18407, Carbondale, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 18407, Carbondale, Pennsylvania is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

73.08 percent of residents in 18407 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.41 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Lehigh Valley Hospital - Dickson City with a distance of 10.89 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Carbondale, PA (ZIP Code 18407)

The decision to relocate, particularly with health considerations at the forefront, necessitates a thorough understanding of healthcare access. This write-up, designed for individuals considering a move to Carbondale, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18407), provides a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, focusing on the critical element of transportation and its impact on accessing lung cancer-related healthcare services. This score will analyze the practicality of reaching medical facilities, factoring in drive times, public transportation options, and alternative transportation modalities.

The "Lung Cancer Score" isn't a numerical value but a qualitative assessment, painting a picture of the transportation landscape for healthcare access. This allows for a nuanced understanding, recognizing that individual needs and circumstances vary. We'll consider the primary healthcare needs of a lung cancer patient: regular appointments for chemotherapy, radiation therapy, diagnostic imaging (CT scans, PET scans), and specialist consultations.

Carbondale, nestled in the heart of Lackawanna County, presents a unique transportation challenge. While offering a quieter lifestyle, it also necessitates careful planning for healthcare access. The primary roads serving the area are Interstate 81 (I-81), which provides north-south access, and US Route 6, a major east-west artery. Local roads like Route 632 and Route 29 provide additional connectivity. The topography, with rolling hills and valleys, can impact travel times, especially during inclement weather.

Drive times are a crucial component of the "Lung Cancer Score." The nearest major medical centers offering comprehensive cancer care are located in Scranton, approximately 15-20 miles south of Carbondale. Driving to the Geisinger Commonwealth Cancer Institute in Scranton, via I-81 South, typically takes 25-40 minutes, depending on traffic. The drive to the Regional Hospital of Scranton, using a combination of local roads and I-81, also falls within this timeframe. These times are based on optimal conditions and don't account for potential delays due to weather or accidents, which are common in the region.

Public transportation options in Carbondale are limited. The Lackawanna County Transit System (LCTS) provides bus service throughout the county, but routes are infrequent and may not directly serve all medical facilities. Route 10, for instance, travels between Scranton and Carbondale, but its schedule and frequency may not be conducive to the needs of a cancer patient requiring frequent appointments. ADA-accessible buses are available, providing a crucial service for individuals with mobility limitations. However, the reliance on fixed routes and schedules can significantly impact the convenience and flexibility needed for cancer treatment.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Scranton area, offering a more flexible transportation alternative. However, availability in Carbondale may be limited, particularly during off-peak hours. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, especially considering the frequency of medical appointments. Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients, offer another option. Companies like Care Ride and MedRide provide non-emergency medical transportation, often with specialized vehicles and trained drivers. These services can be booked in advance and offer door-to-door service, alleviating some of the stress associated with healthcare transportation.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Carbondale, therefore, reflects a mixed picture. While the proximity to Scranton offers access to quality cancer care, the reliance on private transportation or potentially limited public transportation creates challenges. The drive times, while manageable, necessitate careful planning and consideration of potential delays. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services offers viable alternatives, but their cost and availability must be carefully evaluated.

For individuals considering moving to Carbondale with a history of or current diagnosis of lung cancer, the "Lung Cancer Score" suggests a need for proactive planning. Securing reliable transportation, whether through personal vehicles, ride-sharing, or medical transportation services, is paramount. Investigating the LCTS routes and schedules, and understanding their limitations, is also essential.

Furthermore, understanding the financial implications of transportation costs is crucial. The cost of frequent trips to Scranton for treatment can quickly accumulate. Exploring options for financial assistance, such as transportation grants or programs offered by cancer support organizations, is recommended.

The decision to move to a new location is complex, especially when health is a primary concern. While Carbondale offers a peaceful environment, the "Lung Cancer Score" highlights the importance of carefully assessing healthcare access and transportation options. This assessment is not meant to discourage but to empower individuals with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.