17814, Benton, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17814, Benton, Pennsylvania is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

44.80 percent of residents in 17814 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.00 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Geisinger-Bloomsburg Hospital with a distance of 14.83 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Benton, PA (ZIP Code 17814)

The diagnosis of lung cancer casts a long shadow, demanding swift and efficient access to specialized healthcare. For residents of Benton, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17814), the challenge of navigating transportation to receive timely and comprehensive care is a critical factor in their overall well-being. This "Lung Cancer Score" aims to assess the landscape of healthcare access, considering the available transportation options and their potential impact on individuals facing this formidable disease.

Benton, a rural community nestled in Columbia County, presents unique transportation challenges. The town's location, while offering scenic beauty, also necessitates reliance on personal vehicles for many essential trips, including those related to healthcare. The nearest comprehensive cancer care facilities are located in Bloomsburg, Danville, and Scranton, each presenting a distinct transportation hurdle. The "Lung Cancer Score" will evaluate the drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport options available to individuals in need.

**Drive Times: The Asphalt Arteries to Care**

For those with the means and physical capacity to drive, the primary route to healthcare in Bloomsburg, approximately 15 miles away, involves navigating **PA-487 South** and connecting to **US-11 South**. This journey typically takes around 25-35 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions. The route is generally well-maintained, but winter weather can introduce delays, especially for those with compromised lung function.

Danville, home to Geisinger Medical Center, a major regional healthcare provider, is about 25 miles from Benton. The most direct route involves taking **PA-487 South** to **PA-54 West**. The drive time is roughly 35-45 minutes, offering a more extended commute. This option provides access to advanced cancer treatment options but demands a greater time commitment, impacting the patient's energy levels and ability to manage treatment schedules.

Scranton, a more distant option, is roughly 70 miles from Benton, requiring a journey of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic. This drive involves utilizing **PA-487 South** to **I-80 East**, then **I-81 North**. While offering access to specialized cancer centers, the extended travel time poses a significant burden, particularly for individuals undergoing chemotherapy or radiation. This long commute highlights the importance of considering the patient's physical condition and the availability of support during travel.

**Public Transit: Limited Options, Navigating Challenges**

Public transportation options in Benton are extremely limited. The Columbia County Transportation Authority (CCTA) operates a demand-response service, primarily for seniors and individuals with disabilities. This service, while potentially available, requires advance booking and may not be ideal for urgent medical appointments. Furthermore, the CCTA's routes and schedules are subject to change, and the reliability of this form of transportation needs to be considered.

The CCTA does not have any fixed routes that travel to the major healthcare centers. The lack of readily available public transit necessitates a reliance on other transportation methods, further complicating healthcare access for those without personal vehicles or the financial means to utilize ride-sharing services. The absence of accessible public transit exacerbates the challenges faced by individuals with mobility limitations, making it more difficult to attend appointments and receive timely care.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Benton area, but their availability and reliability can be variable. The cost of these services can also be a significant barrier for many, especially when frequent appointments are required. Furthermore, the availability of drivers in the rural setting of Benton may be limited, potentially leading to delays or cancellations.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by private ambulance companies or specialized medical transport providers, provide a more structured option for individuals who cannot drive or do not have access to other transportation. These services typically offer transportation to and from medical appointments, including those related to cancer treatment. However, these services can be expensive and may not be covered by all insurance plans.

**Medical Transport Brands in the Area**

Several medical transport brands operate in the region, though their specific service areas and availability in Benton should be verified. These include:

* **Geisinger Life Flight**: Provides air and ground medical transport, often used for critical care situations.
* **Ambulance services**: Local ambulance services, such as Bloomsburg Hospital Ambulance, may offer non-emergency medical transport.
* **Private medical transport companies**: Companies specializing in non-emergency medical transport, such as First Response Medical Transport, may operate in the area.

**The Impact on the "Lung Cancer Score"**

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Benton, PA (ZIP Code 17814) is negatively impacted by the limited transportation options. The reliance on personal vehicles, the scarcity of public transit, and the variable availability and cost of ride-sharing services all contribute to a lower score. The long drive times to major cancer centers, particularly those in Scranton, further exacerbate the challenges.

**Moving to Benton: A Consideration for Cancer Patients**

For individuals considering a move to Benton, the availability and accessibility of healthcare services, particularly cancer care, should be a primary consideration. The challenges of transportation, coupled with the potential for limited access to specialized medical facilities, may make Benton a less-than-ideal location for individuals already diagnosed with lung cancer or those at high risk.

The absence of comprehensive cancer care within Benton's immediate vicinity underscores the importance of careful planning and proactive measures. Individuals considering a move should research the availability of transportation options, assess the potential costs, and ensure they have a reliable means of accessing medical appointments and treatments.

**Conclusion: A Call for Enhanced Healthcare Access**

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Benton, PA (ZIP Code 17814) highlights the need for improved healthcare access. Addressing the transportation challenges is crucial to ensuring that residents facing lung cancer can receive timely and effective care. This may involve advocating for increased public transportation options, promoting ride-sharing programs, or supporting the expansion of medical transport services.

Enhancing healthcare access in Benton requires a multi-faceted approach, including community involvement, collaboration among healthcare providers, and the active participation of local and state government. By addressing the transportation barriers, the community can improve the "Lung Cancer Score" and improve the quality of life for individuals affected by this devastating disease.