17944, Llewellyn, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17944, Llewellyn, Pennsylvania is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

40.38 percent of residents in 17944 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.02 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Schuylkill Medical Center - South Jackson Street with a distance of 4.84 miles from the area.

Here's a Lung Cancer Score write-up for ZIP code 17944, focusing on transportation and healthcare access, designed to be informative and engaging:

**Lung Cancer Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Llewellyn, PA (ZIP Code 17944)**

The shadow of a lung cancer diagnosis looms large, demanding swift and reliable access to specialized care. This report, a "Lung Cancer Score," analyzes the transportation landscape surrounding Llewellyn, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17944), evaluating the ease with which residents can reach vital healthcare facilities for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. This is especially crucial for individuals considering **moving to Llewellyn**, who must understand the practicalities of **healthcare access** in this rural setting. The ability to navigate the **transportation** network is paramount.

Llewellyn, nestled in Schuylkill County, presents a unique challenge. Its rural character means that healthcare facilities are not immediately at hand. This reality necessitates a reliance on various transportation modes, each with its own set of advantages and drawbacks. The "Lung Cancer Score" considers drive times, public transit options, ride-share availability, and medical transport services, painting a comprehensive picture of the journey to care.

**Driving the Distance: Highways and Roads**

For many Llewellyn residents, the primary mode of transport to healthcare will be personal vehicles. The major thoroughfare, **Route 901**, serves as the main artery, connecting Llewellyn to larger towns and cities where hospitals and specialized clinics are located. Heading east on Route 901, one can reach Pottsville, the county seat, in approximately 15-20 minutes. This journey is typically straightforward, though traffic can be a factor during peak hours.

Traveling west on Route 901 leads to the more distant town of Ashland, roughly a 15-20 minute drive. Ashland offers some medical services, though the range of specialists might be limited compared to Pottsville. Further afield, **Interstate 81**, a major north-south highway, is accessible via Route 901 and other connecting roads. This interstate provides access to larger medical centers in Reading (approximately a 1-hour drive) and Allentown (around a 1.5-hour drive), offering a wider array of specialized care options.

The condition of local roads, particularly during inclement weather, can impact drive times. Snow and ice during winter months can significantly extend travel times and necessitate caution. Therefore, residents must be prepared for potential delays and have a reliable vehicle suitable for navigating rural roads.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Llewellyn are limited. The Schuylkill Transportation System (STS) provides bus service throughout the county, but routes and schedules may not be ideal for healthcare appointments. STS Route 45, for example, travels through the area, connecting Llewellyn to Pottsville. However, the frequency of service may not be sufficient for timely medical appointments.

Accessibility for individuals with disabilities is a crucial consideration. STS buses are equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, including wheelchair lifts and priority seating. However, the limited route coverage and infrequent schedules can still pose challenges for those requiring accessible transportation. Planning ahead and confirming schedules are essential for anyone relying on public transit.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, have a presence in Schuylkill County, but availability can be inconsistent, particularly in rural areas like Llewellyn. Waiting times for a ride can be significantly longer than in urban areas, and surge pricing during peak demand may be a factor. Therefore, relying solely on ride-sharing for medical appointments is not advisable.

Medical transportation services offer a more specialized solution. Companies like Medical Transportation Management (MTM) and local ambulance services provide non-emergency medical transport, including transportation to and from medical appointments. These services often offer door-to-door service and can accommodate individuals with mobility limitations. However, these services typically require advance booking and may have associated costs.

**Assessing the Score: A Complex Equation**

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Llewellyn reflects a mixed picture. While the proximity to Pottsville offers relatively quick access to some healthcare services, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transit options pose challenges. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services provides some alternatives, but these come with their own limitations.

For individuals facing a lung cancer diagnosis, the ability to quickly and reliably reach medical facilities is paramount. The drive times to Pottsville are manageable, but the longer distances to Reading and Allentown require careful planning and consideration of potential delays. The limited public transit options necessitate a reliance on other modes of transportation, which may be less reliable or more costly.

**Moving to Llewellyn: A Practical Perspective**

For those considering **moving to Llewellyn**, understanding the **healthcare access** landscape is crucial. Prospective residents, especially those with pre-existing health conditions, should carefully evaluate the available **transportation** options and assess their ability to navigate the network. It is advisable to research local healthcare providers, familiarize oneself with the STS bus routes, and investigate the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services.

The "Lung Cancer Score" is not a definitive metric, but rather a starting point for a more in-depth assessment. It highlights the importance of proactive planning, considering the potential challenges of accessing healthcare in a rural setting. Ultimately, the ability to secure timely and reliable **transportation** to medical appointments is a critical factor in managing a lung cancer diagnosis and ensuring optimal **healthcare access** for residents of Llewellyn.