18643, Pittston, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 18643, Pittston, Pennsylvania is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

74.96 percent of residents in 18643 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 5.87 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center with a distance of 5.70 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Pittston, PA (ZIP Code 18643)

Moving to a new area, especially when managing a health condition like hypertension, requires careful consideration of healthcare access. This write-up analyzes transportation options for residents of Pittston, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18643), focusing on their impact on healthcare accessibility, specifically for individuals managing hypertension. We'll explore drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, providing a "Hypertension Score" framework to evaluate the ease of reaching necessary medical appointments and services.

The "Hypertension Score" isn't a formal medical assessment but a practical evaluation of transportation factors influencing healthcare access. It considers drive times to key medical facilities, the reliability and convenience of public transit, the availability of ride-sharing services, and the options for medical transport. A higher score indicates better access, while a lower score suggests potential challenges.

Pittston, a city in Luzerne County, offers a blend of urban and suburban living. Its location presents both advantages and disadvantages regarding transportation. The city's proximity to major roadways provides relatively easy access to larger medical centers, but reliance on personal vehicles remains significant. Public transit options are available, but their coverage and frequency may pose limitations for some residents, particularly those with mobility issues or residing in more remote areas.

**Drive Times: The Road to Care**

Driving remains the most common mode of transportation for healthcare access in Pittston. The primary roadways serving the area are Interstate 81 (I-81), a major north-south artery, and the Pennsylvania Route 315 (PA-315), a significant local thoroughfare. Other important roads include the Pittston Bypass, a crucial route for navigating the city, and local roads like William Street and Kennedy Boulevard, which connect residential areas to commercial and medical facilities.

For individuals with hypertension, timely access to appointments is paramount. The drive time to essential medical facilities, such as primary care physicians, cardiologists, and pharmacies, directly impacts the "Hypertension Score."

* **Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center (Plains Township):** This large hospital is a major healthcare provider for the region. From central Pittston, a drive via PA-315 and the Pittston Bypass typically takes around 15-20 minutes, assuming normal traffic conditions. This relatively short drive contributes positively to the "Hypertension Score."
* **Commonwealth Health Regional Hospital of Scranton:** Located in Scranton, this hospital is another option for specialized care. The drive, primarily via I-81, can range from 25-40 minutes, depending on traffic. While longer than the drive to Geisinger, the interstate highway provides a generally efficient route.
* **Local Physician Offices and Pharmacies:** Numerous primary care physicians, specialists, and pharmacies are located within Pittston and surrounding towns. Drive times to these facilities are generally short, often within 5-10 minutes, significantly enhancing the "Hypertension Score" for residents.

**Public Transit: Navigating the Network**

Public transportation options in Pittston are provided by the Luzerne County Transportation Authority (LCTA). The LCTA operates a network of bus routes connecting Pittston to surrounding areas, including Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, and other towns.

* **Route 17:** This route serves the Pittston area, connecting residents to key destinations. However, the frequency of service can be limited, especially during evenings and weekends.
* **Route 18:** This route provides service to the Wyoming Valley Mall, offering connections to other routes and destinations.
* **ADA Accessibility:** All LCTA buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities. However, the limited route coverage and potential for longer travel times can negatively impact the "Hypertension Score" for those relying on public transit.

For individuals with hypertension, the reliability and convenience of public transit are crucial. Delays or infrequent service can lead to missed appointments or increased stress levels, negatively affecting blood pressure management. The "Hypertension Score" is therefore influenced by the limited coverage and frequency of LCTA routes.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Pittston area. These services offer a convenient alternative to driving or public transit, particularly for individuals who cannot drive or prefer not to. However, the availability and cost of ride-sharing can vary, especially during peak hours or in less populated areas.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for individuals with medical needs, provide another option. These services often offer door-to-door transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. Several medical transport providers operate in the region, including:

* **Care Ride:** Offers non-emergency medical transportation.
* **Senior Transportation Services:** Specializes in transportation for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

While ride-sharing and medical transport services can enhance healthcare access, their availability and cost must be considered. The "Hypertension Score" benefits from the presence of these services but is tempered by their potential limitations.

**Hypertension Score: Putting it All Together**

The "Hypertension Score" for healthcare access in Pittston (ZIP code 18643) is moderately favorable. The city's location provides relatively easy access to major medical facilities via roadways like I-81 and PA-315. Drive times to key destinations are generally reasonable, contributing positively to the score.

However, the limited public transit coverage and frequency pose challenges for some residents. While ride-sharing and medical transport services are available, their cost and availability can impact healthcare access.

**Recommendations for Improving the Hypertension Score**

To improve the "Hypertension Score" for residents of Pittston, several steps could be taken:

* **Expand Public Transit:** Increase the frequency and coverage of LCTA bus routes, particularly during evenings and weekends, to improve accessibility for all residents.
* **Promote Ride-Sharing:** Encourage the use of ride-sharing services through community awareness programs and partnerships with healthcare providers.
* **Support Medical Transport:** Facilitate access to medical transport services through financial assistance programs or partnerships with healthcare organizations.
* **Improve Healthcare Infrastructure:** Advocate for the expansion of local healthcare facilities and services, reducing the need for long-distance travel.

By addressing these areas, Pittston can enhance healthcare access for all residents, including those managing hypertension, contributing to a healthier and more supportive community.