18421, Forest City, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 18421, Forest City, Pennsylvania is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

52.03 percent of residents in 18421 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.23 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wayne Memorial Hospital with a distance of 11.75 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Forest City, PA (ZIP Code 18421)

The crisp air of Forest City, Pennsylvania, a haven for those seeking a quieter life, presents a unique challenge when it comes to healthcare access, particularly for individuals concerned about lung cancer. This write-up, a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, delves into the complexities of transportation and healthcare options within and around ZIP Code 18421, offering a nuanced perspective for prospective residents and current inhabitants alike. It's a crucial consideration, especially for anyone contemplating moving to Forest City or seeking improved healthcare access.

The core of this assessment lies in understanding the interplay between transportation infrastructure and the availability of specialized medical care. Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment often necessitate frequent appointments, including imaging scans, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical consultations. Therefore, the ease and efficiency of transportation become paramount. This score weighs the various modes of transportation available, considering factors like drive times, public transit accessibility, ride-sharing options, and medical transport services.

**Drive Times and Roadways: The Primary Route**

The primary artery connecting Forest City to larger healthcare hubs is Interstate 81 (I-81). This north-south highway provides relatively swift access to Scranton, approximately 40 miles south, where a concentration of hospitals and specialized medical facilities exists. The drive typically takes around an hour, depending on traffic conditions. However, winter weather can significantly impact travel times, potentially doubling the journey due to snow and ice.

Navigating to Scranton involves traversing the rural roads of Lackawanna County. Route 171, connecting Forest City to I-81, is a two-lane road that can experience congestion during peak hours. Route 247 offers an alternative route, but it is often more winding and may take longer. The condition of these roads, especially during inclement weather, directly affects healthcare access.

Further afield, the Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre, a regional healthcare provider, is accessible via I-81, requiring a drive of approximately 75 miles, or about an hour and a half. This extended travel time introduces additional considerations, including the potential for fatigue and the need for longer wait times for treatment.

**Public Transit: Limited Options**

Public transportation options within and around Forest City are limited. The lack of a robust public transit system presents a significant barrier to healthcare access for individuals who do not drive or have limited mobility. This limitation is a critical factor in the Lung Cancer Score.

The Lackawanna County Transportation Authority (LCTA) provides some bus service in the Scranton area, but routes extending to Forest City are infrequent and not designed to cater specifically to medical appointments. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible buses is a crucial consideration for individuals with disabilities. The LCTA website provides details on ADA-compliant features, but the limited service to Forest City reduces the practicality of this option.

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

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Scranton area but may have limited availability in Forest City itself. Securing a ride, especially during off-peak hours or for early morning appointments, could prove challenging. The cost of ride-sharing can also accumulate, particularly with frequent trips to distant medical facilities.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance companies and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) providers, offer a specialized solution for individuals requiring assistance. These services typically provide transportation to and from medical appointments, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. However, these services often come with a higher cost and may require advance booking. The availability and responsiveness of these services in the Forest City area are essential factors in assessing healthcare access.

**Medical Facilities and Specialists: The Destination**

The availability of lung cancer specialists, including pulmonologists, oncologists, and thoracic surgeons, is a critical factor in the Lung Cancer Score. While Forest City itself does not have specialized cancer treatment centers, the proximity to Scranton and Wilkes-Barre offers access to these crucial medical professionals.

Scranton hospitals, such as Geisinger Community Medical Center and Moses Taylor Hospital, offer oncology services and access to lung cancer specialists. The drive time, as discussed earlier, is a key consideration. Wilkes-Barre’s Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center provides more comprehensive cancer care, including radiation therapy, but the longer drive time adds to the complexity of healthcare access.

**Lung Cancer Score: A Holistic Assessment**

The Lung Cancer Score for Forest City, PA (ZIP Code 18421) reflects a mixed bag of factors. While the relatively short drive to Scranton offers access to specialized medical care, the limited public transportation options and the potential for weather-related delays present significant challenges. The reliance on personal vehicles and the potential cost of ride-sharing or medical transport services further complicate healthcare access.

Moving to Forest City requires a careful evaluation of these factors, especially for individuals with a history of lung cancer or those at high risk. Proximity to healthcare facilities, the reliability of transportation, and the availability of support services are crucial considerations. While Forest City offers a tranquil lifestyle, the logistical complexities of healthcare access must be acknowledged and addressed.

The Lung Cancer Score for Forest City is not a definitive judgment but a starting point for a more informed decision-making process. Prospective residents should thoroughly research healthcare options, including the availability of specialists, the cost of transportation, and the potential for financial assistance. The ability to navigate the transportation landscape effectively is essential for ensuring timely access to vital medical care.