17035, Honey Grove, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17035, Honey Grove, Pennsylvania is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

41.46 percent of residents in 17035 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.50 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Penn State Health Hampden Medical Center with a distance of 18.22 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Honey Grove (ZIP Code 17035)

Honey Grove, Pennsylvania, nestled in the heart of Juniata County, offers a serene rural lifestyle. However, for residents facing a lung cancer diagnosis, the tranquility can be shattered by the complexities of accessing timely and effective healthcare. This write-up provides a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, focusing on the critical factor of transportation and its impact on healthcare access for individuals residing in ZIP code 17035. It's designed to inform potential residents, especially those considering moving to Honey Grove, about the practical realities of managing a serious illness in this specific geographic context.

The "Lung Cancer Score" isn't a numerical grade but a holistic evaluation. It considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing options, and medical transport services. The goal is to paint a clear picture of the transportation landscape, highlighting both the challenges and potential solutions for patients needing specialized care. This information is paramount, as prompt access to diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up appointments is crucial for optimal outcomes in lung cancer management.

**Drive Times and Roadways: The Arteries of Care**

For residents of Honey Grove, the primary mode of transportation to access healthcare is, undoubtedly, the personal vehicle. The nearest comprehensive medical facilities, equipped to handle lung cancer diagnoses and treatment, are located in larger towns and cities, demanding careful consideration of travel times.

The most direct route to the Geisinger Lewistown Hospital, approximately 25 miles away, involves navigating Route 75 south. This drive, typically taking around 45 minutes, can be affected by traffic, especially during peak hours. The road quality is generally good, but winter weather can pose a significant challenge, potentially extending travel times and necessitating extra caution.

For more specialized care, such as radiation oncology or advanced surgical procedures, patients often need to travel further. Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, a regional leader in cancer care, is roughly 70 miles away. The journey, which primarily utilizes Route 322 East, can take upwards of 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions. This longer commute requires careful planning, especially for frequent appointments.

The drive to UPMC Harrisburg, another major healthcare provider, involves a similar distance and travel time, utilizing Route 322 East and then Interstate 81 South. The interstate offers faster travel speeds, but the potential for traffic congestion, particularly around Harrisburg, must be factored in.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Honey Grove and the surrounding areas are extremely limited. The Juniata County Transportation Authority (JCTA) provides demand-response services, meaning rides must be scheduled in advance. However, the JCTA's services may not be suitable for frequent medical appointments due to scheduling constraints and limited operating hours.

The JCTA operates ADA-accessible vehicles, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities. However, the service area is primarily within Juniata County, and trips to hospitals in Lewistown or Hershey would require careful coordination and potentially multiple transfers. Public transit, therefore, presents a significant challenge for lung cancer patients needing regular treatment.

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

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Harrisburg and Lewistown areas, but their presence in Honey Grove is less reliable. Availability can be inconsistent, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Relying solely on ride-sharing for critical medical appointments could be risky.

Medical transport services offer a more specialized solution for patients unable to drive themselves. Companies like CareRide and Liberty Medical Transportation provide non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services typically require pre-booking and may involve significant costs, which could be a barrier for some patients.

**The Impact on Healthcare Access**

The transportation landscape in Honey Grove presents significant challenges for individuals diagnosed with lung cancer. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with limited public transit and potentially unreliable ride-sharing, can create obstacles to timely access to care.

The long drive times to specialized medical facilities can be physically and emotionally taxing for patients undergoing treatment. Frequent appointments for chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or follow-up care can strain resources and disrupt daily life. The financial burden of transportation costs, including gas, parking, and potential medical transport fees, can also add to the stress of managing a serious illness.

**Recommendations for Residents and Potential Movers**

For residents of Honey Grove diagnosed with lung cancer, proactive planning is essential. Establishing a support network of family, friends, or community members willing to provide transportation assistance is crucial. Exploring all available transportation options, including medical transport services, and understanding the associated costs is also recommended.

For individuals considering moving to Honey Grove, it's vital to carefully assess the transportation challenges and their potential impact on healthcare access. Researching local healthcare providers, understanding insurance coverage for transportation costs, and evaluating the availability of support services are essential steps.

**Conclusion: A Call for Community Awareness**

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Honey Grove highlights the critical link between transportation and healthcare access. While the rural setting offers certain advantages, the limited transportation options pose significant challenges for individuals battling lung cancer. Community awareness, improved public transportation, and increased availability of affordable medical transport services are crucial to ensuring that residents of Honey Grove have equitable access to the life-saving care they need. The decision to move to Honey Grove should be made with a clear understanding of these transportation realities, allowing individuals to make informed choices about their healthcare needs and overall well-being.