17739, Jersey Mills, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17739, Jersey Mills, Pennsylvania is 22 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

0.00 percent of residents in 17739 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.23 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital with a distance of 16.04 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Jersey Mills, PA (ZIP Code 17739)

The rustling Susquehanna River whispers secrets through the heart of Jersey Mills, Pennsylvania, a community cradled by the embrace of nature. But amidst the tranquility, a silent adversary lurks: lung cancer. This write-up explores the critical intersection of transportation and healthcare access for residents of ZIP code 17739, offering a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, crucial for anyone facing a diagnosis or considering a move to this area. Understanding the challenges and opportunities in navigating the healthcare landscape is paramount.

The score is not a numerical value but rather a comprehensive evaluation of the resources available. It considers the complexities of reaching specialists, treatment centers, and support services, crucial for managing a disease that demands timely and consistent care. This is especially important for those who are considering moving to Jersey Mills.

The journey begins with understanding the geography. Jersey Mills is a rural area, and the nearest significant healthcare facilities are in Williamsport, approximately 30 miles away. The primary route, and therefore the most critical transportation artery, is Pennsylvania Route 44. This two-lane highway, while scenic, can be subject to delays due to seasonal weather, especially snow and ice. Expect a drive time of approximately 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Alternative routes exist, albeit with their own challenges. Pennsylvania Route 120 offers a slightly longer, but sometimes less congested, path. However, it involves navigating more winding roads and potentially encountering slower traffic, particularly during peak hours. This route may add 15 to 30 minutes to the drive.

The next layer of consideration involves public transportation. Unfortunately, the options are limited. The Williamsport area is served by the River Valley TransitValley Transit (RVT) system. However, service to Jersey Mills is virtually non-existent. This lack of public transportation significantly impacts healthcare access for those who do not drive or cannot drive. This absence underscores the importance of exploring other transportation alternatives.

For those unable to drive, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available, but their presence in Jersey Mills is sporadic. Availability depends on driver density and demand. The cost can also be a significant barrier, particularly for frequent appointments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Booking in advance is highly recommended, but even then, delays or cancellations are possible.

Medical transportation services offer a more specialized solution. Companies like Medical Transportation Management (MTM) and Logisticare provide non-emergency medical transportation. These services often contract with insurance companies and can transport patients to and from appointments. However, eligibility criteria and prior authorization may be required, and scheduling needs to be done well in advance.

ADA-compliant transportation is a critical consideration for individuals with mobility limitations. While RVT buses in Williamsport are equipped with ADA features, the lack of public transportation to Jersey Mills renders this irrelevant. Ride-sharing services and medical transportation providers should be specifically requested to provide ADA-compliant vehicles. This is a crucial factor in the overall Lung Cancer Score.

Beyond transportation, the availability of support services is essential. The American Cancer Society, the Lung Cancer Research Foundation, and local support groups offer valuable resources, including financial assistance, counseling, and educational materials. Accessing these services often requires travel to Williamsport or online participation. This reinforces the importance of reliable transportation.

The healthcare facilities in Williamsport, such as UPMC Williamsport Hospital, offer comprehensive cancer care, including diagnosis, treatment, and supportive services. However, the distance and transportation challenges can create significant barriers to accessing these vital resources. This is especially true for those requiring frequent appointments or experiencing debilitating side effects from treatment.

Consider the impact of treatment side effects. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can cause fatigue, nausea, and other symptoms that make driving difficult or impossible. The lack of reliable transportation options in Jersey Mills can exacerbate these challenges, potentially delaying or disrupting treatment schedules. This adds another layer of complexity to the Lung Cancer Score.

The Lung Cancer Score for Jersey Mills, PA, ZIP code 17739, is therefore a complex assessment. While the area offers a peaceful environment, its remote location and limited transportation options present significant challenges for individuals facing a lung cancer diagnosis. The reliance on personal vehicles, the sporadic availability of ride-sharing services, and the need to navigate medical transportation services require careful planning and coordination.

The score is not a condemnation of the area but rather a realistic appraisal of the hurdles that residents must overcome to access essential healthcare. For anyone considering moving to Jersey Mills, or for those already residing there, proactive planning is crucial. This includes identifying reliable transportation options, establishing relationships with healthcare providers in advance, and exploring all available support services.

The Lung Cancer Score highlights the importance of advocating for improved transportation infrastructure and healthcare access in rural communities. This includes supporting initiatives to expand public transportation, increase the availability of ride-sharing services, and ensure that medical transportation services are readily available and affordable.

Ultimately, the Lung Cancer Score underscores the need for a holistic approach to healthcare, one that considers not only the quality of medical care but also the practical challenges of accessing it. For residents of Jersey Mills, this means proactively addressing the transportation barriers and advocating for solutions that improve healthcare access for all. This is a crucial consideration for anyone planning to move to Jersey Mills.