17850, Montandon, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17850, Montandon, Pennsylvania is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

89.81 percent of residents in 17850 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.50 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Geisinger Medical Center with a distance of 13.28 miles from the area.

**Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Montandon, PA (ZIP Code 17850)**

The quaint borough of Montandon, nestled within the embrace of Pennsylvania's rolling hills, offers a tranquil lifestyle. However, for those facing a lung cancer diagnosis, the serenity is often disrupted by the complexities of healthcare access. This write-up explores the transportation landscape surrounding Montandon (ZIP Code 17850), evaluating its impact on a hypothetical patient's ability to receive timely and effective lung cancer care. We will assess the 'Lung Cancer Score' by considering drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, all crucial factors in determining healthcare access.

The primary challenge for residents of Montandon is the limited availability of specialized medical facilities within the immediate vicinity. Geographically, Montandon is positioned between the larger towns of Lewisburg, Sunbury, and Bloomsburg, each offering varying levels of healthcare services. The distance to these centers dictates the transportation burden.

For a patient requiring radiation therapy or complex surgical procedures, the journey becomes a significant consideration. The primary route to Lewisburg, home to Evangelical Community Hospital, involves a drive along **US-15 South** or **PA-45 East**. The drive to Evangelical Community Hospital, a regional healthcare provider, is typically a 20-30 minute journey under normal traffic conditions. However, during peak hours or inclement weather, this drive can extend considerably, impacting treatment schedules and potentially adding to patient anxiety.

Traveling to Sunbury, a city with a smaller selection of medical services, involves a drive along **PA-45 West** and then either **US-11 South** or **PA-147 South**. This journey is generally shorter, around 15-20 minutes, but the healthcare options may be more limited. Bloomsburg, accessible via **PA-45 East** and **US-11 North**, is approximately a 30-40 minute drive, depending on traffic. Bloomsburg Hospital offers some specialized care, but the distance still presents a barrier.

Public transportation options in the Montandon area are limited. The primary provider is the **River Valley TransitValley Transit (RVT)**, offering bus services. However, the routes and frequency of service are not designed to meet the specific needs of cancer patients. RVT’s routes, while potentially connecting to some healthcare facilities, often involve multiple transfers and extended travel times. The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility features of the RVT buses, such as ramps and lifts, are crucial for patients with mobility limitations. However, the infrequency of service and the potential for long wait times create significant challenges.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the region, but their reliability and cost-effectiveness can vary. Availability is often less consistent in rural areas, and surge pricing during peak hours or inclement weather can significantly increase the financial burden on patients. Medical transportation services, such as ambulance and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), offer a more specialized solution. Companies like **Care Ride** and **Medical Transportation Services** provide door-to-door transport for patients with mobility issues or other medical needs. However, these services can be costly, and prior arrangements are typically required.

For a patient considering moving to Montandon or already residing there, the 'Lung Cancer Score' reflects the accessibility of healthcare. The score is influenced by drive times, the limitations of public transportation, and the reliance on ride-sharing or medical transport. The score would be negatively impacted by the distance to specialized cancer centers, the limited public transit options, and the potential costs associated with ride-sharing and medical transport.

The drive times to major healthcare facilities are relatively manageable, but the dependence on personal vehicles or potentially expensive ride-sharing services impacts healthcare access. The limited public transit options, while ADA-compliant, do not adequately address the needs of cancer patients. The availability of medical transportation services provides a crucial safety net, but the cost and scheduling requirements add to the complexity.

The 'Lung Cancer Score' for Montandon, therefore, is moderate. While the drive times to nearby healthcare facilities are reasonable, the limited public transit options and the reliance on personal vehicles or potentially expensive ride-sharing services present challenges. The availability of medical transportation services provides a crucial safety net, but the cost and scheduling requirements add to the complexity.

For individuals considering moving to Montandon, a thorough evaluation of their healthcare needs and transportation options is critical. Those with pre-existing conditions or a higher risk of lung cancer should carefully consider the implications of limited healthcare access. Planning for reliable transportation, exploring medical transportation options, and understanding the local healthcare landscape are essential for ensuring timely and effective cancer care.

The overall 'Lung Cancer Score' for Montandon highlights the need for improved transportation options and increased healthcare access for residents. This is particularly relevant in the context of an aging population and the increasing prevalence of cancer. The challenges underscore the importance of community initiatives to improve healthcare access, such as advocating for expanded public transit services, promoting ride-sharing programs, and supporting medical transportation services. These efforts can significantly improve the quality of life for residents of Montandon and surrounding areas, especially those facing the difficult journey of lung cancer treatment.