17920, Aristes, Pennsylvania COPD Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 17920, Aristes, Pennsylvania is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

63.03 percent of residents in 17920 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.53 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Schuylkill Medical Center - South Jackson Street with a distance of 12.18 miles from the area.

## COPD Score: Navigating Healthcare in Aristes (ZIP Code 17920)

The air hangs heavy in Aristes, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17920), a small borough nestled in the heart of Schuylkill County. For individuals managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), the simple act of attending healthcare appointments can become a significant hurdle. This write-up analyzes the transportation landscape, assigning a "COPD Score" to assess the ease of healthcare access for residents, particularly those considering moving to Aristes. We'll explore the challenges and opportunities presented by the local transportation infrastructure, focusing on drive times, public transit, and alternative options.

Aristes’ location, while offering a sense of rural tranquility, presents a fundamental challenge: its distance from comprehensive healthcare facilities. The nearest hospitals with specialized pulmonary care are located in Pottsville and Shamokin, requiring journeys that can be arduous for individuals with breathing difficulties. The COPD Score considers these factors, assessing the impact of transportation limitations on healthcare access.

The primary mode of transportation in Aristes is the personal vehicle. Driving times to healthcare destinations are therefore crucial. Heading west on **PA-54** towards Shamokin, you'll find the Geisinger Shamokin Area Community Hospital. The drive typically takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. This route involves navigating winding roads, potentially challenging for those with limited stamina.

Venturing south on **PA-54** and connecting to **Interstate 81** then taking **PA-61** to Pottsville, home to the Schuylkill Medical Center, is another option. This journey, though utilizing highways, can take approximately 45 minutes to an hour, factoring in potential traffic congestion on **I-81**. This longer drive time can be particularly detrimental for COPD patients experiencing acute respiratory distress.

Public transportation options are limited in Aristes. The Schuylkill Transportation System (STS) provides bus service, but routes are infrequent and primarily cater to essential needs. Route 41, for example, might offer a connection to Pottsville, but the schedule is limited, and wait times can be substantial. Crucially, the availability of ADA-compliant buses, equipped with wheelchair lifts and other accessibility features, must be confirmed for each route. This is paramount for individuals with mobility limitations often associated with COPD.

The absence of readily available public transit significantly impacts the COPD Score. The reliance on personal vehicles or infrequent bus services creates a barrier to regular healthcare appointments, medication refills, and pulmonary rehabilitation programs.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the region, but their reliability and cost-effectiveness in Aristes can be unpredictable. Availability is often contingent on driver proximity, and surge pricing during peak hours or inclement weather can inflate costs, making them inaccessible for some. This adds another layer of complexity to healthcare access.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients with mobility challenges, offer a more specialized solution. Companies like Medical Transportation Management (MTM) and Logisticare provide non-emergency medical transportation, often with wheelchair-accessible vehicles. However, these services require prior arrangements, may have limited availability, and can be expensive, particularly for frequent appointments.

The COPD Score for Aristes reflects the combined impact of these transportation factors. The score considers drive times, the limitations of public transit, the uncertainties of ride-sharing, and the potential costs of medical transportation. It also weighs the impact of these factors on the ability of COPD patients to receive timely and consistent healthcare.

For individuals considering moving to Aristes with COPD, a thorough assessment of their healthcare needs and transportation options is essential. The COPD Score serves as a valuable tool, highlighting the challenges and prompting proactive planning. This includes:

* **Prioritizing proximity to healthcare:** Choosing a residence closer to hospitals or clinics.
* **Exploring medical transportation options:** Researching and securing reliable medical transport services.
* **Advocating for improved public transit:** Supporting initiatives to expand bus routes and frequency.
* **Planning for emergencies:** Establishing a clear plan for accessing emergency medical care.

The COPD Score is not a static number; it is a dynamic assessment that must be reevaluated as individual health conditions and transportation options evolve. The score will be lower for those with limited mobility and greater reliance on transportation, and higher for those with reliable transportation and access to supportive resources.

In conclusion, while Aristes offers a peaceful setting, the transportation landscape presents significant challenges for COPD patients seeking consistent healthcare. The COPD Score highlights the importance of careful planning, proactive resource utilization, and a commitment to advocating for improved healthcare access. The decision to move to Aristes requires a thorough understanding of these factors, ensuring that healthcare needs are met effectively and efficiently.