18617, Glen Lyon, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 18617, Glen Lyon, Pennsylvania is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

54.85 percent of residents in 18617 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.11 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Berwick Hospital Center with a distance of 10.84 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Glen Lyon (ZIP Code 18617)

The specter of lung cancer casts a long shadow, demanding swift and efficient access to specialized healthcare. For residents of Glen Lyon, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18617), the ability to navigate the transportation landscape becomes inextricably linked to their health outcomes. This analysis, a "Lung Cancer Score," assesses the accessibility of lung cancer treatment options, factoring in drive times, public transit, and alternative transportation methods. It's designed to provide a clear picture of healthcare access for those living in, or considering moving to, this Luzerne County community.

Glen Lyon, nestled in the heart of the Wyoming Valley, presents a unique set of transportation challenges. The community’s relative isolation, coupled with the region's reliance on personal vehicles, directly impacts healthcare access. Understanding these intricacies is crucial for anyone facing a lung cancer diagnosis. The "Lung Cancer Score" provides a framework for evaluating these critical factors, offering a realistic assessment of the journey to potentially life-saving treatment.

The primary determinant of this score is drive time. The closest comprehensive cancer care centers are located in Wilkes-Barre, approximately 20 miles east. Traveling from Glen Lyon to the Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, a leading regional healthcare provider, typically involves navigating Pennsylvania Route 29 South. During peak hours, this journey can take up to 45 minutes, a significant factor when considering the urgency often associated with lung cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Another prominent healthcare option is the Commonwealth Health Regional Hospital of Wilkes-Barre. This hospital, situated closer to the city center, may offer slightly shorter drive times, averaging around 30-40 minutes via Route 29. However, traffic conditions, especially around the Wilkes-Barre Public Square, can significantly impact this travel time. Understanding these fluctuations is crucial for patients and their families.

Alternative routes, such as using local roads like Hobbie Road and Main Street, offer potential shortcuts. However, these roads are often narrow and winding, potentially adding to travel time and stress, particularly for patients undergoing treatment. The "Lung Cancer Score" weighs these options, considering both distance and road conditions, to provide a comprehensive assessment.

Public transportation options are limited in Glen Lyon. Luzerne County Transportation Authority (LCTA) operates bus routes, but their service to Glen Lyon is infrequent. Route 17 provides service to Wilkes-Barre, but the schedule is not designed to meet the needs of patients requiring frequent medical appointments. The limited frequency, coupled with potential delays, makes public transit a less-than-ideal option for many lung cancer patients. Furthermore, ADA-compliant features on LCTA buses, such as wheelchair lifts, are available, but the overall reliance on public transit remains a significant challenge for healthcare access.

Ride-sharing services, like Uber and Lyft, offer another avenue for transportation. While readily available in the Wilkes-Barre area, their presence in Glen Lyon can be less consistent. Availability and pricing can fluctuate, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. This unpredictability adds another layer of complexity to the transportation equation.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients, provide a more specialized option. Companies like CareRide and Medical Transportation Management (MTM) offer non-emergency medical transport, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services require advance booking and may have limitations in terms of coverage and availability. The "Lung Cancer Score" incorporates these factors, acknowledging the potential benefits and limitations of medical transportation.

The financial burden of transportation also plays a crucial role. The cost of fuel, parking fees at medical facilities, and potential tolls can add up quickly. This is especially true for patients undergoing multiple rounds of chemotherapy, radiation, or other treatments. The "Lung Cancer Score" considers these economic realities, acknowledging the financial strain that transportation can impose on patients and their families.

The impact of weather conditions on transportation cannot be overstated. Winter storms, common in the Wyoming Valley, can significantly impede travel. Snow and ice can make driving hazardous, increasing travel times and potentially delaying appointments. Public transportation schedules are also susceptible to weather-related disruptions. The "Lung Cancer Score" takes these seasonal factors into account, recognizing the potential for weather-related challenges.

For those considering moving to Glen Lyon, the "Lung Cancer Score" serves as a critical tool for informed decision-making. It highlights the importance of assessing healthcare access as part of the overall quality of life. The score encourages prospective residents to thoroughly investigate the transportation options available and to factor them into their relocation plans.

In conclusion, the "Lung Cancer Score" for Glen Lyon (18617) reflects the challenges and opportunities associated with healthcare access. While the community offers a peaceful setting, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transportation options pose significant hurdles. The score emphasizes the importance of careful planning, exploring all available transportation resources, and understanding the potential impact of these factors on the journey to potentially life-saving lung cancer treatment. The proximity of healthcare centers, coupled with the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services, provides a degree of hope. However, the inherent limitations of these transportation options warrant careful consideration for those affected by lung cancer.