17363, Stewartstown, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17363, Stewartstown, Pennsylvania is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

29.54 percent of residents in 17363 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.78 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wellspan York Hospital with a distance of 14.32 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Stewartstown, PA (ZIP Code 17363)

Deciding to move to a new town, especially when considering healthcare needs, requires careful consideration. This analysis focuses on healthcare access for residents of Stewartstown, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17363), with a specific lens on lung cancer care. We will delve into the complexities of transportation, a crucial factor in ensuring timely access to diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. This assessment aims to provide a nuanced "Lung Cancer Score" reflecting the challenges and opportunities presented by the local infrastructure.

The "Lung Cancer Score" will be a qualitative assessment, considering the availability and accessibility of various transportation options. Factors such as drive times, public transit accessibility, and the presence of ride-sharing or medical transport services are all evaluated. This score will not be a numerical value but rather a descriptive summary of the transportation landscape and its potential impact on individuals navigating the often-complex journey of lung cancer treatment.

Stewartstown, a charming borough in York County, is primarily a car-dependent community. The primary arteries for transportation are Pennsylvania Route 851 and Pennsylvania Route 24. Route 851 connects Stewartstown to the east and west, while Route 24 provides a north-south corridor. Drive times to healthcare facilities are significantly impacted by these routes, particularly during peak hours. Rush hour traffic, especially on Route 24, can add considerable time to a commute, making timely access to appointments a challenge.

The closest major medical centers offering comprehensive cancer care are located in York, approximately 20-30 minutes away by car, depending on traffic. These facilities include WellSpan York Hospital and UPMC Memorial Hospital, both of which offer oncology services, including diagnosis, treatment, and support. The drive to these hospitals typically involves navigating Route 24 and, potentially, Interstate 83.

Further afield, larger hospitals in Baltimore, Maryland, such as Johns Hopkins Hospital and the University of Maryland Medical Center, offer specialized lung cancer treatment options. However, these facilities are approximately a 1-1.5-hour drive, making them less accessible for routine appointments and follow-up care. This increased travel time, coupled with potential traffic congestion on Interstate 83 and Interstate 695, can significantly impact a patient's ability to receive timely and consistent care.

Public transportation options in Stewartstown are limited. The York County Transportation Authority (YCTA) provides bus services throughout the county, but service to Stewartstown is infrequent and primarily focused on connecting residents to larger towns and cities. The YCTA Route 14, which runs between York and Red Lion, offers limited service near Stewartstown, but the frequency and route coverage may not adequately serve the needs of patients requiring regular medical appointments. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible buses on these routes needs to be confirmed to ensure accessibility for individuals with mobility limitations.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, providing an alternative transportation option. However, the availability of these services in Stewartstown may be limited, particularly during off-peak hours or in the early morning and late evening. Reliance on ride-sharing can also be costly, especially for frequent appointments.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), are crucial for patients who are unable to drive or utilize public transportation. Local ambulance services are available for emergency situations. NEMT providers, such as Medical Transportation Management (MTM) and Logisticare, offer transportation to and from medical appointments for eligible individuals. However, eligibility criteria and the availability of these services can vary, and patients need to navigate the complexities of securing these services.

For individuals considering moving to Stewartstown, the availability of reliable transportation is a critical factor in assessing healthcare access. The lack of robust public transportation and the potential limitations of ride-sharing services highlight the importance of personal vehicle ownership. Individuals without access to a personal vehicle may face significant challenges in accessing timely and consistent medical care.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Stewartstown, PA (ZIP Code 17363), reflects a moderate level of accessibility. While the proximity to York's medical facilities offers some advantages, the reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transportation options, and the potential challenges of ride-sharing services create barriers to healthcare access.

Individuals with lung cancer or at high risk should carefully evaluate their transportation options when considering a move to Stewartstown. The availability of a reliable vehicle, the ability to navigate traffic, and the potential need for assistance from family, friends, or medical transport services are crucial considerations.

For those seeking to move to Stewartstown, proactive planning is essential. Researching available healthcare providers, understanding the transportation options, and establishing a support network are critical steps. Contacting the local YCTA to determine the availability of accessible bus routes, exploring the availability and cost of ride-sharing services, and investigating eligibility for medical transportation are all important steps in ensuring access to healthcare.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Stewartstown, while not a definitive metric, underscores the importance of transportation in healthcare access. While the community offers a pleasant living environment, the transportation infrastructure presents challenges that potential residents, especially those with complex medical needs, must carefully consider. The ability to navigate the transportation landscape directly impacts the quality of life and the ability to receive timely and effective care.