18461, Starlight, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 18461, Starlight, Pennsylvania is 21 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

50.00 percent of residents in 18461 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.19 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Barnes-Kasson County Hospital with a distance of 13.62 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Starlight, PA (ZIP Code 18461)

The journey to maintaining healthy blood pressure, particularly for those considering a move to Starlight, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18461), requires a careful examination of healthcare access. This assessment, a "Hypertension Score" if you will, considers the practical realities of transportation, a critical factor influencing a resident's ability to manage their condition. The ability to attend regular appointments, pick up medications, and respond to emergencies is paramount. This write-up illuminates the landscape, focusing on drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing, and medical transport services available to residents.

Starlight, nestled in the northeastern corner of Pennsylvania, presents a unique challenge. The area is characterized by its rural setting, which, while offering scenic beauty, often translates to longer travel times for essential services. Evaluating the accessibility of healthcare becomes essential for anyone with hypertension, a condition requiring consistent medical attention. The ability to get to appointments, especially for those with mobility limitations, can be a significant determinant of health outcomes.

**Drive Times and Road Networks:**

The primary arteries connecting Starlight to healthcare facilities are the major highways and secondary roads. The most direct route to larger hospitals and specialist offices often involves utilizing **Interstate 81 (I-81)**. Accessing I-81 from Starlight typically requires navigating **Route 171** and **Route 29**, both of which are rural two-lane roads that can experience delays, especially during peak hours or inclement weather.

Traveling south on I-81 leads to Scranton, a city with a variety of healthcare options, including Geisinger Community Medical Center. The drive to Scranton can take approximately 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic and the specific location within the city. Northbound on I-81 provides access to hospitals in Binghamton, New York, a similar distance, but crossing state lines may add complexities to insurance coverage.

Smaller clinics and family practices may be located in nearby towns such as Susquehanna or Montrose. Reaching these destinations often involves navigating a network of local roads like **Route 106** and **Route 29**. These routes, while shorter in distance, may be subject to slower speeds and potential delays due to the winding nature of the roads and the presence of seasonal traffic. Drive times to these nearby healthcare providers can range from 15 to 30 minutes.

**Public Transportation: A Limited Option:**

Public transportation in Starlight and the surrounding areas is extremely limited. The lack of readily available public transit poses a significant barrier to healthcare access for those who do not own a car or are unable to drive. The absence of a robust public transportation system is a major factor to consider when evaluating the "Hypertension Score" for this location.

There are no established bus routes directly serving Starlight. The closest public transit options may be found in Scranton, but the distance and lack of direct connections make this an impractical solution for many residents. The lack of accessible public transportation significantly impacts the ability of residents to attend medical appointments, pick up prescriptions, and manage their health effectively.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the region, but their availability in Starlight may be inconsistent. The rural nature of the area can result in longer wait times and potentially higher fares compared to urban areas. Relying solely on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments may prove unreliable and expensive.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for individuals with mobility limitations or medical needs, offer a more specialized solution. Companies like Medical Transportation Management (MTM) and various local providers offer non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services. These services typically require advance booking and may involve pre-authorization from insurance providers. While they provide a crucial lifeline for those unable to drive, they often come with logistical complexities and scheduling constraints.

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

The "Hypertension Score" for Starlight, PA (18461) must consider the limitations of transportation. The reliance on personal vehicles, the scarcity of public transit, and the potential challenges associated with ride-sharing and medical transport all contribute to a lower score. This means that individuals with hypertension, or those considering a move to the area, should carefully assess their ability to navigate the transportation landscape.

The absence of readily available healthcare options directly within Starlight necessitates travel to neighboring towns and cities. This travel, in turn, introduces potential barriers to timely and consistent medical care. The lack of convenient transportation can lead to missed appointments, delays in obtaining medications, and a diminished ability to manage hypertension effectively.

**Moving to Starlight: A Realistic Assessment:**

For individuals with hypertension contemplating a move to Starlight, a thorough evaluation of their transportation needs is crucial. They must consider their ability to drive, the availability of family or friends to provide transportation, and the reliability and cost of ride-sharing or medical transport services.

Furthermore, prospective residents should research the availability of healthcare providers in the surrounding areas and assess the ease of scheduling appointments. Prioritizing healthcare access during the moving process is essential to ensure continuity of care and effective management of their condition.

The "Hypertension Score" is not just about numbers; it's about understanding the practical realities of healthcare access in a rural environment. By carefully considering the transportation challenges, individuals can make informed decisions and proactively plan for their healthcare needs in Starlight.