17810, Allenwood, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17810, Allenwood, Pennsylvania is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

71.60 percent of residents in 17810 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.70 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Geisinger Medical Center with a distance of 25.46 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Allenwood, PA (ZIP Code 17810)

The insidious nature of lung cancer demands swift and decisive action. Early detection and prompt treatment are paramount, making timely access to healthcare a critical factor in patient outcomes. This report, a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, examines the transportation landscape surrounding Allenwood, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17810), evaluating the accessibility of healthcare facilities specializing in lung cancer diagnosis and treatment. This analysis will be crucial for residents, prospective movers, and healthcare providers seeking to understand the challenges and opportunities within this community.

The very fabric of healthcare access in Allenwood is interwoven with the availability and efficiency of transportation. For residents facing a potential lung cancer diagnosis, the journey to a specialist, a diagnostic center, or a treatment facility can be a daunting undertaking. This assessment considers the various modes of transportation available, from personal vehicles to public transit and ride-sharing services, to gauge the overall "Lung Cancer Score" for the area.

The primary arteries of transportation in and around Allenwood are Route 15 and Interstate 80. Route 15, a major north-south thoroughfare, provides a direct link to Williamsport to the north and Selinsgrove and Harrisburg to the south. Interstate 80, a vital east-west highway, offers access to Bloomsburg and beyond. The drive times to healthcare facilities in these locations become pivotal in determining the overall score.

Driving times are highly variable depending on traffic conditions and the specific destination. The drive to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, a major regional healthcare provider, is approximately 30-45 minutes via Route 15. This timeframe is generally considered acceptable for accessing specialized medical care. Reaching UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport, another significant healthcare hub, can take around an hour, again depending on traffic. The journey to facilities in Harrisburg, approximately two hours south, might require an overnight stay.

Public transportation options are limited in Allenwood and the surrounding areas. The primary provider is the River Valley TransitValley Transit (RVT), which offers bus services in the Williamsport area. However, these routes have limited service to Allenwood, and direct connections to major healthcare facilities are often unavailable. The lack of robust public transit presents a significant challenge for individuals without access to a personal vehicle, especially those with mobility limitations.

The RVT operates a demand-response service, known as "Shared Ride," offering door-to-door transportation. This service requires advance booking and may have limited availability. ADA-accessible buses are available on some routes, but the overall accessibility of public transit to Allenwood residents remains a concern. The absence of a comprehensive public transportation network significantly impacts the "Lung Cancer Score," particularly for those who are elderly, disabled, or economically disadvantaged.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative transportation option. However, their availability in Allenwood and the surrounding rural areas can be inconsistent, and surge pricing during peak hours or medical emergencies can significantly increase the cost. Reliance on ride-sharing services may also require advanced planning and coordination, potentially delaying access to critical medical care.

Medical transportation services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), are crucial for patients with mobility limitations or those requiring specialized assistance. These services are generally available, but response times and the specific coverage areas can vary. The availability of NEMT services is particularly important for patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy, who may require frequent transportation to treatment centers.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Allenwood, therefore, is influenced by a complex interplay of factors. The relatively short drive times to major healthcare facilities like Geisinger Medical Center and UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport provide a positive element. However, the limited public transportation options, the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services, and the cost of medical transportation services pose significant challenges.

For individuals considering moving to Allenwood, this assessment offers valuable insights. The availability of a personal vehicle becomes almost essential for accessing healthcare. Prospective residents should carefully evaluate their transportation needs and consider the potential impact of limited public transit options. Those with existing health conditions or mobility limitations may find it more challenging to access the specialized care required for lung cancer treatment.

The "Lung Cancer Score" also provides valuable information for healthcare providers. Understanding the transportation challenges faced by Allenwood residents can inform the development of outreach programs, patient navigation services, and telemedicine initiatives. By proactively addressing transportation barriers, healthcare providers can improve patient outcomes and ensure equitable access to care.

The overall "Lung Cancer Score" for Allenwood, PA (ZIP Code 17810) reflects a mixed picture. While the proximity to major healthcare facilities offers some advantages, the limitations in public transportation and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services create significant challenges. Improving public transit options, expanding ride-sharing availability, and ensuring the affordability of medical transportation services are crucial steps toward enhancing the "Lung Cancer Score" and improving healthcare access for the residents of Allenwood. The future of healthcare in Allenwood hinges on addressing these transportation needs, ensuring that all residents have the opportunity to receive timely and effective lung cancer care.