17002, Allensville, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17002, Allensville, Pennsylvania is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

75.46 percent of residents in 17002 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.68 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital with a distance of 14.43 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Allensville (ZIP Code 17002)

The air in Allensville, Pennsylvania, nestled in the heart of Mifflin County (ZIP Code 17002), whispers of rural tranquility. But for those facing a lung cancer diagnosis, the idyllic setting presents a complex challenge: accessing timely and comprehensive healthcare. This write-up, a "Lung Cancer Score" for the region, evaluates the accessibility of crucial medical services, considering transportation options and their impact on patient outcomes. It's a crucial factor for anyone considering moving to Allensville or already residing there, offering insights into the realities of healthcare access in this community.

The core of this assessment revolves around the journey to treatment. A lung cancer diagnosis demands specialized care, including diagnostic imaging, surgical interventions, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. These services are not always readily available within the immediate vicinity of Allensville, necessitating travel to larger medical centers. The Lung Cancer Score, therefore, considers the time and effort required to reach these facilities.

**Drive-Time Dynamics:**

The primary artery for leaving Allensville is **Route 655**, a winding road that connects the community to the broader transportation network. Driving to the nearest comprehensive cancer care centers, located in Lewistown and State College, becomes the first benchmark.

The drive to UPMC in Lewistown, approximately 15 miles away, typically takes between 25 and 35 minutes. This estimate considers potential traffic on **Route 322**, the primary highway connecting Lewistown to the east and west. The time frame can be influenced by weather conditions, particularly during winter months, when snow and ice can significantly slow travel.

For more advanced treatment options, patients often travel to the Penn State Cancer Institute in State College, a journey of roughly 50 miles. The most direct route involves **Route 322**, a highway that can experience significant traffic congestion during peak hours. The drive typically consumes 60 to 90 minutes, depending on traffic flow and the driver's speed.

Further afield, the drive to larger hospitals in Harrisburg, such as UPMC Harrisburg, requires a journey of approximately 80 miles. This trip involves a combination of **Route 322** and **US-322** and can take between 1.5 and 2 hours, potentially increasing the patient's fatigue.

These drive times, while manageable, highlight the dependence on personal vehicles. This dependence presents a potential barrier for those without access to a car or those unable to drive due to their condition or treatment side effects.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public transportation options in Allensville and Mifflin County are limited. The primary provider is the Mifflin County Transportation Authority (MCTA), which operates a demand-response system. This means riders must schedule their trips in advance.

The MCTA offers curb-to-curb service, making it accessible for those with mobility challenges. However, the system's reach is geographically constrained, and its service frequency is limited. While the MCTA offers rides to medical appointments, the travel times are often significantly longer than private transportation due to the need for scheduling and potential multi-stop routes.

The lack of fixed-route public transit, especially along major routes like **Route 322**, presents a significant challenge for lung cancer patients. The absence of regular bus service limits the options for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a vehicle. ADA-compliant features, such as wheelchair lifts, are available on MCTA vehicles, but the overall limitations of the system remain a concern.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gap:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, operate in the Allensville area, but their availability can be inconsistent, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant financial burden for patients undergoing treatment.

Medical transportation services offer a more specialized solution. Companies like CareRide and First Medical Transportation provide non-emergency medical transportation, often equipped with specialized features and trained drivers. These services can be particularly valuable for patients who require assistance with mobility or who are unable to drive themselves.

However, medical transportation services often come with a higher price tag than ride-sharing or public transit. The cost can be a significant barrier to healthcare access, especially for patients with limited financial resources.

**The Impact on Healthcare Access:**

The transportation challenges in Allensville directly impact healthcare access for lung cancer patients. The need to travel long distances for treatment can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment, potentially affecting patient outcomes. Frequent travel can also lead to increased fatigue, stress, and financial strain, further impacting the patient's quality of life.

The lack of readily available public transit and the reliance on personal vehicles or costly medical transportation services creates an inequitable healthcare landscape. Patients without access to reliable transportation may face significant barriers to receiving the care they need.

**Conclusion: A Score of Considerations**

The Lung Cancer Score for Allensville (ZIP Code 17002) is not a simple numerical value. Instead, it's a complex assessment of the factors impacting healthcare access. While the area offers a peaceful setting, the transportation limitations pose a significant challenge for lung cancer patients.

The drive times to treatment centers, the limited public transit options, and the cost of ride-sharing and medical transportation all contribute to a less-than-ideal healthcare access environment. For individuals considering moving to Allensville, a thorough evaluation of these transportation challenges is crucial. Patients and their families should proactively explore all available options, including financial assistance programs, to ensure they can access the care they need.

Ultimately, improving healthcare access in Allensville requires a multi-pronged approach. This includes advocating for expanded public transportation, supporting the availability of affordable medical transportation services, and promoting community-based programs that offer transportation assistance to those in need. These actions will help ensure that all residents of Allensville, regardless of their circumstances, have the opportunity to fight lung cancer with dignity and hope.