17042, Lebanon, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17042, Lebanon, Pennsylvania is 71 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

69.03 percent of residents in 17042 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 5.51 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Lebanon Va Medical Center with a distance of 1.32 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in ZIP Code 17042

Moving to a new area involves a multitude of considerations, from housing and employment to schools and community. For individuals, particularly those with health concerns like lung cancer, a critical factor is healthcare access. This write-up provides a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment for residents of ZIP Code 17042 (Lebanon, PA), focusing on transportation options to medical facilities specializing in lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and support. This score will consider drive times, public transit availability, ride-share services, and medical transportation options, offering a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities for accessing vital healthcare services.

Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, presents a unique landscape for healthcare access. While offering a blend of rural and suburban environments, the county's transportation infrastructure directly impacts the ease with which residents can reach specialized medical care. The "Lung Cancer Score" will illuminate these nuances, providing a valuable resource for anyone considering a move to Lebanon or seeking to better understand their healthcare options within this specific ZIP code.

**Drive Times and Roadways: The Asphalt Arteries of Healthcare Access**

For many residents of 17042, the primary mode of transportation to healthcare facilities will be personal vehicles. The efficiency of this mode hinges on the road network and the distance to key medical centers. Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, a leading institution for cancer care, is a significant destination.

Driving from the center of Lebanon (17042) to Hershey Medical Center, a journey of approximately 25 miles, typically takes between 30 and 45 minutes, depending on traffic. The primary route involves navigating **PA-72 South** through Lebanon, then merging onto **PA-322 East**. This stretch of highway is generally well-maintained, but rush-hour congestion, especially around the Harrisburg area, can significantly extend travel times.

Another important facility is WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital in Lebanon, a local hospital offering cancer care services. Reaching this hospital from various points within 17042 is generally a short drive, typically less than 15 minutes, utilizing local roads like **Walnut Street**, **Cumberland Street**, and **8th Street**. This proximity is a significant advantage for residents needing frequent appointments or experiencing urgent medical needs.

The "Lung Cancer Score" will factor in these drive times, recognizing that shorter travel times correlate with better healthcare access, especially for patients undergoing treatment or experiencing debilitating symptoms. The score will also consider the availability of parking at these facilities, a crucial aspect often overlooked in transportation assessments.

**Public Transit: The Wheels of Accessibility**

Public transportation in Lebanon County offers an alternative to personal vehicles, but its reach and frequency are limited compared to larger metropolitan areas. The Lebanon Transit Authority (LTA) provides bus service throughout the county. However, the routes and schedules may not always align perfectly with the needs of individuals seeking specialized cancer care.

For residents of 17042, accessing Hershey Medical Center via public transit is challenging. The LTA does not offer direct routes. This necessitates a multi-leg journey involving a bus to Harrisburg, followed by another form of transportation to Hershey. This journey can easily consume two hours or more, making it a less practical option for many patients.

Within Lebanon, the LTA provides more convenient access to WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital. Several routes, including **Route 1** and **Route 2**, serve the hospital area, providing relatively frequent service during weekdays. However, weekend schedules are less frequent, potentially impacting patients’ ability to attend appointments.

The "Lung Cancer Score" will carefully evaluate the LTA’s routes, schedules, and ADA accessibility features. The presence of accessible buses with ramps and lifts is crucial for patients with mobility limitations. The score will also consider the frequency of service, the waiting times between buses, and the overall travel time to relevant medical facilities.

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

Ride-share services like Uber and Lyft offer another transportation option, particularly for those without personal vehicles or who find public transit inconvenient. However, the availability and cost of these services can vary depending on the time of day and the demand in the area.

In Lebanon, ride-share availability is generally good, but surge pricing during peak hours or in areas with limited driver availability can significantly increase costs. For patients on fixed incomes or those requiring frequent transportation, the expense can be a significant barrier to healthcare access.

Medical transportation services provide specialized transportation for patients with medical needs. Several companies operate in the Lebanon area, including MedTrans and First Transit. These services often offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel to assist patients. However, they typically require advance booking and may involve higher costs than ride-share services.

The "Lung Cancer Score" will factor in the availability, cost, and reliability of ride-share and medical transportation services. It will also consider the ease with which patients can book and schedule these services, as well as the level of support provided by the drivers or attendants.

**The "Lung Cancer Score" and its Implications for Moving to Lebanon**

The "Lung Cancer Score" for 17042 will be a composite measure, weighing the factors discussed above. It will provide a numerical rating, along with a detailed narrative, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the transportation infrastructure for accessing lung cancer care.

A high score will indicate excellent healthcare access, with short drive times, convenient public transit options, and readily available ride-share and medical transportation services. A lower score will suggest challenges, such as long drive times, limited public transit, and high transportation costs.

For individuals considering moving to Lebanon, the "Lung Cancer Score" will be an invaluable tool. It will allow them to assess the feasibility of accessing specialized cancer care based on their individual needs and circumstances. This information is crucial for making informed decisions about relocation and ensuring access to timely and effective healthcare.

The score will also highlight areas where improvements are needed, such as expanded public transit routes, increased ride-share availability, and more affordable medical transportation options. This information can be used by local policymakers and healthcare providers to improve healthcare access for all residents of 17042.

**Conclusion: A Call for Enhanced Healthcare Access**

The "Lung Cancer Score" is more than just a numerical rating; it is a reflection of the community's commitment to healthcare access. By understanding the transportation challenges and opportunities in 17042, we can work towards creating a more accessible and supportive environment for individuals battling lung cancer. This includes advocating for improved public transit, promoting affordable ride-share options, and ensuring the availability of comprehensive medical transportation services. Ultimately, the goal is to empower residents of 17042 with the resources they need to navigate the complexities of healthcare and receive the best possible care.