17949, Mahanoy Plane, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 17949, Mahanoy Plane, Pennsylvania is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

63.77 percent of residents in 17949 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.69 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Schuylkill Medical Center - South Jackson Street with a distance of 8.17 miles from the area.

**Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Mahanoy Plane, PA (ZIP Code 17949)**

The air in Mahanoy Plane, Pennsylvania, a community nestled in the heart of Schuylkill County, carries the scent of coal, a legacy woven into the very fabric of its history. This history, while rich, also presents a stark reality: an elevated risk of lung cancer. Coupled with this, the challenges of healthcare access in this rural landscape demand careful consideration. This Lung Cancer Score aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the transportation landscape, critical for residents seeking timely and effective medical care. It is a vital assessment for anyone considering moving to Mahanoy Plane, a community where understanding healthcare access is paramount.

The primary concern, of course, is the distance to healthcare facilities. The nearest hospitals, offering comprehensive cancer care, are located outside of Mahanoy Plane. The Geisinger St. Luke's Hospital in Orwigsburg, approximately 15 miles away, is a crucial destination. Driving there via **Route 901** and **Route 61** typically takes between 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions. The more distant Lehigh Valley Hospital – Schuylkill in Pottsville, about 10 miles away, is reached via **Route 901** and **Route 209**, with a drive time of roughly 15 to 20 minutes.

Beyond these, the larger medical centers in Reading and Allentown, offering specialized oncology services, are further afield. Reaching Reading requires a drive of about 60 miles, primarily via **Interstate 78** and **Route 61**, translating to a drive time of approximately one hour and fifteen minutes. Allentown, roughly 50 miles away, can be accessed via **Interstate 81** and **Route 22**, a drive of around one hour. These longer distances underscore the importance of reliable transportation.

Public transportation options in Mahanoy Plane are limited. The Schuylkill Transportation System (STS) provides bus services, but routes are infrequent, and coverage in the area is sparse. While STS does offer ADA-accessible buses, ensuring access for individuals with disabilities, the limited frequency and route coverage pose significant barriers. Understanding these limitations is crucial when assessing healthcare access.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their reliability and availability can be unpredictable, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. This makes them a less dependable option for scheduled appointments or emergency situations. The cost of ride-sharing, especially for longer distances to hospitals in Reading or Allentown, can also be a significant financial burden.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients, offer a more specialized solution. Companies like MedTrans and American Medical Response (AMR) provide non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services require pre-booking and can be a more reliable option for scheduled appointments. However, the cost can be substantial, and availability may be limited, especially during peak demand.

For individuals with lung cancer, the challenges of transportation are amplified. The disease itself can cause fatigue, shortness of breath, and other debilitating symptoms, making long drives or navigating public transportation incredibly difficult. The need for frequent appointments for chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and follow-up care necessitates a reliable and accessible transportation solution. The stress of arranging transportation can also exacerbate the emotional toll of the illness.

The Lung Cancer Score for Mahanoy Plane reflects these realities. The score considers the distance to healthcare facilities, the availability and reliability of transportation options, and the specific needs of lung cancer patients. A higher score indicates greater challenges in accessing healthcare.

The score is also influenced by the socioeconomic factors of the community. Mahanoy Plane, like many communities in Schuylkill County, has a significant population of low-income residents. The cost of transportation, whether it's gas, ride-sharing fares, or medical transportation services, can be a significant barrier to healthcare access. This is especially true for individuals who are unable to work due to their illness.

Furthermore, the availability of support services, such as patient navigators and transportation assistance programs, plays a crucial role in mitigating the transportation challenges. These programs can help patients coordinate transportation, navigate the healthcare system, and access financial assistance. The presence or absence of these services significantly impacts the Lung Cancer Score.

The score is not static; it is subject to change as transportation options evolve and healthcare resources are developed. For example, the expansion of public transportation routes or the introduction of new medical transportation services could improve the score. The development of telehealth services, allowing patients to receive some care remotely, could also help to mitigate the transportation challenges.

This Lung Cancer Score is not just a number; it is a reflection of the lived experiences of individuals in Mahanoy Plane. It highlights the importance of addressing transportation barriers to healthcare access. This is particularly critical for a community grappling with the impact of lung cancer. Understanding the transportation landscape is essential for anyone considering moving to Mahanoy Plane.

The overall Lung Cancer Score for ZIP Code 17949 is considered to be moderately challenging. While the proximity to hospitals in Orwigsburg and Pottsville offers some advantage, the limited public transportation, the cost and unreliability of ride-sharing, and the potential expense of medical transportation services all contribute to the score. The longer distances to specialized cancer centers in Reading and Allentown further exacerbate the challenges.

In conclusion, the transportation infrastructure in Mahanoy Plane presents significant hurdles for residents seeking lung cancer care. Careful consideration of these challenges is essential, whether you are a current resident or considering moving to this community. Addressing these transportation barriers is critical to improving healthcare access and ultimately, the health outcomes of the residents of Mahanoy Plane. This score serves as a call to action, urging the community to prioritize the development of accessible and affordable transportation options, and to support programs that assist patients in navigating the complexities of healthcare access.