18438, Lakeville, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 18438, Lakeville, Pennsylvania is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

59.31 percent of residents in 18438 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.19 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wayne Memorial Hospital with a distance of 10.17 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Lakeville, PA (ZIP Code 18438)

Planning a move to Lakeville, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18438)? Considering the tranquility of the Poconos? Beyond the scenic beauty, it's essential to assess your access to healthcare, especially if you manage hypertension. This write-up provides a detailed "Hypertension Score" analysis, focusing on transportation options and their impact on your ability to reach essential medical services. We'll delve into drive times, public transit routes, ride-share availability, and medical transport services, painting a comprehensive picture of healthcare accessibility for residents and potential newcomers.

The "Hypertension Score" isn't a formal medical assessment. Instead, it's a personalized evaluation of your ability to consistently and reliably access healthcare, crucial for managing hypertension effectively. This score considers the time and effort required to reach medical appointments, pharmacy visits, and emergency care, all vital components of successful hypertension management. We'll examine the landscape of transportation options, allowing you to make informed decisions about your healthcare needs.

**Driving the Distance: Roadways and Drive Times**

Lakeville's location, nestled amidst the Pocono Mountains, necessitates understanding the local road network. The primary artery is **Interstate 84 (I-84)**, offering relatively swift access to larger medical centers. Driving to the **Wayne Memorial Hospital** in Honesdale, approximately 15 miles away, typically takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. This drive usually involves **PA-590** or local roads to reach I-84.

For specialized care, you might need to travel further. Scranton, a regional hub with several hospitals, is about 40-50 miles away, translating to a 1-hour to 1.5-hour drive via I-84 West and **Interstate 380 (I-380)**. This longer commute necessitates careful planning, especially for regular check-ups or medication refills. Consider traffic patterns, particularly during rush hour, which can significantly extend travel times.

**Navigating Public Transit: Limited Options**

Public transportation options in Lakeville are limited. **Lackawanna County Transit (LCTA)**, while serving Scranton and surrounding areas, has minimal routes that directly reach Lakeville. This lack of robust public transit poses a significant challenge for individuals who cannot or prefer not to drive. The absence of readily available public transportation increases the reliance on personal vehicles or alternative transportation solutions.

While LCTA does not directly serve Lakeville, it might be possible to utilize a combination of services. This could involve a ride-share to a LCTA route, but this adds complexity and potential delays to accessing healthcare. ADA-accessible features on LCTA buses are available, ensuring accessibility for individuals with mobility limitations. However, the sparse routes and limited frequency pose a challenge for consistent healthcare access.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-share services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Lakeville area, though their availability may be less consistent than in urban areas. Demand and driver availability can fluctuate, potentially impacting the timeliness of your transportation to medical appointments. Booking rides in advance is highly recommended, especially for scheduled appointments.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) providers, offer specialized assistance for individuals with mobility limitations or medical needs. These services are particularly crucial for those unable to drive or use public transit. However, they often require pre-booking and can be more expensive than other transportation options.

**Medical Transport Brands:**

* **American Medical Response (AMR)**: Provides ambulance and medical transport services.
* **Care Ride:** Offers non-emergency medical transportation.
* **First Transit:** Provides NEMT services.

**Pharmacy Access and Medication Management**

Access to pharmacies is a crucial component of hypertension management. Local pharmacies in Honesdale, such as **CVS** and **Walgreens**, are accessible via a short drive. However, ensure your chosen pharmacy accepts your insurance and carries your prescribed medications. Consider using mail-order pharmacy services for convenience, especially if you face transportation challenges.

**Emergency Services and Critical Care**

In a medical emergency, quick access to care is paramount. Wayne Memorial Hospital in Honesdale provides emergency services. The drive time of 20-30 minutes via I-84 or local roads is a critical factor. Knowing the location of the nearest emergency room and understanding the response times of emergency services is essential.

**Healthcare Access and the "Hypertension Score"**

The "Hypertension Score" for Lakeville, PA (18438) reflects a mixed picture. While driving offers reasonable access to healthcare facilities in Honesdale and Scranton, the limited public transit options and potential ride-share availability fluctuations pose challenges.

**Key Considerations for Moving to Lakeville:**

* **Driving Ability:** If you can drive, access to healthcare is manageable.
* **Reliance on Others:** If you rely on others for transportation, plan accordingly.
* **Medical Needs:** Consider the frequency of medical appointments and medication refills.
* **Emergency Preparedness:** Know the location of the nearest emergency room and ambulance response times.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Confirm that your insurance plan covers medical services in the area.

**Moving to Lakeville:**

Moving to Lakeville offers the allure of a peaceful lifestyle. However, before making the move, carefully assess your healthcare needs and transportation options. Consider the potential impact of limited public transit and the reliance on personal vehicles or ride-share services. By understanding the transportation landscape, you can make an informed decision and ensure you have reliable access to the healthcare you need. The "Hypertension Score" is not a definitive rating, but rather a framework for evaluating the accessibility of medical care in your chosen location.