18617, Glen Lyon, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 18617, Glen Lyon, Pennsylvania is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

54.85 percent of residents in 18617 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.11 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Berwick Hospital Center with a distance of 10.84 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Glen Lyon, PA (ZIP Code 18617)

The quest for optimal health, especially for those managing hypertension, necessitates more than just medical expertise. It demands seamless *transportation* to and from healthcare appointments, a crucial factor when considering *healthcare access* in a rural community like Glen Lyon, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18617). This write-up provides a detailed overview of the *transportation* landscape, aiming to inform residents and those *moving to Glen Lyon* about the realities of accessing essential medical services, specifically focusing on factors relevant to managing hypertension.

Glen Lyon, nestled in the heart of Luzerne County, presents unique *transportation* challenges. Its relative isolation, coupled with limited public *transportation* options, underscores the importance of understanding available resources. This analysis will explore various *transportation* modalities, including personal vehicles, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical *transportation*, to provide a comprehensive "Hypertension Score" assessment, considering drive times, accessibility, and overall convenience.

The primary artery connecting Glen Lyon to larger population centers and healthcare facilities is Pennsylvania Route 29, a vital but often congested road. Traveling south on Route 29, one can reach Wilkes-Barre, the county seat, in approximately 25-40 minutes, depending on traffic. This route provides access to Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, a major regional hospital, and numerous specialist clinics. The drive is generally straightforward, but rush hour can significantly extend travel times.

Further afield, Interstate 81 offers access to hospitals in Scranton, about an hour's drive north, and Allentown, approximately two hours southeast. These longer journeys, while providing access to specialized care, present additional challenges for individuals with hypertension, including increased stress and potential delays. Weather conditions, particularly during winter months, can further complicate travel, making it essential to plan accordingly.

Public *transportation* options in Glen Lyon are limited. The Luzerne County Transportation Authority (LCTA) provides bus service, but routes and schedules may not always align with healthcare appointment times. Route 18, for instance, offers service to Wilkes-Barre, but frequency is often limited, and the journey can take significantly longer than driving due to multiple stops. ADA accessibility is a key consideration; LCTA buses are equipped with ramps and other accommodations, but riders should confirm availability and schedule.

For individuals without personal vehicles, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer an alternative. However, availability in Glen Lyon can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours. Surge pricing, common during peak demand, can also make these services cost-prohibitive for regular medical appointments. It is crucial to pre-book rides whenever possible and to consider the potential for delays.

Medical *transportation* services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a specialized solution. Companies such as CareRide and MedRide provide non-emergency medical *transportation* in the region. These services typically offer door-to-door service, assisting with mobility and ensuring patients arrive safely. While these services can be more expensive than public *transportation* or ride-sharing, they offer a higher level of convenience and support, particularly for individuals with mobility limitations.

The "Hypertension Score" for Glen Lyon, therefore, is not a simple numerical value. It is a multifaceted assessment reflecting the interplay of *transportation* options, travel times, and accessibility. For residents with hypertension, the score is influenced by factors such as the availability of a personal vehicle, the ability to drive safely, the availability of reliable ride-sharing or medical *transportation* services, and the frequency and convenience of public *transportation*.

Individuals considering *moving to Glen Lyon* and managing hypertension should carefully evaluate their *transportation* needs. The ideal scenario involves access to a personal vehicle, allowing for flexible scheduling and direct access to healthcare facilities. However, even with a personal vehicle, understanding traffic patterns, particularly on Route 29, is crucial.

For those relying on public *transportation*, careful planning is essential. Reviewing LCTA schedules, confirming ADA accessibility, and allowing ample travel time are vital. Ride-sharing services can offer a convenient alternative, but their reliability and cost should be carefully considered. Medical *transportation* services provide a more comprehensive solution, particularly for individuals with mobility challenges, but their cost must be factored into the overall healthcare budget.

The availability of healthcare providers within Glen Lyon is also a significant factor. While the community may have primary care physicians, access to specialists may require travel to Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, or even further afield. This necessitates considering the time commitment, the cost of *transportation*, and the potential for increased stress associated with longer journeys.

In conclusion, managing hypertension in Glen Lyon requires a proactive approach to *transportation*. Residents and those *moving to Glen Lyon* must carefully assess their *transportation* options, considering their individual needs and circumstances. A comprehensive understanding of drive times on Route 29, the limitations of public *transportation*, the availability of ride-sharing services, and the benefits of medical *transportation* is crucial. By carefully planning *transportation* to healthcare appointments, individuals can minimize stress, maximize convenience, and improve their overall quality of life while effectively managing their hypertension. The "Hypertension Score" in Glen Lyon is ultimately a reflection of an individual's ability to navigate the *transportation* landscape and access the healthcare services they need.