18826, Kingsley, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 18826, Kingsley, Pennsylvania is 27 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

58.58 percent of residents in 18826 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 20.29 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Barnes-Kasson County Hospital with a distance of 17.00 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Kingsley, PA (ZIP Code 18826)

Kingsley, Pennsylvania, a charming community nestled in the heart of Susquehanna County, offers a tranquil lifestyle. However, assessing healthcare access, particularly for a critical illness like lung cancer, requires a nuanced understanding of transportation options. This "Lung Cancer Score" provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities faced by residents of ZIP Code 18826 in accessing vital medical care. It considers drive times, public transit availability, and alternative transportation solutions, all crucial factors in a timely diagnosis and treatment.

The ability to reach specialized medical facilities is paramount when battling lung cancer. Delays in care can significantly impact prognosis. For residents of Kingsley, the primary healthcare hub is likely Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton, approximately 30 miles away. The most direct route involves utilizing **US-11** south. Traffic is generally light, but drive times can fluctuate depending on the time of day and weather conditions. A typical drive, assuming favorable conditions, takes roughly 45 minutes to an hour.

Alternative routes, such as taking **PA-309** south, add considerable mileage and time, potentially exceeding an hour and a half. This road is less direct and may experience more congestion, especially during peak commuting hours. The condition of these roads, particularly during winter months, can further complicate travel. Snow and ice can drastically increase travel times and pose safety risks, underscoring the importance of reliable transportation and preparedness.

Public transportation options within Susquehanna County are limited. The lack of a robust public transit system presents a significant challenge for residents without personal vehicles. There is no direct bus service from Kingsley to Scranton. Individuals relying on public transit would face a complex and time-consuming journey, involving multiple transfers and potentially significant wait times. This is a major barrier to healthcare access.

The absence of a well-developed public transit infrastructure necessitates reliance on alternative transportation solutions. Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Scranton area, but their presence in Kingsley is less consistent. Availability may be limited, and surge pricing during peak demand or inclement weather could make these options prohibitively expensive for frequent medical appointments. This can create a financial burden for patients.

Medical transportation services offer a crucial lifeline for individuals with mobility limitations or those unable to drive. Companies specializing in non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) provide door-to-door service, transporting patients to and from medical appointments. While these services are available, their availability and cost vary. Booking in advance is essential, and the cost can be a significant factor for patients with limited financial resources.

The lack of convenient public transit and the potential limitations of ride-sharing services emphasize the importance of considering healthcare access when making decisions about where to live. For individuals diagnosed with or at risk of lung cancer, the availability of reliable transportation is crucial. This factor can significantly impact their ability to receive timely medical care.

Moving to Kingsley, while offering a peaceful environment, necessitates a careful assessment of healthcare access. Individuals considering a move to this area should proactively research transportation options and assess their ability to travel to medical facilities. The Lung Cancer Score highlights the need for comprehensive planning and preparedness to ensure access to timely and effective healthcare.

The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility of any transportation option is paramount. While ride-sharing services may offer accessible vehicles, their availability is not guaranteed. Medical transportation services are generally equipped to accommodate individuals with disabilities, but it is crucial to confirm their capabilities and ensure the availability of specialized equipment, such as wheelchair lifts.

The financial implications of transportation costs must also be considered. Frequent medical appointments, including diagnostic tests, treatments, and follow-up visits, can generate substantial transportation expenses. This financial burden can exacerbate the stress and anxiety associated with a lung cancer diagnosis. Exploring options such as financial assistance programs or patient transportation grants can help mitigate these costs.

The Lung Cancer Score for Kingsley (ZIP Code 18826) reveals a complex landscape of healthcare access. While the community offers a desirable lifestyle, the limitations in transportation options pose significant challenges for individuals requiring specialized medical care. The reliance on personal vehicles, the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services, and the cost of medical transportation services create barriers to timely diagnosis and treatment.

Healthcare access is not just about the availability of medical facilities; it also encompasses the ability to reach those facilities. For residents of Kingsley, the journey to healthcare requires careful planning and preparedness. This includes understanding the drive times on **US-11** and **PA-309**, exploring the availability of ride-sharing services, and investigating the cost and reliability of medical transportation.

The absence of a robust public transit system, with no direct bus routes to Scranton, further complicates matters. The lack of public transit infrastructure highlights the need for proactive planning and emphasizes the importance of considering transportation options when making decisions about where to live.

The overall "Lung Cancer Score" for Kingsley, Pennsylvania, reflects the challenges associated with healthcare access in a rural setting. While the community offers a tranquil environment, the limitations in transportation options pose a significant obstacle for individuals requiring specialized medical care. The reliance on personal vehicles, the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services, and the cost of medical transportation services create barriers to timely diagnosis and treatment.

The need for improved healthcare access in Kingsley is undeniable. This could involve exploring partnerships with medical transportation providers, advocating for increased ride-sharing availability, or investigating the feasibility of establishing a limited public transit route to connect the community with healthcare hubs.

The health of the residents of Kingsley, PA, depends on the ability to overcome these transportation challenges. By understanding the limitations and exploring potential solutions, the community can work towards improving healthcare access and ensuring that all residents have the opportunity to receive timely and effective medical care. The "Lung Cancer Score" serves as a crucial tool for raising awareness and promoting positive change.