17864, Port Trevorton, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17864, Port Trevorton, Pennsylvania is 17 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

61.29 percent of residents in 17864 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 26.82 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Geisinger Medical Center with a distance of 23.85 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Port Trevorton, PA (ZIP Code 17864)

The crisp air of Port Trevorton, Pennsylvania, whispers promises of rural tranquility. Yet, for residents facing a lung cancer diagnosis, the serenity is often shadowed by the complexities of accessing timely and specialized healthcare. This write-up delves into the transportation landscape within and surrounding ZIP code 17864, providing a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment – a practical guide for understanding healthcare access challenges.

Our focus is on the critical link between diagnosis and treatment, specifically examining the transportation options available to those needing regular medical appointments, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical follow-up. The “score” isn't a number but a qualitative assessment of the barriers and opportunities presented by the local transportation infrastructure. It's a crucial consideration for anyone contemplating moving to Port Trevorton or for current residents navigating a lung cancer journey.

The core challenge is the geographical isolation. Port Trevorton is a small community nestled in Snyder County, far from major metropolitan areas. This translates directly into longer travel times for specialized medical care. The primary arteries for transportation are Pennsylvania Route 147, which runs north-south, and Pennsylvania Route 35, heading east-west. These roads, while generally well-maintained, are often subject to rural speed limits, adding to travel duration.

For residents needing to access healthcare facilities in the larger cities, the journey becomes more demanding. Harrisburg, with its comprehensive medical centers, is approximately a 75-90 minute drive via Routes 147 and then US-322 East. This is a significant commitment, particularly for patients experiencing fatigue, pain, or nausea associated with cancer treatment. Philadelphia, boasting world-renowned hospitals, is a daunting 2.5-3 hour drive, primarily utilizing US-322 East, followed by the Schuylkill Expressway (I-76).

Public transportation options are extremely limited. The area lacks a robust public transit system. There are no readily available bus routes serving Port Trevorton with any frequency. This severely restricts healthcare access for individuals who cannot drive, lack access to a personal vehicle, or are unable to drive due to their condition. The absence of public transit exacerbates the challenges for those with limited financial resources. There are no dedicated ADA-accessible public transit options.

Ride-sharing services, like Uber and Lyft, are available but their presence is often inconsistent in rural areas. Availability is heavily influenced by driver density and demand. Securing a ride, particularly during off-peak hours or for appointments early in the morning or late in the afternoon, can be problematic. The cost of ride-sharing, especially for long-distance trips to larger medical centers, can quickly become a significant financial burden, adding another layer of stress for patients.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more specialized solution. However, the availability of these services in Port Trevorton is limited. Companies like MedTrans or CareRide may serve the area, but their service area and availability need to be confirmed. These services often require advance booking and may have specific eligibility requirements.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Port Trevorton is therefore, a moderate to low score. The geographical isolation, coupled with the lack of robust public transit and the variable availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation, presents significant barriers to healthcare access. Patients face longer travel times, increased financial burdens, and potential delays in receiving timely care.

For individuals considering a move to Port Trevorton, this score should be a critical factor in their decision-making process, especially if they have a history of lung cancer or are at high risk. They must carefully evaluate their transportation needs and plan accordingly.

Current residents facing a lung cancer diagnosis should proactively explore all available transportation options. This includes investigating medical transportation services, establishing a support network of family and friends who can provide rides, and exploring the feasibility of carpooling with other patients. They should also advocate for improved healthcare access within the community, supporting initiatives that promote public transportation or facilitate partnerships with medical transportation providers.

The journey through lung cancer is challenging enough without the added burden of transportation difficulties. Understanding the transportation landscape is the first step toward mitigating these challenges and ensuring that residents of Port Trevorton can access the healthcare they need. The "Lung Cancer Score" is not a condemnation of the community but a call to action, highlighting the need for innovative solutions and a commitment to improving healthcare access for all residents.

The future may hold opportunities for improvement. Increased investment in rural transportation initiatives, the expansion of telehealth services, and the development of community-based support programs could all contribute to a higher "Lung Cancer Score" for Port Trevorton, ensuring that residents can face their health challenges with greater ease and support. The journey toward better healthcare access is an ongoing one, and the residents of ZIP code 17864 deserve every opportunity to thrive.