17320, Fairfield, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17320, Fairfield, Pennsylvania is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

47.75 percent of residents in 17320 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.35 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Gettysburg Hospital with a distance of 9.49 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Fairfield, PA (ZIP Code 17320)

Fairfield, Pennsylvania, nestled in the heart of Adams County, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for residents, particularly concerning healthcare access. This analysis, a "Lung Cancer Score" write-up, examines the transportation landscape within and around ZIP code 17320, focusing on its impact on accessing lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Understanding these factors is crucial for residents, especially those considering moving to Fairfield, as it directly influences their health and well-being.

The score considers the time, cost, and ease of reaching healthcare facilities specializing in lung cancer care. These factors are interwoven with the availability of various transportation options, from personal vehicles to public transit, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transport. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview, empowering residents to make informed decisions about their healthcare journey.

The primary hurdle for Fairfield residents is the geographic isolation. The town is surrounded by rolling hills and farmland, which, while picturesque, can complicate transportation. The most common mode of transportation is the personal vehicle. Driving is often the most direct route to access medical facilities.

The primary artery for travel is US Route 30, a major east-west thoroughfare. This road connects Fairfield to Gettysburg to the east and Chambersburg to the west. Drive times to these locations can vary greatly depending on traffic, but generally, Gettysburg is about a 20-30 minute drive, while Chambersburg is approximately 40-50 minutes.

Pennsylvania Route 116 provides a north-south connection, offering access to towns like Emmitsburg, Maryland, and connecting to US Route 15. This route is crucial for those seeking healthcare services in Maryland. Traffic on Route 116 can be slower, especially during peak hours or when encountering agricultural vehicles.

The drive to the closest hospitals with comprehensive cancer care, such as WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital and UPMC Carlisle, will take approximately 20-50 minutes. Further afield, Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, a renowned cancer center, requires a drive of roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic on I-83 and I-70.

Public transportation options are limited in Fairfield. The Gettysburg Transit Authority (GTA) provides some bus services within Gettysburg, but these routes generally do not extend to Fairfield. The GTA does offer paratransit services for individuals with disabilities, but these services require advance booking and may have limited availability. This scarcity of public transit significantly impacts healthcare access, especially for those without personal vehicles or unable to drive. The lack of readily available public transportation is a critical factor when considering healthcare access.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their reliability and cost can be unpredictable. Availability depends on driver proximity, which can fluctuate significantly, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier, especially for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), are available for those requiring assistance. These services are typically reserved for patients with specific medical needs and may be covered by insurance. However, the availability of these services can vary, and advance booking is often required.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Fairfield, PA, reflects the challenges presented by the transportation landscape. While the area offers access to healthcare facilities, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limitations of public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services create barriers. This is especially true for individuals with limited mobility, those without access to a car, or those facing financial constraints.

For individuals considering moving to Fairfield, a thorough assessment of their transportation needs is crucial. Evaluate the proximity of healthcare providers, the availability and reliability of transportation options, and the potential costs associated with accessing medical care. This assessment should be a key part of the decision-making process.

The "Lung Cancer Score" is not just a number; it's a reflection of the realities of healthcare access in a rural community. It underscores the importance of considering transportation when planning for healthcare needs, particularly for those facing a serious illness like lung cancer. Understanding these factors is critical for residents and those considering making Fairfield their home.

The limited public transit options, combined with the distance to specialized cancer centers, can create significant challenges. Individuals may need to rely on family, friends, or community resources to access care. The cost of transportation, including fuel, vehicle maintenance, and ride-sharing fares, can add to the financial burden of treatment.

Healthcare access is not just about the availability of medical professionals; it is also about the ability to get to them. The transportation infrastructure in Fairfield significantly impacts the ease with which residents can access vital healthcare services.

The "Lung Cancer Score" emphasizes the need for proactive planning. Patients and their families should explore all available transportation options, including carpooling, volunteer driver programs, and financial assistance programs. Early planning can help mitigate the challenges of accessing healthcare and improve the overall quality of life.

The future of healthcare access in Fairfield may involve innovative solutions, such as expanded public transit, partnerships with ride-sharing services, and the development of telemedicine programs. These initiatives could help bridge the transportation gap and improve healthcare outcomes for residents.

In conclusion, the "Lung Cancer Score" for Fairfield, PA, highlights the importance of transportation in healthcare access. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limitations of public transit, and the potential costs associated with ride-sharing and medical transport services create challenges for residents, particularly those facing lung cancer. Understanding these factors is crucial for informed decision-making, especially for those considering moving to Fairfield or seeking to improve their healthcare journey. Prioritizing transportation needs is essential for ensuring timely access to diagnosis, treatment, and supportive care.