19549, Port Clinton, Pennsylvania Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 19549, Port Clinton, Pennsylvania is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

43.33 percent of residents in 19549 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.59 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Geisinger St. Luke's Hospital with a distance of 6.44 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Port Clinton, PA (ZIP Code 19549)

Considering a move to Port Clinton, Pennsylvania, and concerned about healthcare access, particularly for lung cancer screening and treatment? This Lung Cancer Score assessment provides a detailed overview of transportation options, drive times, and available resources within and around ZIP Code 19549, allowing you to make informed decisions regarding your healthcare needs. The ability to reach timely and effective healthcare is crucial, and this analysis will highlight the complexities and opportunities for navigating the healthcare landscape.

The primary factor influencing the Lung Cancer Score in Port Clinton is the limited availability of specialized healthcare services *within* the ZIP code itself. Port Clinton is a small, rural community, and as such, residents typically need to travel to larger towns and cities for comprehensive medical care. This necessitates a reliance on various transportation modalities, impacting the overall score. The score reflects the ease and efficiency of reaching these essential services.

Drive times are a critical component of the Lung Cancer Score. From Port Clinton, the most direct route to major healthcare facilities involves driving. The primary artery for travel is **Route 61**, which snakes north and south, connecting Port Clinton to Pottsville and Hamburg. Depending on traffic conditions, the drive to Schuylkill Medical Center in Pottsville, a regional healthcare provider, is approximately 20-30 minutes. Hamburg, with its own medical facilities, is closer, a 10-15 minute drive via Route 61.

For more specialized care, including advanced lung cancer treatment, residents often travel to Reading, Pennsylvania. The drive to Reading Hospital, a major medical center, is approximately 45-60 minutes, primarily via **Route 61** south, then connecting to **Interstate 78** east. This route is generally well-maintained, but traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, can significantly extend travel times.

The drive to Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown, another significant healthcare provider, is roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes. This journey involves **Route 61** south to **Interstate 78** east, then connecting to **Route 222** north. The longer travel time to Allentown impacts the score, as it increases the potential for delays in accessing critical care.

Public transportation options in and around Port Clinton are limited, significantly impacting the Lung Cancer Score. There is no direct public bus service *within* Port Clinton. The Schuylkill Transportation System (STS) provides some bus routes in Schuylkill County, but these routes typically do not extend to Port Clinton or offer frequent service. The lack of robust public transportation presents a significant challenge for individuals who do not drive or are unable to drive.

For those reliant on public transit, accessing healthcare facilities requires careful planning. A potential route involves taking an STS bus to a larger town like Pottsville or Hamburg, then transferring to a connecting bus or utilizing ride-sharing services for the final leg of the journey. However, this multi-step process can be time-consuming and may not be suitable for individuals with mobility issues or those requiring urgent medical attention. The absence of ADA-accessible public transit options in the immediate vicinity further diminishes the score.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Port Clinton area, but their availability and reliability can vary. While ride-sharing offers a convenient alternative to driving, it is essential to consider potential wait times, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, especially for frequent trips to healthcare appointments.

Medical transportation services provide a crucial lifeline for individuals who cannot drive or lack access to other transportation options. Several medical transport companies operate in the region, offering non-emergency and emergency medical transportation. These services typically require advance booking and may have specific eligibility criteria. The availability of medical transport services improves the score, but it is crucial to research and understand the specific services offered by each provider, including coverage areas, costs, and types of transportation available (e.g., wheelchair-accessible vehicles).

The availability of medical transport brands like Medical Transportation Management (MTM) and LogistiCare are important considerations. These brands often work with insurance providers and offer a range of transportation options, including non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) and ambulance services. The score reflects the accessibility and affordability of these services.

The Lung Cancer Score is also influenced by the proximity of pharmacies and other healthcare-related services. Port Clinton has limited local resources. Residents often need to travel to nearby towns for prescription refills, medical equipment, and other healthcare-related needs. This adds to the overall transportation burden and impacts the score.

The overall Lung Cancer Score for Port Clinton, PA (ZIP Code 19549) reflects the challenges and opportunities associated with healthcare access. The score is impacted by the lack of local specialized healthcare services, the reliance on driving and the limited public transportation options. The drive times to major medical centers, while manageable, can be significantly affected by traffic. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services provides alternative options, but they come with associated costs and potential wait times.

Before moving to Port Clinton, prospective residents should carefully evaluate their healthcare needs and transportation capabilities. It is crucial to research the availability of specialized medical services in the surrounding areas, understand the drive times to these facilities, and explore the available transportation options. Individuals with pre-existing conditions or those requiring frequent medical care should pay particular attention to these factors.

The Lung Cancer Score is not a static number. It is a dynamic assessment that reflects the ever-changing healthcare landscape. As the healthcare system evolves, and new transportation options emerge, the score may change. This write-up serves as a starting point for understanding the complexities of healthcare access in Port Clinton, PA, and empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare journey. The integration of keywords transportation and healthcare access is critical for understanding the challenges and opportunities. Moving to Port Clinton requires a thorough assessment of these factors.