18461, Starlight, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 18461, Starlight, Pennsylvania is 21 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

50.00 percent of residents in 18461 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.19 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Barnes-Kasson County Hospital with a distance of 13.62 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Starlight, PA (ZIP Code 18461)

The crisp mountain air of Starlight, Pennsylvania, a haven for those seeking respite from the city's clamor, presents a unique set of challenges when considering healthcare access, especially for those facing a potential lung cancer diagnosis. This write-up, tailored for residents and prospective newcomers alike, aims to illuminate the complexities of **transportation** to medical facilities from ZIP code 18461, offering a "Lung Cancer Score" based on accessibility and available options. This is crucial information for anyone considering **moving to Starlight**, or for those already residing here and needing to understand their options.

The Lung Cancer Score, in this context, is not a clinical diagnostic tool. Instead, it's a practical assessment of the ease with which residents can access specialized medical care, factoring in **transportation** limitations and the distances involved. This score is derived from drive times, public transit availability, and the presence of ride-sharing and medical transport services. The higher the score, the better the access.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The primary artery connecting Starlight to the broader healthcare landscape is Pennsylvania Route 370, a winding road that snakes its way through the rural landscape. Driving to the nearest major hospital, Wayne Memorial Hospital in Honesdale, typically takes around 25-35 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions. This drive, while manageable, can be a significant hurdle for individuals experiencing symptoms of lung cancer, such as shortness of breath or fatigue.

Further afield, Scranton, PA, offers a wider array of specialized medical services, including oncology centers and pulmonologists. The drive to Scranton necessitates navigating Pennsylvania Route 370 to its intersection with Interstate 84 East, then following I-84 East to Interstate 380 South. The total drive time to Scranton can range from 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, potentially adding considerable stress for patients requiring frequent appointments or experiencing severe symptoms. This journey is particularly challenging during winter months when snow and ice can significantly impact travel times and safety.

Another option involves driving south on PA-370 to the intersection with US-6 West. This route provides access to hospitals and specialists located in Carbondale, PA. This drive is about 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public **transportation** options in Starlight and the surrounding areas are severely limited. The Lackawanna County Transportation Authority (LCTA) primarily serves the Scranton area and does not extend its routes to Starlight. This absence of readily available public transit significantly impacts the Lung Cancer Score, particularly for individuals who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle.

While there are no fixed-route buses serving Starlight, the LCTA offers a demand-response service, "Shared Ride," for individuals with disabilities. This service, however, requires advance booking and may not always be available on short notice, making it less reliable for urgent medical needs. The lack of **ADA** (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant features on available routes further exacerbates the challenges faced by individuals with mobility limitations.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Scranton area but their availability in Starlight is less consistent. Securing a ride, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather, can be challenging. This uncertainty significantly impacts the Lung Cancer Score, particularly for those reliant on these services for their medical appointments.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical **transportation** providers, offer a more specialized solution. These services are equipped to transport patients with medical needs, including those requiring oxygen or other medical assistance. However, these services can be expensive, and their availability may be limited depending on the patient's insurance coverage and the urgency of the situation. Companies like CareRide and Medical Transportation Services are known to operate in the region, but their coverage and pricing require careful consideration.

**The Lung Cancer Score for Starlight (18461):**

Considering the factors outlined above, the Lung Cancer Score for Starlight, PA (18461) is moderately low. The relatively long drive times to specialized medical facilities, the limited public transit options, and the variable availability of ride-sharing services contribute to a score that reflects the challenges faced by residents in accessing timely and convenient healthcare. The score is negatively impacted by the lack of robust public **transportation** options and the reliance on personal vehicles or potentially unreliable ride-sharing services.

**Implications for Residents and Prospective Newcomers:**

For current residents, this assessment highlights the importance of having a reliable **transportation** plan in place, especially if they have any health concerns. Building relationships with local medical providers, including primary care physicians and specialists, is crucial. Understanding insurance coverage and the availability of medical transport services is also essential.

For those considering **moving to Starlight**, this analysis underscores the need to carefully weigh the benefits of rural living against the potential limitations in healthcare access. Prospective residents should factor in the time and cost associated with traveling to medical appointments and consider whether they have access to a reliable vehicle or alternative **transportation** options.

**Recommendations for Improving Healthcare Access:**

Several initiatives could improve the Lung Cancer Score for Starlight. Encouraging ride-sharing services to expand their coverage area, advocating for the expansion of LCTA services to include Starlight, and promoting the availability of affordable medical **transportation** options would significantly enhance healthcare access. Furthermore, telehealth services could play a vital role in providing remote consultations and follow-up care, mitigating the need for frequent travel.

**Conclusion:**

The beauty and tranquility of Starlight, PA, are undeniable. However, when it comes to healthcare access, particularly for individuals facing a potential lung cancer diagnosis, the challenges are real. Understanding the limitations of **transportation** options and proactively planning for medical needs are essential for residents and prospective newcomers alike. While the Lung Cancer Score may be moderate, with careful planning, proactive healthcare management, and community support, residents of Starlight can navigate the healthcare landscape and ensure they receive the care they need.