18503, Scranton, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 18503, Scranton, Pennsylvania is 67 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

80.00 percent of residents in 18503 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 0.89 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Regional Hospital Of Scranton with a distance of 0.66 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Scranton's 18503

This analysis delves into the challenges and opportunities faced by residents of Scranton's 18503 ZIP code regarding **healthcare access**, particularly for individuals managing hypertension. The goal is to provide a comprehensive "Hypertension Score," reflecting the ease or difficulty of accessing essential medical services, considering **transportation** options, drive times, and the availability of resources. This information is crucial for anyone **moving to Scranton** or already residing within the area, especially those seeking optimal care for this prevalent condition.

The 18503 ZIP code encompasses a diverse area, including residential neighborhoods and commercial districts. Its proximity to major roadways and the availability of public transit are critical factors influencing the Hypertension Score. The assessment examines the time and effort required to reach key healthcare providers, including primary care physicians, cardiologists, pharmacies, and specialized hypertension clinics.

**Driving the Healthcare Landscape:**

The primary arteries for **transportation** within 18503 are Interstate 81 (I-81) and the Scranton Expressway (US-6). These highways offer relatively quick access to healthcare facilities located throughout Scranton and the surrounding areas. However, traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, can significantly impact drive times. For example, a trip from the Green Ridge section to Geisinger Commonwealth Medical College (GCMC), a major healthcare provider, could take 10-15 minutes during off-peak hours, but potentially double during rush hour.

Local roads such as Wyoming Avenue, Cedar Avenue, and Mulberry Street provide access to smaller clinics and pharmacies. These routes, while offering more direct access to neighborhood resources, are often characterized by stop-and-go traffic and limited parking. The condition of these roads, especially during winter months, can also present challenges for those with mobility issues or limited vehicle reliability.

**Public Transit: A Lifeline or a Limbo?**

The Lackawanna County Transit System (LCTS) provides public **transportation** within Scranton and the surrounding areas. Several bus routes serve the 18503 ZIP code, offering a potentially affordable alternative to driving. Route 10, for instance, travels along Wyoming Avenue, providing access to various medical facilities and pharmacies. Route 20, another key route, connects the downtown area with the west side, where several healthcare providers are located.

However, the effectiveness of public transit in managing hypertension depends on several factors. Bus schedules may not always align with appointment times, and the frequency of service can be limited, especially during evenings and weekends. While LCTS buses are equipped with ADA-compliant features, including ramps and designated seating, navigating the system can still be challenging for individuals with mobility limitations. The time spent waiting for buses and the potential for multiple transfers can significantly increase travel time, potentially exacerbating stress and anxiety, which are detrimental to hypertension management.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation: Bridging the Gap:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer an alternative **transportation** option, particularly for those without personal vehicles or who are unable to drive. These services provide door-to-door **transportation**, eliminating the need to navigate public transit or rely on family members for rides. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a barrier, especially for individuals with limited incomes or frequent medical appointments.

Medical **transportation** services, such as those offered by companies like Medical Transportation Management (MTM) and LogistiCare, cater specifically to individuals with medical needs. These services often provide non-emergency medical **transportation**, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained drivers. While these services can be invaluable for individuals with mobility issues or those requiring specialized assistance, they typically require prior arrangements and may have limited availability.

**Healthcare Access Points and Drive Times:**

Several key healthcare facilities are located within or near the 18503 ZIP code. Geisinger Commonwealth Medical College (GCMC), a major regional hospital, offers comprehensive medical services, including cardiology and hypertension management. Drive times to GCMC from various locations within 18503 can vary significantly, ranging from 5 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions and the specific origin point.

The Moses Taylor Hospital, another significant healthcare provider, is also readily accessible from 18503. Drive times to Moses Taylor Hospital are generally comparable to those for GCMC. Numerous private cardiology practices and primary care physicians are also located within the ZIP code or in nearby areas, offering convenient access to specialized care. Pharmacies, including national chains and local pharmacies, are readily available throughout the area, ensuring access to prescribed medications.

**Pharmacy Access:**

Access to pharmacies is a critical component of hypertension management. Within the 18503 ZIP code, residents have access to several pharmacies, including national chains like CVS and Walgreens, as well as local independent pharmacies. These pharmacies offer prescription filling services, medication counseling, and other essential healthcare products. The proximity of pharmacies to residential areas and healthcare providers is generally good, with most residents able to reach a pharmacy within a short drive or a reasonable distance via public transit.

**The Hypertension Score: A Holistic Assessment:**

The Hypertension Score for 18503 considers the following factors:

* **Drive Times:** Average drive times to key healthcare providers, considering peak and off-peak traffic.
* **Public Transit Accessibility:** Frequency, reliability, and ADA-compliance of LCTS routes serving the area.
* **Ride-Sharing Availability:** Cost and availability of Uber and Lyft services.
* **Medical Transportation Services:** Availability and accessibility of specialized medical **transportation**.
* **Pharmacy Access:** Proximity and accessibility of pharmacies.
* **Healthcare Provider Density:** The number and type of healthcare providers within the ZIP code.
* **Community Resources:** Availability of support groups, educational programs, and other resources related to hypertension management.

The score will be a composite value, reflecting the overall ease or difficulty of accessing essential healthcare services for individuals with hypertension. A higher score indicates better access, while a lower score suggests greater challenges.

**Recommendations and Considerations:**

Based on this assessment, several recommendations can be made to improve healthcare access for individuals with hypertension in 18503. Improving public **transportation** infrastructure, including increased bus frequency and expanded routes, is crucial. Promoting the use of ride-sharing services and medical **transportation** programs can also enhance access for those with mobility limitations or without personal vehicles.

Furthermore, increasing the availability of community resources, such as hypertension support groups and educational programs, can empower individuals to manage their condition effectively. Healthcare providers should also consider offering telehealth appointments and home-based monitoring programs to improve convenience and reduce the need for frequent in-person visits.

**Moving to Scranton** and managing hypertension requires careful consideration of **transportation** and healthcare access. The Hypertension Score provides a valuable framework for understanding the challenges and opportunities within the 18503 ZIP code, empowering residents to make informed decisions about their healthcare and well-being. The ongoing efforts to improve **healthcare access** and **transportation** options will significantly impact the quality of life for individuals living with hypertension in this vibrant community.