17009, Burnham, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 17009, Burnham, Pennsylvania is 69 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

77.48 percent of residents in 17009 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.20 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital with a distance of 1.13 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Burnham, PA (ZIP Code 17009)

The health of a community is inextricably linked to its access to healthcare. This assessment delves into the transportation landscape of Burnham, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17009), evaluating the ease with which residents can reach medical facilities. We'll analyze drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing availability, culminating in an "Overall Health Score" reflecting the community's healthcare accessibility. For anyone **moving to Burnham**, this information is crucial for understanding the practicalities of maintaining their well-being.

The geography of Burnham, nestled in Mifflin County, dictates the primary modes of transportation. Driving is the dominant method, with the primary arteries being **US Route 322** and **US Route 522**. Residents can also use local roads such as **Electric Avenue**, **Logan Street**, and **Academy Hill Road**. The reliance on personal vehicles necessitates an understanding of drive times to various healthcare providers.

Drive times, of course, fluctuate based on traffic, time of day, and weather conditions. However, we can estimate the average travel durations. The nearest hospital, Geisinger Lewistown Hospital, is approximately a 10-15 minute drive via US-322 East. Several family practice clinics and specialist offices are located in Lewistown, often reachable within a similar timeframe. For more specialized care, residents may need to travel to larger medical centers in Harrisburg or State College, which can extend drive times to 1-1.5 hours depending on traffic and the specific route taken (typically involving US-322 East to I-81 South or I-99 North).

Public transportation options are limited in Burnham. The Mifflin County Transportation Authority (MCTA) provides bus services within the county. However, route frequency and coverage are limited, especially for destinations outside of Lewistown. While the MCTA does offer ADA-accessible buses, the routes and schedules may not be ideal for all healthcare appointments. Specific route numbers and schedules are subject to change, but it is essential to check the MCTA website for the most current information. The lack of robust public transit presents a significant barrier to **healthcare access** for those without personal vehicles, particularly seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area. However, their reliability and cost can vary. Availability is generally better during peak hours and in more populated areas. The cost of a ride-share to a healthcare appointment can be a significant financial burden, particularly for those with chronic conditions requiring frequent visits. Medical transportation services, like CareRide and others, offer specialized transportation for medical appointments. These services often cater to individuals with mobility challenges or those requiring assistance. While they can provide a valuable service, their availability and cost must be considered.

The availability of these services provides a mixed picture. While ride-sharing and medical transportation offer alternatives to driving, they come with their own set of challenges. The lack of robust public transportation, especially for those without personal vehicles, presents a significant barrier to **healthcare access**.

The **healthcare access** landscape in Burnham is further influenced by the availability of healthcare providers within the community. While Lewistown offers a range of primary care physicians, specialists, and the hospital, the availability of specific specialists and services may be limited. Residents may need to travel to larger medical centers for certain types of care. This necessitates careful consideration of travel times and transportation options.

The presence of telehealth services can also influence the overall health score. Telehealth allows patients to consult with healthcare providers remotely, reducing the need for in-person visits. This can be particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments, medication management, and consultations with specialists who may not be readily available locally.

The overall health score considers the various factors discussed above. Drive times to healthcare facilities, the availability and reliability of public transit, the presence of ride-sharing services, and the availability of medical transportation all play a role. The availability of telehealth services is also considered.

**Overall Health Score:**

Considering the factors discussed, the **Overall Health Score** for commuting to healthcare in Burnham, PA (ZIP Code 17009) is moderate. While residents have access to healthcare facilities in Lewistown, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transportation options create challenges for some. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services offers alternative solutions, but their cost and reliability can be a concern. The presence of telehealth services can mitigate some of the transportation challenges.

**Recommendations:**

To improve the **Overall Health Score**, several steps could be taken. Expanding public transportation options, increasing route frequency, and improving ADA accessibility would significantly benefit residents without personal vehicles. Promoting the use of telehealth services and ensuring that residents are aware of available options can also improve **healthcare access**. Finally, encouraging the recruitment of a wider range of specialists to the Lewistown area would reduce the need for long-distance travel.

For those **moving to Burnham**, this assessment provides a realistic overview of the transportation landscape and its impact on **healthcare access**. While the community offers access to essential medical services, careful planning and consideration of transportation options are necessary to ensure that healthcare needs can be met effectively.