18845, Stevensville, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 18845, Stevensville, Pennsylvania is 12 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

71.05 percent of residents in 18845 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 23.82 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Robert Packer Hospital with a distance of 21.73 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Stevensville, PA (ZIP Code 18845)

The crisp air of Stevensville, Pennsylvania, nestled in the heart of Bradford County, offers a bucolic charm that draws many seeking a slower pace of life. Yet, the allure of rural living must be tempered with a critical consideration: access to healthcare, especially for a disease as serious as lung cancer. This write-up analyzes the transportation landscape impacting healthcare access for residents of ZIP Code 18845, culminating in a "Lung Cancer Score" designed to inform those considering moving to Stevensville or those already residing there.

The foundation of our analysis lies in understanding the drive times and available modes of transportation. For individuals facing a potential lung cancer diagnosis, timely access to specialists, diagnostic imaging, and treatment facilities is paramount. Delays in care can significantly impact outcomes.

The primary arteries connecting Stevensville to healthcare hubs are US Route 6 and Pennsylvania Route 414. US Route 6, a major east-west thoroughfare, offers the most direct route to larger towns and cities with advanced medical facilities. Pennsylvania Route 414, a north-south route, provides access to more localized healthcare options. The condition of these roads, particularly during winter months, can affect travel times and necessitate caution.

Driving to the nearest major healthcare center, Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, PA, typically takes around 30 to 45 minutes via US Route 6. This hospital offers comprehensive cancer care, including surgical oncology, medical oncology, and radiation oncology. The drive itself is generally straightforward, but traffic can occasionally build up during peak hours, potentially extending the travel time.

Further afield, the Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, PA, a renowned regional healthcare provider, is approximately a 1 hour and 45-minute drive via US Route 6 and I-80 East. Geisinger offers specialized lung cancer treatment options and clinical trials. This longer journey necessitates careful planning, especially for frequent appointments or emergency situations.

Public transportation options in Stevensville are limited. The Bradford County Transit Authority (BCTA) provides some service, but its routes and schedules are not designed for frequent trips to medical appointments. The BCTA’s services are primarily demand-response, meaning residents must schedule rides in advance. This can pose challenges for individuals needing immediate care or those with unpredictable appointment schedules. Accessibility for individuals with disabilities (ADA features) on BCTA vehicles should be confirmed prior to scheduling rides.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the region, but their presence is often sporadic, particularly in rural areas. Availability can be inconsistent, and surge pricing during peak demand or inclement weather can significantly increase the cost. Relying solely on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments is therefore not advisable.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance getting to and from appointments, provide an alternative. Several companies, such as CareRide and Medical Transportation Services, operate in the area. These services often offer door-to-door transportation, including assistance with mobility devices. However, availability and cost vary, and advance booking is essential.

The accessibility of healthcare is a critical factor for anyone considering moving to Stevensville, especially those with pre-existing health conditions or a family history of cancer. The "Lung Cancer Score" takes into account the drive times to key healthcare facilities, the availability of public transportation, and the reliability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services.

The score is calculated based on several factors. The primary factor is drive time to the nearest comprehensive cancer center (Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital). The score is then adjusted based on the availability and reliability of public transportation, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation options. The score also considers the accessibility of specialized lung cancer treatment options and clinical trials at larger facilities like Geisinger Medical Center.

Based on the analysis, the "Lung Cancer Score" for ZIP Code 18845 is a **6 out of 10**. This score reflects the following:

* **Drive Times:** The drive to Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital (30-45 minutes) is relatively manageable, but the longer drive to Geisinger Medical Center (1 hour 45 minutes) presents a significant challenge.
* **Public Transportation:** Limited public transportation options, with demand-response services only.
* **Ride-Sharing:** Inconsistent availability and potential for surge pricing.
* **Medical Transportation:** Medical transportation services are available, but require advance booking and may have limited availability.
* **Specialized Care:** Access to comprehensive cancer care at Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital is readily available. Access to specialized treatments and clinical trials at Geisinger Medical Center requires a longer journey.

This score suggests that while Stevensville offers a degree of healthcare access, individuals with lung cancer or at high risk should carefully consider the transportation challenges. Planning for appointments, utilizing medical transportation services when necessary, and being prepared for longer travel times are crucial.

For those moving to Stevensville, a thorough understanding of the local healthcare landscape is essential. Before making a move, potential residents should research the availability of specialists, the ease of scheduling appointments, and the reliability of transportation options. Establishing a relationship with a primary care physician in the area is also highly recommended.

The "Lung Cancer Score" is a starting point for assessing healthcare access in Stevensville. It underscores the importance of considering transportation challenges when making healthcare decisions. The idyllic charm of rural living is undeniable, but it must be balanced with a realistic assessment of the available healthcare resources and the logistical hurdles involved in accessing them. The journey to healthcare, particularly for a serious illness like lung cancer, is a critical aspect of the decision-making process, ensuring that residents can receive the timely and appropriate care they need.