17007, Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 17007, Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania is 67 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

79.12 percent of residents in 17007 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.20 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Upmc Carlisle with a distance of 5.00 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Boiling Springs, PA (ZIP Code 17007)

Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania, nestled in the Cumberland Valley, presents a unique tapestry of rural charm and burgeoning suburban development. Assessing the overall health score of this community requires a nuanced understanding of its healthcare access, particularly focusing on the *transportation* infrastructure and options available to its residents. This analysis delves into the realities of navigating the region to receive medical care, considering drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services, all within the context of a community experiencing growth and change. This is especially relevant for those *moving to Boiling Springs* who prioritize healthcare accessibility.

The primary challenge to healthcare access in Boiling Springs stems from its geographical location. While the town itself is relatively compact, the nearest major healthcare facilities are situated in surrounding towns and cities. This necessitates reliance on *transportation* networks, making the journey to medical appointments a critical factor in the overall health score.

For those who prefer driving, the most direct route to larger medical centers involves navigating the local roadways. Pennsylvania Route 174, a key arterial road, connects Boiling Springs to Carlisle, approximately a 15-minute drive. Carlisle hosts UPMC Carlisle, a significant regional hospital offering a wide array of medical services. The commute along Route 174 is generally straightforward, though traffic can be heavy during peak hours, particularly near the Carlisle Pike (U.S. Route 11) and the Carlisle town square.

Further afield, Harrisburg, the state capital, provides access to more specialized medical care. The journey to Harrisburg, roughly a 30- to 45-minute drive, involves utilizing Pennsylvania Route 74, which merges onto Interstate 81. Interstate 81, a major north-south highway, offers a faster, more direct route. However, traffic congestion, especially during rush hour, can significantly impact travel times. The route also passes through areas susceptible to inclement weather, such as snow and ice in the winter, which can further complicate *transportation* and healthcare access.

Public *transportation* options within Boiling Springs and the surrounding areas are limited. The primary provider is the rabbittransit, Cumberland County's public transit authority. While rabbittransit offers fixed-route bus services, these routes often have limited frequency and coverage, particularly in the more rural areas surrounding Boiling Springs. Residents needing to access healthcare facilities may find themselves reliant on specific routes, such as the Route 300, which connects Carlisle to Harrisburg, or Route 301, which runs through Carlisle.

The availability of ADA-accessible features on rabbittransit buses is a crucial consideration for individuals with disabilities. rabbittransit strives to provide accessible services, including wheelchair lifts and audio-visual announcements. However, the limited frequency and route coverage can still pose challenges for those requiring accessible *transportation* to medical appointments. Therefore, the overall health score is directly impacted by the availability of accessible *transportation* options.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative *transportation* solution, particularly for those without personal vehicles or who prefer not to drive. However, the availability of these services in Boiling Springs and the surrounding areas can be inconsistent. While these services are generally accessible, their reliability is dependent on driver availability, which may be limited during off-peak hours or in more rural locations. This impacts the overall healthcare access score, especially for those who need to travel at off-peak hours.

Medical *transportation* services, specifically designed for individuals with medical needs, provide another avenue for accessing healthcare. Companies like Medical Transportation Management (MTM) and LogistiCare offer non-emergency medical *transportation* (NEMT) services, often contracted by insurance providers or Medicaid. These services typically provide door-to-door *transportation*, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. However, the availability of these services can vary, and scheduling appointments often requires advance notice.

The overall health score for Boiling Springs, therefore, is a complex equation. While the community offers a desirable quality of life, the limited *transportation* options present a significant challenge to *healthcare access*. Residents must carefully consider the available resources and plan accordingly.

The drive times to healthcare facilities are generally manageable, but traffic congestion and inclement weather can create delays. Public *transportation*, while available, has limitations in terms of frequency and route coverage. Ride-sharing services offer a convenient alternative but may be unreliable. Medical *transportation* services provide a specialized solution but require advance planning.

For individuals *moving to Boiling Springs*, a thorough assessment of their healthcare needs and *transportation* capabilities is essential. Those reliant on public *transportation* or ride-sharing should factor in potential delays and limited availability. Individuals with mobility limitations should explore the accessibility features of public transit and the availability of medical *transportation* services.

The future of healthcare access in Boiling Springs may involve improvements to public *transportation*, increased ride-sharing availability, and expanded medical *transportation* services. Furthermore, the development of telehealth services could enhance access to care by reducing the need for in-person visits.

In conclusion, the overall health score for Boiling Springs, PA (ZIP Code 17007) reflects a community with both strengths and weaknesses in terms of *healthcare access*. While the drive times to healthcare facilities are generally reasonable, the limited public *transportation* options, the variable availability of ride-sharing services, and the need for advance planning for medical *transportation* services pose challenges. Residents, particularly those *moving to Boiling Springs*, must carefully assess their *transportation* needs and healthcare requirements to ensure they can access the medical care they need. The community's health score is directly influenced by the effectiveness of its *transportation* infrastructure and the availability of accessible healthcare services.