17003, Annville, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17003, Annville, Pennsylvania is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

68.81 percent of residents in 17003 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 6.89 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wellspan Good Samaritan Hospital with a distance of 5.22 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Annville, PA (ZIP Code 17003)

Considering a move to Annville, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17003)? This analysis provides a "Lung Cancer Score," a subjective assessment of transportation options impacting healthcare access for individuals needing lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. This score considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, acknowledging the crucial role transportation plays in battling this disease. The goal is to paint a clear picture for potential residents, particularly those with existing or potential lung cancer concerns, offering a practical guide to navigating healthcare in this charming Pennsylvania town.

The score is not a definitive medical judgment, but a tool to assist in informed decision-making. It acknowledges the emotional and physical toll of lung cancer and the importance of easily accessible healthcare. The higher the score, the better the perceived access.

**Drive Time Dynamics: The Asphalt Arteries**

Annville, nestled in Lebanon County, offers a relatively straightforward driving landscape. However, understanding the routes to key healthcare facilities is paramount. Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, a major regional cancer center, is approximately 25 miles away. Driving there typically takes 35-50 minutes, depending on traffic.

The primary route involves navigating **US Route 322** east, a major thoroughfare connecting Annville to Hershey. This road can experience congestion, especially during peak commuting hours, potentially adding to travel time. The journey then continues on **Interstate 81 South**, a crucial highway, for a short distance before exiting towards the medical center.

Another option involves taking **PA Route 934** south to **PA Route 743** south and then joining **US Route 322** east. This route might be slightly shorter in distance, but can involve more turns and potentially slower speeds, particularly in the more rural areas. This alternative is often preferred to avoid potential traffic on **US Route 322**.

The drive to WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital in Lebanon, approximately 10 miles away, is considerably shorter, usually taking 15-25 minutes. This route primarily involves **PA Route 934** south or **PA Route 72** north, depending on the starting point within Annville. This proximity offers a crucial advantage for immediate care and certain treatment options.

**Public Transit: A Limited Network**

Public transportation options in Annville are limited. The Lebanon Transit Authority (LTA) provides bus service within Lebanon County. However, routes and frequency are not designed for frequent trips to Hershey Medical Center. The LTA does not provide direct service to Hershey Medical Center from Annville.

The closest LTA route to Annville is the **Route 1** bus, which travels through the town. This route primarily serves local destinations and provides limited connectivity to other areas within the county. While the LTA offers ADA-accessible buses, the lack of direct service to major cancer centers presents a significant challenge for individuals relying on public transit for healthcare.

The absence of a robust public transit system highlights a significant challenge for those without personal vehicles, potentially limiting healthcare access and impacting the overall Lung Cancer Score.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Annville, offering an alternative to driving or public transit. However, availability and pricing can fluctuate, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Relying on ride-sharing for regular appointments can become expensive and unreliable, potentially affecting healthcare access.

Medical transportation services offer a more specialized option. Companies like CareRide and Medical Transportation Management (MTM) provide non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services often require advance booking and may have specific eligibility requirements, such as insurance coverage or medical necessity. They can be a crucial resource for individuals unable to drive or use public transit, particularly for those undergoing treatment or experiencing mobility limitations.

**The Lung Cancer Score: A Subjective Assessment**

Considering the factors above, the Lung Cancer Score for Annville, PA (ZIP Code 17003) is a **5 out of 10**.

This score reflects the following:

* **Positive:** Proximity to WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital, offering local healthcare options.
* **Negative:** Limited public transit options, requiring reliance on personal vehicles or ride-sharing for trips to Hershey Medical Center.
* **Neutral:** Availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services, albeit with potential limitations in cost, availability, and advance booking requirements.

**Implications for Moving to Annville**

For individuals considering moving to Annville, especially those with lung cancer or at high risk, transportation considerations are vital. The reliance on personal vehicles or the need to navigate ride-sharing and medical transport services should be carefully evaluated.

The relatively short drive to WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital offers a significant advantage. However, the distance and potential traffic on the routes to Hershey Medical Center necessitate careful planning and consideration of alternative transportation options.

**Recommendations:**

* **Prioritize proximity to healthcare facilities:** Consider housing options that minimize drive times to both WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital and Hershey Medical Center.
* **Explore ride-sharing and medical transport options:** Research local providers, understand their costs, and assess their availability for regular appointments.
* **Evaluate insurance coverage:** Confirm that your health insurance plan covers transportation costs for medical appointments.
* **Consider the impact of weather:** Factor in the potential for inclement weather to affect travel times and the availability of transportation services.
* **Plan for potential delays:** Always allow extra time for travel, especially for appointments at Hershey Medical Center.

**Conclusion**

Annville offers a pleasant lifestyle and access to healthcare, but transportation plays a critical role in healthcare access, particularly for those battling lung cancer. Understanding the drive times, limitations of public transit, and availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services is essential for making informed decisions about moving to Annville. By carefully considering these factors, individuals can make choices that support their healthcare needs and ensure they have access to the crucial care they deserve. The Lung Cancer Score serves as a starting point for further investigation, emphasizing the importance of thorough planning and proactive decision-making when considering a move to this Pennsylvania town.