17888, Wilburton, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17888, Wilburton, Pennsylvania is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

73.94 percent of residents in 17888 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.36 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Schuylkill Medical Center - South Jackson Street with a distance of 13.89 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Wilburton, PA (ZIP Code 17888)

The air hangs heavy with the scent of coal dust and pine in Wilburton, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17888). This rural community, nestled in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, presents unique challenges to its residents, particularly those grappling with health concerns like lung cancer. Evaluating healthcare access here requires a comprehensive understanding of the transportation landscape, a crucial factor impacting a patient's ability to receive timely and effective treatment. This "Lung Cancer Score" delves into the realities of accessing healthcare from Wilburton, painting a picture of the hurdles and potential solutions.

The cornerstone of healthcare access is, of course, the journey itself. For residents of Wilburton, the primary mode of transportation for medical appointments is the personal vehicle. The winding roads and mountainous terrain dictate travel times, significantly influencing the Lung Cancer Score. To reach the nearest comprehensive cancer centers, patients must embark on journeys that often exceed an hour, depending on the destination and traffic conditions.

The most direct route to larger medical facilities typically involves navigating **Route 901** east, a two-lane highway that snakes through the valleys and hills. This road, while scenic, can be treacherous during inclement weather, a common occurrence in this region. Continuing east, patients would eventually connect to **Interstate 81**, a major north-south artery. This interstate provides access to larger cities like Scranton and Harrisburg, both of which boast advanced cancer treatment centers. However, the drive on **I-81** can be congested, particularly during peak hours, adding to the stress and time commitment for patients.

Alternatively, a journey south on **Route 309** offers another pathway. This route, though less direct, also provides access to medical facilities in the Hazleton area. The condition of these roads, and the potential for delays, directly impacts the Lung Cancer Score, as these factors influence the patient’s ability to maintain scheduled appointments and receive timely care.

Public transportation options in Wilburton are limited. The lack of a robust public transit system is a significant disadvantage for individuals without access to a personal vehicle. There is no fixed-route bus service directly serving Wilburton. This absence of public transit dramatically reduces the Lung Cancer Score for those who are elderly, disabled, or lack personal transportation.

While the absence of fixed-route buses is a major obstacle, the availability of paratransit services, designed to serve individuals with disabilities, offers a glimmer of hope. These services, often requiring advance booking, can provide transportation to medical appointments. However, the limited operating hours and the need for pre-planning can still pose challenges. Furthermore, the ADA accessibility of these services, while mandated, can vary, adding another layer of complexity for patients with mobility issues.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the region, but their presence in Wilburton is sporadic. The availability of these services is often dependent on the time of day and the availability of drivers. This unreliability significantly impacts the Lung Cancer Score, as patients cannot depend on these services for consistent transportation to and from medical appointments. Furthermore, the cost of ride-sharing can be prohibitive for some, further exacerbating the barriers to healthcare access.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to medical appointments, offer a more specialized solution. Companies like "CareRide" and "MediTrans" operate in the area, providing door-to-door service. These services often cater to patients with specific medical needs, including those requiring assistance with mobility or oxygen. While these services can be invaluable, they come with a cost, and the availability of these services may be limited.

The Lung Cancer Score for Wilburton is also impacted by the availability of local healthcare facilities. While the community may have primary care physicians and urgent care clinics, the availability of specialized oncology services is limited. This forces patients to travel to larger medical centers for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. This travel burden, coupled with the transportation challenges, significantly diminishes the Lung Cancer Score.

For someone considering moving to Wilburton, understanding these transportation and healthcare access challenges is crucial. The reality is that patients diagnosed with lung cancer in Wilburton face a complex web of obstacles. The lack of reliable public transportation, the reliance on personal vehicles, and the limited availability of ride-sharing services create significant barriers to healthcare access.

The Lung Cancer Score reflects this reality. It acknowledges the need for patients to navigate long travel times, potentially dangerous road conditions, and the financial burden of transportation. It highlights the importance of considering the availability of specialized medical transportation services and the potential for limited access to timely care.

The Lung Cancer Score for Wilburton, therefore, is not simply a numerical value; it is a reflection of the lived experience of individuals battling lung cancer in this rural community. It underscores the importance of advocating for improved public transportation options, expanding access to ride-sharing services, and ensuring the availability of affordable medical transportation. It emphasizes the need for community support systems to assist patients with transportation, appointment scheduling, and other needs.

The score also serves as a call to action, urging healthcare providers to consider the transportation challenges faced by their patients in Wilburton. This includes offering telehealth options, providing transportation assistance, and collaborating with community organizations to address the barriers to healthcare access.

Ultimately, improving the Lung Cancer Score in Wilburton requires a multi-faceted approach, addressing the transportation challenges, enhancing access to specialized medical services, and fostering a supportive community that empowers patients to navigate the complexities of their healthcare journey. This is a complex issue, and the score is a reflection of the work that still needs to be done.