with mobility limitations or medical needs, offer a potential solution. These services often provide door-to-door transportation, assistance with getting in and out of vehicles, and may be equipped with medical equipment. However, the availability of these services in Wilburton and the surrounding areas is limited, and the cost can be substantial. Researching and identifying reliable medical transport providers is a crucial step for COPD patients.

Healthcare access is further complicated by the availability of medical specialists. While general practitioners and some primary care physicians are available in the immediate vicinity, access to pulmonary specialists, respiratory therapists, and other specialized healthcare providers may require travel to larger medical centers in Danville or Bloomsburg. The need to coordinate appointments, transportation, and potential overnight stays adds to the complexity of managing COPD in a rural setting.

The decision to move to Wilburton requires careful consideration of these transportation challenges. Individuals with COPD should assess their ability to drive, the availability of family or friends to provide transportation, and the reliability of public transit or ride-sharing options. They should also investigate the availability and cost of medical transportation services.

For those considering moving to Wilburton, proactive planning is essential. Researching the location of healthcare providers, including hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies, is crucial. Understanding the transportation options and their limitations, and establishing a backup plan for emergencies, is vital.

The COPD Score for Wilburton, PA, reflects the intersection of healthcare access and transportation infrastructure. While the area offers a peaceful and scenic environment, the challenges of accessing healthcare, particularly for those with mobility limitations or respiratory conditions, are significant. The score is not a definitive number but a holistic assessment, encouraging careful planning and proactive strategies to ensure the health and well-being of individuals managing COPD in this rural community. The key is to proactively evaluate the available transportation options, plan for potential challenges, and prioritize healthcare access.