18421, Forest City, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 18421, Forest City, Pennsylvania is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

52.03 percent of residents in 18421 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.23 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wayne Memorial Hospital with a distance of 11.75 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Commute to Healthcare in Forest City (ZIP Code 18421)

Forest City, Pennsylvania, nestled in the heart of the Endless Mountains, offers a tranquil lifestyle. However, when considering a move, particularly for individuals managing hypertension, evaluating healthcare access is paramount. This write-up provides a "Hypertension Score" assessment, focusing on transportation options to healthcare facilities from ZIP code 18421. This score considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-share services, and medical transportation options, offering a comprehensive picture of healthcare accessibility.

The primary concern for individuals with hypertension is timely access to medical care. Regular check-ups, medication refills, and prompt attention during hypertensive crises are critical. The "Hypertension Score" attempts to quantify the ease and efficiency of reaching healthcare providers from Forest City, considering the challenges of rural transportation.

**Driving Times and Road Networks:**

Forest City's location dictates reliance on personal vehicles for most transportation needs. The primary route to healthcare facilities in nearby towns like Carbondale and Scranton involves navigating a network of state roads and highways. The most direct route to Carbondale, home to the Wayne Memorial Hospital, involves traveling south on Pennsylvania Route 247. This scenic drive, typically taking around 15-20 minutes, offers a relatively straightforward commute.

The journey to Scranton, a larger city with a wider array of healthcare options, presents a more complex challenge. The most common route involves heading south on Route 247, connecting to Interstate 81 South. This highway provides a faster, albeit potentially more congested, route. Drive times to Scranton's major hospitals, such as Geisinger Community Medical Center and Moses Taylor Hospital, can range from 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The I-81 corridor is known for its traffic, particularly during peak hours, which can significantly impact travel times.

Alternative routes to Scranton exist, including taking Route 6 East, a slower but potentially less congested option, especially during peak traffic. This route offers a more leisurely drive, but adds approximately 15-20 minutes to the overall travel time. Road conditions, particularly during winter months, can further complicate travel, potentially increasing commute times and necessitating careful planning.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transportation options in Forest City and the surrounding areas are limited. The Lackawanna County Transit System (LCTS) provides some bus service, but its routes and frequency are restricted, especially in rural areas. While LCTS does offer service to some areas near Forest City, it doesn’t directly serve the town. Therefore, residents of 18421 would need to rely on alternative means to reach a bus stop, which could add significant travel time.

The absence of readily available public transit poses a significant challenge for individuals without personal vehicles or those unable to drive. The LCTS does provide ADA-accessible buses, but their limited routes and schedules may not adequately address the needs of individuals requiring frequent medical appointments or facing mobility challenges. The lack of public transit significantly impacts the "Hypertension Score," as it reduces healthcare access for those reliant on alternative transportation.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transportation Services:**

Ride-share services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Scranton area, but their availability in Forest City is less consistent. Securing a ride-share vehicle may require advance planning, and wait times could be extended, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-share services can also be a barrier, especially for individuals with fixed incomes or those requiring frequent trips to medical appointments.

Medical transportation services offer a specialized option for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring assistance with transportation. Several medical transportation providers operate in the Scranton area, offering services such as wheelchair-accessible vehicles and stretcher transportation. These services can be invaluable for individuals with hypertension who may require assistance getting to and from medical appointments. However, these services often require pre-booking and can be expensive, adding to the overall cost of healthcare access.

**Medical Facilities and Healthcare Access:**

The availability of healthcare facilities in the immediate vicinity of Forest City is limited. Residents typically rely on healthcare providers in Carbondale and Scranton. Wayne Memorial Hospital in Carbondale offers a range of services, including primary care, cardiology, and emergency care. Scranton offers a wider selection of hospitals, specialists, and medical facilities, including Geisinger Community Medical Center and Moses Taylor Hospital.

The distance to these healthcare facilities and the reliance on personal vehicles or alternative transportation methods directly impact healthcare access for individuals with hypertension. The "Hypertension Score" considers the time and effort required to reach these facilities, the availability of transportation options, and the potential challenges posed by traffic, weather, and limited public transit.

**"Hypertension Score" Considerations:**

The "Hypertension Score" for Forest City, PA (18421) is influenced by several factors. The primary reliance on personal vehicles for transportation, coupled with potentially lengthy drive times to healthcare facilities, presents a challenge. The limited availability of public transit and the reliance on ride-share services, which may have inconsistent availability and higher costs, further impact the score. The need for pre-planning and potential delays due to traffic or weather conditions also contribute to the overall assessment.

The availability of medical transportation services provides a crucial lifeline for individuals with mobility limitations, but the associated costs and the need for pre-booking must be considered. The "Hypertension Score" will reflect these factors, providing a comprehensive assessment of healthcare accessibility for individuals considering a move to Forest City, particularly those managing hypertension.

**Conclusion:**

While Forest City offers a serene lifestyle, the "Hypertension Score" indicates that healthcare access presents certain challenges. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the potential for longer travel times to healthcare facilities in Carbondale and Scranton necessitate careful consideration for individuals with hypertension. Prospective residents should thoroughly assess their transportation needs, consider the potential costs of ride-share or medical transportation services, and factor in the impact of traffic and weather conditions on their ability to access timely medical care. Careful planning and consideration of these factors are essential when considering a move to Forest City, ensuring that healthcare access remains a priority.