18935, Milford Square, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 18935, Milford Square, Pennsylvania is 84 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

45.19 percent of residents in 18935 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 6.78 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is St Lukes Quakertown Hospital with a distance of 2.91 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Milford Square (ZIP Code 18935)

The bucolic charm of Milford Square, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18935), nestled within the rolling hills of Upper Bucks County, offers a tranquil setting. However, the serenity of this community can be disrupted by the stark reality of healthcare access, particularly for those facing a lung cancer diagnosis. This write-up will delve into the complexities of **transportation** options and their impact on **healthcare access** for residents of 18935, providing a “Lung Cancer Score” assessment. This score considers the challenges of navigating the healthcare landscape, particularly for individuals whose mobility may be compromised by illness or treatment.

The primary concern for anyone newly diagnosed with lung cancer is swift access to specialized medical care. The initial shock of diagnosis is often followed by a whirlwind of appointments: consultations with oncologists, pulmonologists, radiologists, and surgeons; frequent imaging sessions (CT scans, MRIs, PET scans); and, of course, the ongoing demands of treatment, which may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy. All of these require reliable **transportation**.

The “Lung Cancer Score” for 18935 considers several factors: drive times to major hospitals and cancer centers, the availability and accessibility of public **transportation**, the presence of ride-sharing services, and the availability of medical **transportation** options. The score will also consider the financial implications of each **transportation** method, as these costs can quickly accumulate and become a significant burden for patients and their families.

**Drive Times: The Asphalt Arteries**

The geographical location of Milford Square presents a unique challenge. While the area offers a sense of seclusion, it also necessitates travel to access comprehensive healthcare. The most direct routes to major medical facilities involve driving. The primary roadways serving the area include **Pennsylvania Route 663**, **Pennsylvania Route 309**, and **Interstate 78 (I-78)**.

For residents of 18935, the closest major hospital is St. Luke's Hospital - Quakertown, located approximately 5-10 minutes away via **Pennsylvania Route 663**. This proximity is a significant advantage, particularly for emergency situations or initial consultations. However, St. Luke's, while offering a range of services, may not always have the specialized expertise or resources needed for complex lung cancer cases.

More specialized care often necessitates travel to larger hospitals in the region. The Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest, located in Allentown, is a major cancer center and is approximately a 30-45 minute drive via **Pennsylvania Route 309** or **I-78**. The drive time can vary significantly depending on traffic conditions, particularly during peak hours. This extended travel time can be exhausting for patients undergoing treatment and can add to the stress of managing their illness.

Further afield, the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, a renowned cancer center, is approximately a 1 hour and 15-minute to 1 hour and 45-minute drive via **I-78** and the **Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-476)**. This longer journey presents a greater challenge, particularly for patients experiencing fatigue, nausea, or other treatment-related side effects.

**Public Transportation: A Limited Lifeline**

Public **transportation** options in 18935 are limited. The Bucks County Transport (BCT) operates a bus service, but routes are infrequent and may not provide direct access to all necessary healthcare facilities. The BCT route 132, for example, runs through Quakertown, but its schedule may not align with medical appointment times.

The availability of accessible **transportation** is a crucial consideration for individuals with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that public **transportation** systems provide accessible services, including wheelchair lifts and ramps. However, the practicality of relying on public **transportation** for frequent medical appointments in 18935 remains a significant challenge. The limited frequency of buses and the potential for delays can make it difficult for patients to arrive on time for appointments or to return home after treatment.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area and can provide a more convenient alternative to public **transportation**. However, the cost of ride-sharing can quickly accumulate, especially for frequent appointments. The availability of drivers, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather, may also be a concern.

Medical **transportation** services, such as those offered by companies like MedRide or American Medical Response, specialize in transporting patients to and from medical appointments. These services often provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel to assist patients. While medical **transportation** can be a valuable resource, it is typically more expensive than other **transportation** options and may require pre-booking. The availability of these services can also be limited, particularly in rural areas.

**The Financial Burden: A Crucial Consideration**

The cost of **transportation** is a significant factor for patients with lung cancer. The expenses associated with driving (gas, parking), ride-sharing, and medical **transportation** can quickly add up, placing a financial strain on patients and their families. The cost of **transportation** can also impact the ability of patients to access necessary medical care.

**Moving to Milford Square: A Healthcare Access Assessment**

For individuals considering **moving to Milford Square**, the availability and accessibility of healthcare services should be a primary consideration, especially for those with pre-existing conditions or a family history of cancer. The “Lung Cancer Score” for 18935 is a complex calculation, but the following factors contribute to the overall assessment:

* **Drive Times:** Relatively short drives to St. Luke's Hospital - Quakertown are a positive factor. Longer drives to specialized cancer centers in Allentown and Philadelphia present a challenge.
* **Public Transportation:** Limited availability and infrequent routes of public **transportation** are a significant drawback.
* **Ride-Sharing:** Availability of ride-sharing services offers a more convenient option, but the cost can be prohibitive.
* **Medical Transportation:** Medical **transportation** services provide a valuable resource, but they are typically more expensive and may require pre-booking.
* **Financial Burden:** The cumulative cost of **transportation** can be a significant financial burden for patients and their families.

**The "Lung Cancer Score" for 18935, therefore, reflects a mixed picture.** While the proximity to St. Luke's Hospital - Quakertown is a positive factor, the limited public **transportation** options, the potential for costly ride-sharing or medical **transportation**, and the longer drive times to specialized cancer centers create significant challenges for patients. Residents of 18935 facing a lung cancer diagnosis must carefully consider these factors and develop a **transportation** plan that ensures timely and reliable access to the care they need. The score would be improved with more robust public **transportation** options and increased financial assistance for **transportation** costs. This is a critical aspect of ensuring equitable **healthcare access** within the community.