18833, New Albany, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 18833, New Albany, Pennsylvania is 21 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

56.89 percent of residents in 18833 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 27.19 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Troy Community Hospital with a distance of 23.31 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in New Albany, PA (ZIP Code 18833)

The specter of lung cancer casts a long shadow, and timely access to healthcare is paramount in the face of this formidable disease. This analysis, tailored for residents of New Albany, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18833), examines the intricacies of **transportation** options available for those seeking lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care. Understanding these pathways is crucial for anyone considering **moving to New Albany**, or for those already residing here, ensuring informed decisions about their health and well-being. We will dissect the accessibility landscape, providing a “Lung Cancer Score” based on a multifaceted assessment of **healthcare access**.

New Albany, nestled in Bradford County, presents a unique challenge. Its rural character influences the availability of **transportation** options. While the air is fresh and the community tight-knit, the geographical isolation necessitates a deeper dive into the logistics of reaching medical facilities. The Lung Cancer Score will consider drive times, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options, providing a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities.

The primary focus will be on access to facilities capable of diagnosing and treating lung cancer, including hospitals, oncology centers, and specialized clinics. We will consider the availability of diagnostic tools like CT scans and PET scans, as well as treatment modalities such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical interventions. The proximity of these resources, coupled with the ease of **transportation**, forms the bedrock of our score.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The most common mode of **transportation** in New Albany is the personal vehicle. The primary roadways impacting **healthcare access** are US Route 220 and Pennsylvania Route 405. Driving times to major medical centers are a critical factor. The closest hospital with comprehensive cancer care is UPMC Williamsport, approximately 50 miles away. The drive, primarily via US-220 S, can take upwards of 1 hour and 15 minutes under ideal conditions. Traffic, weather, and road conditions will inevitably impact this time.

Another significant option is Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, PA, roughly 30 miles distant. This drive, predominantly on PA-405 S and US-220 N, can take around 45 minutes. While seemingly shorter, the route can be affected by seasonal conditions and local traffic. The hospital offers a full spectrum of cancer services, including surgical oncology, medical oncology, and radiation oncology.

Further afield, Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, PA, offers advanced cancer care. The journey, approximately 80 miles, involves a combination of US-220 S and I-80 E, and can take nearly 2 hours. While Geisinger offers specialized expertise, the extended travel time presents a significant barrier.

The Lung Cancer Score will factor in these drive times, assigning a lower score to longer travel distances. The score also considers the condition of the roads, the availability of parking at the medical facilities, and the potential for delays due to weather or traffic.

**Public Transit and Accessibility:**

Public **transportation** options are limited in this rural setting. Bradford County Transportation Authority (BCTA) provides some bus service, but routes and schedules are infrequent and primarily focused on local travel. BCTA does offer demand-response services, including door-to-door transportation, but these require advance booking and may have limited availability.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a critical consideration. BCTA strives to provide accessible vehicles, but the availability of these vehicles on all routes needs to be confirmed. The lack of frequent service and the need for pre-booking significantly impact **healthcare access**, especially for individuals with mobility limitations or those undergoing cancer treatment.

The Lung Cancer Score will reflect the limited public **transportation** options, particularly their impact on **healthcare access**. The score will account for the need for pre-planning, the potential for delays, and the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their presence is less consistent than in urban centers. Availability may be limited, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, especially for frequent appointments.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), offer a specialized solution. These services cater to individuals who require assistance with **transportation** due to medical conditions. However, they can be costly and require pre-authorization from insurance providers. The availability of NEMT services in New Albany needs to be assessed.

The Lung Cancer Score will incorporate the variable availability and cost of ride-sharing services. It will also consider the presence and accessibility of medical transport services, including their impact on **healthcare access** for those with specific needs.

**Medical Facilities and Cancer Care:**

The quality and range of cancer care available at the accessible medical facilities are crucial. UPMC Williamsport, Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital, and Geisinger Medical Center offer varying levels of specialized care, including surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and support services. The Lung Cancer Score will evaluate the comprehensiveness of cancer services at each facility, including the availability of diagnostic tools, treatment modalities, and supportive care programs.

The score will also consider the presence of multidisciplinary teams, including oncologists, surgeons, radiation therapists, nurses, and support staff. The availability of clinical trials and research opportunities will also be factored in, as these can provide access to cutting-edge treatments.

**The Lung Cancer Score: A Comprehensive Assessment:**

The Lung Cancer Score for New Albany, PA (ZIP Code 18833) will be a composite measure, reflecting the following factors:

* **Drive Time to Cancer Centers:** This is the most heavily weighted factor, with longer drive times resulting in a lower score.
* **Public Transit Availability and Accessibility:** Limited public **transportation** options will significantly impact the score.
* **Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport Availability:** The reliability and cost of these services will be considered.
* **Quality and Range of Cancer Care:** The comprehensiveness of services at accessible medical facilities is paramount.
* **ADA Accessibility:** The availability of accessible **transportation** options and facilities is crucial.

The final score will provide a clear indication of the challenges and opportunities related to **healthcare access** for individuals in New Albany facing a lung cancer diagnosis. This analysis is designed to empower residents with the information needed to make informed decisions about their health and well-being, particularly for those considering **moving to New Albany**. Understanding the **transportation** landscape is a vital step in navigating the complexities of cancer care.