18628, Lopez, Pennsylvania COPD Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 18628, Lopez, Pennsylvania is 16 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

51.28 percent of residents in 18628 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 27.45 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Berwick Hospital Center with a distance of 26.78 miles from the area.

## COPD Score: Navigating Healthcare in Lopez, PA (ZIP Code 18628)

The air in Lopez, Pennsylvania, nestled in the heart of Sullivan County, holds a certain crispness, a quality that can be both invigorating and challenging. For individuals managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), the very act of breathing, and therefore, accessing healthcare, becomes a significant daily hurdle. This analysis examines the transportation landscape in and around ZIP code 18628, assessing its impact on healthcare access for COPD patients, providing a "COPD Score" based on the available options. It is a crucial consideration for anyone **moving to Lopez**, or already residing there, managing this chronic condition.

Lopez, a small, close-knit community, presents a unique set of transportation challenges. The rural nature of the area, combined with limited public transportation, necessitates a reliance on personal vehicles, ride-sharing services, or specialized medical transport for accessing vital healthcare services. This analysis considers the drive times, public transit, ride-sharing and medical transport options, and the overall accessibility for COPD patients.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The primary arteries connecting Lopez to healthcare facilities are Pennsylvania Route 487 and Route 87. Route 487, a two-lane road, snakes its way through the picturesque countryside, offering scenic views but also potential delays due to weather conditions, particularly during the winter months. Driving to the nearest hospitals, such as Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre, or Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, can be a significant undertaking.

To reach Geisinger Wyoming Valley, a journey of approximately 50 miles, one must navigate Route 487 to Interstate 80 East, and then follow Route 309 South. The drive, under ideal conditions, can take upwards of 1 hour and 15 minutes. However, traffic congestion, especially during rush hour, and inclement weather can easily extend this travel time, placing a strain on COPD patients who may experience shortness of breath and fatigue.

Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital, located roughly 45 miles from Lopez, is accessible via Route 87 and Route 220 South. This route, while generally less congested than the I-80 corridor, still presents challenges. The drive time, typically around 1 hour, is subject to weather and road conditions. The winding roads, and the distance to healthcare facilities, can significantly impact the **healthcare access** for those with COPD.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public transportation options in Lopez are extremely limited. The area is not served by a comprehensive public transit system, making it difficult for individuals without access to a personal vehicle to reach healthcare appointments. This lack of **transportation** options presents a significant barrier for COPD patients who may be unable to drive due to their condition.

While there are no fixed-route bus services within Lopez, the Endless Mountains Transportation Authority (EMTA) may offer demand-response services, such as Dial-A-Ride, for medical appointments. However, these services often require advance booking, and the availability may be limited. The EMTA, while providing a lifeline for some, may not be fully equipped to meet the needs of all COPD patients, especially those requiring frequent or urgent medical care. The lack of ADA-compliant features on all vehicles, or the availability of oxygen on board, may pose additional challenges.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the broader region, but their presence in Lopez and the surrounding rural areas is often sporadic. Availability is heavily dependent on driver availability, and wait times can be considerable. The cost of ride-sharing, especially for long-distance trips to healthcare facilities, can also be a significant financial burden for COPD patients.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) providers, offer a more specialized solution for COPD patients. These services are designed to transport individuals with medical needs to and from appointments. Companies like Medical Transportation Management (MTM) and LogistiCare are often contracted by insurance providers to provide NEMT services. However, the availability of these services in Lopez may be limited, and prior authorization is often required.

**The COPD Score:**

Considering the factors above, the "COPD Score" for accessing healthcare in Lopez, PA (ZIP code 18628) is low. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transportation options, and the sporadic availability of ride-sharing services create significant challenges for COPD patients. The long drive times to healthcare facilities, coupled with potential delays due to weather or traffic, can exacerbate symptoms and make it difficult to attend appointments.

The lack of readily available and affordable **transportation** options restricts **healthcare access** for COPD patients. Individuals **moving to Lopez** with COPD should carefully consider the challenges associated with accessing healthcare. They should explore all available resources, including family and friends, and investigate the availability of medical transport services.

The COPD score is based on the following criteria:

* **Drive Time:** Long drive times to healthcare facilities, with potential for delays. (Score: Low)
* **Public Transportation:** Extremely limited options, with potential for delays and limited ADA accessibility. (Score: Very Low)
* **Ride-Sharing:** Sporadic availability and potential for high costs. (Score: Low)
* **Medical Transport:** Availability may be limited, and prior authorization is often required. (Score: Moderate)
* **Overall Accessibility:** Significant barriers to accessing healthcare, particularly for those without personal vehicles. (Score: Low)

**Recommendations:**

For COPD patients residing in or considering **moving to Lopez**, several steps are recommended to improve **healthcare access**:

* **Establish a Strong Support Network:** Rely on family, friends, and neighbors for transportation assistance.
* **Explore Medical Transport Options:** Investigate the availability of NEMT services and pre-book appointments.
* **Telehealth:** Utilize telehealth services for routine check-ups and consultations, reducing the need for in-person visits.
* **Coordinate with Healthcare Providers:** Discuss transportation needs with healthcare providers and explore potential solutions.
* **Advocate for Improved Transportation:** Support initiatives aimed at improving public transportation and ride-sharing services in the region.

The challenges faced by COPD patients in Lopez highlight the need for comprehensive **transportation** solutions to ensure equitable **healthcare access**. This is a critical consideration for anyone **moving to Lopez**, or already residing there, managing this chronic condition. The lack of accessible and affordable transportation options can significantly impact their quality of life and ability to manage their condition effectively. Further investment in public transportation, ride-sharing, and medical transport services is crucial to improving the "COPD Score" and ensuring that all residents of Lopez have access to the healthcare they need.