18846, Sugar Run, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 18846, Sugar Run, Pennsylvania is 11 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

65.13 percent of residents in 18846 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 30.55 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Robert Packer Hospital with a distance of 29.25 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Sugar Run (ZIP Code 18846)

Considering a move to the serene embrace of Sugar Run, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18846)? Alongside the allure of tranquil living, it’s crucial to assess the practicality of accessing healthcare, particularly for individuals concerned about lung cancer. This write-up provides a comprehensive "Lung Cancer Score" analysis, focusing on transportation options and healthcare access within and around this rural community. The score considers factors like drive times, public transit availability, and ride-sharing services, offering a realistic picture for prospective residents.

The very nature of Sugar Run, nestled within Bradford County, presents unique challenges to healthcare access. The area is characterized by its remoteness and sparse population, which directly impacts the availability and accessibility of medical services. Evaluating transportation options becomes paramount in this context, especially for individuals requiring frequent medical appointments, such as those undergoing lung cancer treatment.

Drive times are a critical component of our assessment. The nearest major medical facilities are located in Towanda, approximately a 20-to-30-minute drive via **US Route 6** and **Pennsylvania Route 187**. This drive, while manageable, can be significantly impacted by weather conditions, especially during the harsh Pennsylvania winters. Further, the distance to larger hospitals in Sayre (Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital) and Williamsport (UPMC Williamsport) extends to roughly 45 minutes to an hour and a half, respectively, via **US Route 220** and **Interstate 80**. These longer journeys necessitate careful planning and consideration for potential delays.

Public transportation options are limited in Sugar Run. Bradford County offers a public transit system, but its routes and schedules are designed primarily for local needs and are not specifically tailored to medical appointments. The availability of ADA-accessible vehicles is a crucial factor for individuals with mobility limitations. While the Bradford County Transportation Authority (BCTA) likely offers ADA-compliant services, their frequency and coverage in Sugar Run require careful investigation. Potential residents must contact BCTA directly to ascertain the specifics of routes, schedules, and ADA features, especially if regular transportation to Towanda or Sayre is needed.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are often unreliable in rural areas. Their availability in Sugar Run and surrounding areas is likely limited, and surge pricing during peak hours or inclement weather could significantly increase costs. The absence of readily available ride-sharing options underscores the importance of personal vehicles or pre-arranged transportation for healthcare appointments. Medical transport services, specifically designed for patients, offer a more reliable alternative.

Several medical transport companies operate in the region. These services provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) to and from medical appointments. Companies such as LifeLine Ambulance Service and Guthrie Ambulance Service are likely to serve the area. Researching the specific services offered by these companies, including their coverage area, pricing, and ability to accommodate specific medical needs, is essential. Booking medical transportation in advance is highly recommended to ensure availability and minimize delays.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Sugar Run considers these factors to provide a comprehensive assessment. The score is not a single number but a qualitative evaluation based on the following criteria:

* **Drive Time:** The time required to reach the nearest hospitals and cancer treatment centers. Longer drive times negatively impact the score.
* **Public Transit:** The availability, frequency, and ADA accessibility of public transit options. Limited or non-existent public transit lowers the score.
* **Ride-Sharing:** The reliability and cost-effectiveness of ride-sharing services. Limited availability or high costs negatively affect the score.
* **Medical Transport:** The availability and accessibility of medical transport services. The presence of reliable medical transport improves the score.
* **Accessibility:** The ease with which individuals with mobility limitations can access transportation and healthcare facilities. Lack of accessibility lowers the score.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Sugar Run is therefore moderate. While the drive to Towanda is relatively short, the limited public transit, unreliable ride-sharing, and potential challenges in accessing medical transport services lower the score. Individuals with lung cancer or at high risk should carefully consider these transportation challenges when deciding to move to Sugar Run.

Furthermore, it is crucial to investigate the availability of cancer specialists, oncologists, and support services within the region. The proximity of these specialists and services to transportation hubs significantly impacts healthcare access. Contacting local hospitals and cancer support organizations can provide valuable insights into the availability of specialized care and resources.

For individuals considering a move to Sugar Run, careful planning is essential. This involves assessing personal transportation needs, researching medical transport options, and understanding the limitations of public transit and ride-sharing services. Prioritizing healthcare access by establishing a reliable transportation plan and researching the availability of medical specialists is crucial for ensuring appropriate care.

The journey to healthcare access in Sugar Run requires careful navigation. While the beauty of the region is undeniable, the challenges of transportation must be addressed to ensure that healthcare needs are met. The "Lung Cancer Score" serves as a starting point for evaluating the practicality of accessing medical care, providing a framework for making informed decisions about moving to this charming, yet geographically isolated, community.