17214, Blue Ridge Summit, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17214, Blue Ridge Summit, Pennsylvania is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

69.31 percent of residents in 17214 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.03 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wellspan Chambersburg Hospital with a distance of 17.15 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 17214

The crisp mountain air of Blue Ridge Summit, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17214), offers a tranquil escape. Yet, the very serenity of this community can be a double-edged sword when considering healthcare access, particularly for those facing a diagnosis like lung cancer. This write-up assesses the challenges and opportunities in navigating the transportation landscape to receive necessary treatment, ultimately contributing to a "Lung Cancer Score" for this specific location. The score considers the availability and practicality of various transportation options, directly impacting the quality of life and treatment outcomes for residents.

The journey to healthcare, for those battling lung cancer, is often a marathon, not a sprint. Regular appointments for diagnosis, treatment (chemotherapy, radiation), and follow-up care are critical. This necessitates reliable transportation. The remoteness of Blue Ridge Summit, nestled in Franklin County, presents inherent challenges. The primary focus will be on the accessibility of cancer care facilities.

The most direct route to major healthcare providers typically involves driving. From Blue Ridge Summit, the primary artery is **US Route 30**, a major east-west thoroughfare. Driving east, towards Chambersburg, the county seat, offers access to WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital, approximately a 25-30 minute drive. This facility provides oncology services, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Further east, the drive to Gettysburg Hospital, another WellSpan facility, extends to about 45-55 minutes, depending on traffic.

Heading west on **US Route 30** provides access to facilities in the Hagerstown, Maryland area. Meritus Medical Center, a comprehensive regional hospital, is roughly a 35-45 minute drive. This hospital offers a full spectrum of cancer care, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. The roads are generally well-maintained, but weather conditions, especially during winter months, can significantly impact travel times and safety.

Alternative routes exist, utilizing smaller roads like **PA Route 16** and **PA Route 75**. However, these routes are often winding and can add significant travel time, especially during peak hours. Traffic congestion is generally moderate, but it can increase near Chambersburg and Hagerstown during rush hour.

Public transportation options are limited in the 17214 ZIP code. The primary public transit provider in Franklin County is the Franklin County Transit Authority (FCTA). However, FCTA's services are primarily focused on serving Chambersburg and the surrounding areas. There is no direct bus route from Blue Ridge Summit to major healthcare facilities. The FCTA does offer a demand-response service, known as "Shared Ride," which requires advance booking and may be a viable option for some residents, but its availability is limited, and it may not be suitable for frequent appointments. ADA accessibility features vary depending on the specific route and vehicle, so it's crucial to inquire about these features when booking.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their reliability can be inconsistent, particularly in a rural setting. Availability may be limited, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, especially for frequent trips to medical appointments.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients with mobility limitations or those requiring specialized assistance, offer a valuable alternative. Several companies operate in the region, including Liberty Medical Transportation and Medstar Transportation. These services typically provide door-to-door transportation, including assistance with entering and exiting vehicles, and can accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility devices. However, these services often come with a higher price tag than other transportation options.

For individuals considering moving to Blue Ridge Summit and facing a lung cancer diagnosis, these transportation considerations are paramount. The Lung Cancer Score for 17214 reflects the challenges and opportunities presented by the local transportation landscape. The score is affected by the drive times to cancer care facilities, the limitations of public transit, the reliability of ride-sharing services, and the availability and cost of medical transportation.

The score also considers the potential impact of these transportation challenges on the patient's well-being. Long travel times, unreliable transportation, and high costs can contribute to stress, fatigue, and missed appointments, ultimately affecting treatment outcomes.

The availability of support services, such as caregiver assistance and patient navigators, can also play a crucial role in mitigating these challenges. These services can help patients coordinate transportation, manage appointments, and access other resources.

The Lung Cancer Score for 17214 must also consider the potential for future improvements in transportation infrastructure and services. The expansion of public transit, the increased availability of ride-sharing services, and the development of new medical transportation options could significantly improve healthcare access for residents.

In conclusion, the Lung Cancer Score for 17214 reflects a landscape where healthcare access is significantly impacted by transportation limitations. While the drive times to cancer care facilities are manageable, the lack of robust public transit and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services pose challenges. The availability of medical transportation services provides a crucial safety net, but the associated costs can be a barrier for some. Individuals moving to Blue Ridge Summit should carefully evaluate these factors, along with their individual needs and financial resources, when considering their healthcare options. The community's remoteness, while offering tranquility, necessitates proactive planning and a willingness to explore all available transportation avenues to ensure timely and effective cancer care.