17010, Campbelltown, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17010, Campbelltown, Pennsylvania is 51 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

77.11 percent of residents in 17010 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 8.10 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Milton S Hershey Medical Center with a distance of 4.83 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Campbelltown (ZIP Code 17010)

The crisp air of Campbelltown, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17010), beckons with its small-town charm and proximity to rolling hills. Yet, for individuals grappling with the complexities of lung cancer, the ease of accessing critical healthcare becomes paramount. This analysis provides a "Lung Cancer Score" for residents of this area, evaluating the landscape of **transportation** options and their impact on **healthcare access**, particularly for those considering **moving to Campbelltown**. We will explore the realities of getting to and from treatment centers, weighing the challenges and opportunities that shape the patient experience.

The primary concern for anyone facing a lung cancer diagnosis is timely access to specialized medical care. This includes appointments with pulmonologists, oncologists, radiation therapists, and the availability of diagnostic imaging like CT scans and PET scans. The ability to navigate these appointments, often requiring frequent visits, becomes a defining factor in the quality of life and, potentially, the outcome of treatment.

Campbelltown itself is a relatively small community, with a population of around 15,000. The immediate area offers some primary care physicians, but specialized lung cancer treatment is primarily concentrated in larger medical centers located in nearby cities. This necessitates a reliance on various **transportation** methods, each presenting its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

**Driving the Distance:**

The most common mode of **transportation** for residents of 17010 is personal vehicle. The primary arteries connecting Campbelltown to regional healthcare hubs are US Route 322 and Pennsylvania Route 72. US Route 322, a major east-west thoroughfare, provides direct access to Hershey Medical Center, a highly regarded institution for cancer care. The drive to Hershey Medical Center typically takes around 15-20 minutes in normal traffic conditions. This relatively short commute is a significant advantage for residents of Campbelltown, providing quick **healthcare access** to a comprehensive cancer center.

Pennsylvania Route 72 offers an alternative route to Hershey, and it connects Campbelltown to Lebanon, a smaller city with some medical facilities. However, the healthcare options in Lebanon are generally less specialized than those available at Hershey Medical Center.

For patients requiring advanced treatments or specialized expertise, the drive to Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center on US 322 is the most convenient option. However, the drive times can fluctuate significantly depending on traffic, especially during peak hours or inclement weather. Winter weather, in particular, can create hazardous road conditions, potentially delaying or even preventing access to critical appointments.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public **transportation** options in Campbelltown are limited. The local **transportation** authority, Lebanon Transit, operates bus routes, but service within Campbelltown and to surrounding areas is infrequent. There are no direct bus routes to Hershey Medical Center from Campbelltown. This severely restricts **healthcare access** for individuals who do not drive or who are unable to drive due to their illness or other limitations.

Furthermore, the accessibility of existing bus routes for individuals with mobility impairments is a critical consideration. While Lebanon Transit is committed to ADA compliance, the frequency and coverage of their routes may not adequately serve the needs of all patients. The lack of readily available public **transportation** presents a significant barrier to **healthcare access** for many residents, especially those who are older, have disabilities, or have limited financial resources.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Campbelltown area. However, the availability and cost of these services can vary significantly depending on demand and time of day. For patients with frequent appointments, the cost of ride-sharing can quickly become a financial burden.

Medical **transportation** services offer a more specialized solution. Companies like CareRide and Liberty Medical Transportation provide non-emergency medical **transportation** for patients who need assistance getting to and from medical appointments. These services typically offer door-to-door service and can accommodate individuals with mobility limitations. However, the cost of medical **transportation** can be substantial, and it may not be covered by all insurance plans.

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

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Campbelltown (17010) is not a single number but a composite evaluation. It considers the following factors:

* **Proximity to Specialized Care:** The close proximity to Hershey Medical Center provides a significant advantage.
* **Driving Conditions:** The relatively short drive times are beneficial, but weather and traffic can impact reliability.
* **Public Transit Limitations:** The lack of robust public **transportation** significantly restricts **healthcare access** for many.
* **Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport Costs:** The cost of these services can be a barrier for some patients.
* **ADA Accessibility:** The availability of accessible **transportation** options for individuals with disabilities is a critical factor.

**Implications for Moving to Campbelltown:**

For individuals considering **moving to Campbelltown** and facing a lung cancer diagnosis, the following recommendations are crucial:

* **Assess Driving Ability:** If you are able to drive, the proximity to Hershey Medical Center is a major advantage.
* **Explore Medical Transport Options:** Investigate the availability and cost of medical **transportation** services in the area.
* **Consider the Need for Support:** Determine if you will need family or friends to assist with **transportation**.
* **Evaluate Insurance Coverage:** Ensure your insurance plan covers the cost of medical **transportation** and other relevant services.
* **Factor in Public Transit Limitations:** Recognize that public **transportation** is not a viable option for many.

**Conclusion:**

Campbelltown (17010) offers a favorable environment for **healthcare access** due to its proximity to Hershey Medical Center. However, the limitations of public **transportation** and the potential cost of ride-sharing and medical **transportation** services create challenges. Individuals considering **moving to Campbelltown** and facing a lung cancer diagnosis should carefully evaluate their **transportation** needs and resources. By understanding the landscape of **transportation** options, patients can navigate the healthcare system more effectively and focus on their treatment and recovery. The "Lung Cancer Score" for Campbelltown is thus a mixed bag, with the advantage of proximity to specialized care tempered by the limitations of public **transportation** and the potential costs of alternative options.