17081, Plainfield, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17081, Plainfield, Pennsylvania is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

100.00 percent of residents in 17081 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.29 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Upmc Carlisle with a distance of 3.69 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in ZIP Code 17081

The specter of lung cancer, a formidable adversary, necessitates proactive healthcare access. This write-up, tailored for residents of ZIP Code 17081 (Plainfield, Pennsylvania), assesses the ease of transportation to vital medical facilities. It delves into the complexities of commuting to specialists, oncologists, and treatment centers, providing a "Lung Cancer Score" based on transportation options. This score offers a practical guide for residents and those considering moving to Plainfield, ensuring informed decisions regarding healthcare access.

Plainfield, nestled in the heart of Pennsylvania, presents a unique challenge. While a charming community, its location necessitates careful consideration of transportation when it comes to healthcare. The ability to reach medical professionals promptly and reliably is paramount, especially for individuals facing a lung cancer diagnosis. This score evaluates the available pathways, from personal vehicles to public transit, offering a comprehensive understanding of the landscape.

The primary artery for vehicular travel is Interstate 81. Northbound, it provides access to facilities in Harrisburg, the state capital, while southbound leads towards Chambersburg and beyond. Route 74, a key north-south thoroughfare, offers a more direct route to local hospitals and clinics, though traffic congestion can be a factor during peak hours. Route 34, running east-west, connects Plainfield to Carlisle and other surrounding towns, expanding the range of healthcare options.

Drive times are a crucial factor. To UPMC Carlisle, a regional hospital, the drive typically takes 20-30 minutes via Route 34, depending on traffic. Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center in Camp Hill, a more specialized facility, requires a 35-45 minute drive, primarily via I-81 North. The commute to the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, a renowned cancer treatment center, is approximately 50-60 minutes, again via I-81 North. These times represent the typical conditions; unforeseen delays due to accidents or inclement weather can significantly impact these estimations.

Public transportation options are limited in Plainfield. The Capital Area Transit (CAT) system, serving the Harrisburg metropolitan area, offers some routes that extend into the periphery, but service frequency and coverage are not extensive. Route 3, for example, might offer a limited connection to Harrisburg, potentially requiring transfers to reach major medical centers. Unfortunately, the availability of ADA-accessible buses on these routes is not consistently guaranteed.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, offering an alternative to personal vehicles or public transit. However, the cost of these services, particularly for frequent trips to medical appointments, can be a significant financial burden. The availability of drivers, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather, is also a concern. This makes ride-sharing a less reliable option for consistent healthcare access.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients with mobility limitations or other medical needs, offer a more specialized solution. Companies like Senior Life Solutions and MedRide provide non-emergency medical transportation, often equipped with wheelchair lifts and trained personnel. While these services can be invaluable, their availability and cost vary, and advance booking is usually required.

The "Lung Cancer Score" is a subjective assessment, factoring in all of these elements. It considers the following: the distance to major cancer treatment centers, the reliability of transportation options, the cost of each mode of transport, and the availability of ADA-accessible services. A higher score indicates easier access to healthcare.

For residents of 17081, the score is moderately favorable. The proximity to hospitals like UPMC Carlisle and the presence of ride-sharing services offer some convenience. However, the reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the potential cost of ride-sharing services lower the score. The longer drive times to specialized cancer centers like Hershey Medical Center further impact the assessment.

Moving to Plainfield requires a nuanced understanding of healthcare access. While the community offers a desirable quality of life, the transportation challenges must be carefully considered, especially for those with pre-existing health conditions or those seeking specialized cancer care. The score highlights the need for careful planning, potentially including the use of personal vehicles, exploring medical transportation services, and considering the financial implications of various transportation options.

The score also underscores the importance of proactive healthcare planning. Individuals should establish relationships with primary care physicians and specialists in advance, understand their insurance coverage for transportation costs, and research the availability of medical transportation services. This proactive approach ensures that residents of 17081 can navigate the complexities of healthcare access with greater confidence.

The future of healthcare access in Plainfield may involve improvements in public transit, the expansion of ride-sharing services, or the introduction of innovative transportation solutions. Until then, residents must rely on the existing infrastructure, making informed choices about their transportation needs. The "Lung Cancer Score" serves as a valuable tool, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare, ensuring that they can access the care they need when they need it.

For those considering moving to Plainfield, this assessment is a crucial element in the decision-making process. Understanding the transportation challenges associated with healthcare access allows prospective residents to make informed choices, ensuring that they can maintain their health and well-being. The score provides a realistic perspective, enabling individuals to plan for their healthcare needs and make the most of the community's offerings.

In conclusion, while Plainfield offers a desirable living environment, the transportation landscape presents certain challenges regarding healthcare access. The "Lung Cancer Score" provides a framework for understanding these challenges and making informed decisions. By carefully considering the available transportation options, residents and prospective movers can ensure that they have the access to the healthcare they need, supporting their health and well-being within the community. The ability to navigate these complexities is critical for anyone facing a lung cancer diagnosis or seeking preventative care.