17060, Mill Creek, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 17060, Mill Creek, Pennsylvania is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

72.55 percent of residents in 17060 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.40 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital with a distance of 22.74 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 17060 (Mill Creek)

Navigating the intricate web of healthcare access is a crucial consideration for anyone, especially those contemplating a move to a new community. This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" for residents of ZIP Code 17060, encompassing Mill Creek, Pennsylvania, by examining the landscape of transportation options available to access healthcare facilities. This score considers factors like drive times, public transit viability, and the presence of ride-sharing and medical transport services. The aim is to paint a comprehensive picture of how easily residents can connect with the medical care they need.

The foundation of healthcare access in Mill Creek rests on the availability of transportation. For those who prefer the autonomy of a personal vehicle, the primary arteries are the roadways. Route 11/15 serves as the main north-south thoroughfare, offering relatively direct access to medical facilities located in nearby towns like Harrisburg and Camp Hill. Route 581, a limited-access highway, provides a quicker route to Harrisburg and the surrounding medical centers. Traffic conditions, particularly during peak commuting hours, can significantly impact drive times.

Drive times to healthcare facilities vary depending on the specific destination. UPMC Pinnacle West Shore Hospital in Mechanicsburg is typically a 20-30 minute drive, contingent on traffic flow. Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center in Camp Hill might take a similar amount of time. For more specialized care, like that offered at UPMC Harrisburg, the journey could extend to 30-45 minutes. These estimates underscore the importance of considering proximity to healthcare providers when evaluating the overall health score.

Public transportation presents an alternative, although its availability in Mill Creek is somewhat limited. The Capital Area Transit (CAT) system offers bus service, though routes directly serving Mill Creek are sparse. Residents might need to rely on a combination of walking, driving, and bus transfers to reach their desired medical destinations. The CAT system is designed to be ADA-accessible, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can utilize the services. However, the frequency of service and route coverage could pose challenges for some residents, particularly those with mobility limitations or those who need to travel during off-peak hours.

The integration of ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft into the healthcare ecosystem offers another layer of accessibility. These services provide on-demand transportation, potentially bridging the gap for those without personal vehicles or who find public transit inconvenient. However, the availability and cost of ride-sharing can fluctuate, especially during periods of high demand or in areas with limited driver availability. The reliability of these services is a crucial factor in determining the overall health score.

Medical transport services, specifically designed to cater to individuals with medical needs, also play a vital role. Companies like Med-Trans and various local ambulance services provide non-emergency and emergency medical transportation. These services are particularly crucial for individuals who require assistance with mobility or who have medical conditions that necessitate specialized transport. The availability and responsiveness of these services are essential components of the overall health score.

For someone moving to Mill Creek, understanding the nuances of healthcare access is paramount. The overall health score reflects the interplay of these factors, providing a snapshot of the ease with which residents can reach medical care. The score considers the drive times, the reliability of public transit, the availability of ride-sharing, and the presence of medical transport services. The more diverse and reliable the transportation options, the higher the overall health score.

The overall health score for ZIP Code 17060 is moderately good. The presence of major roadways like Route 11/15 and Route 581 provides relatively quick access to healthcare facilities. However, the limitations of public transit and the potential fluctuations in ride-sharing availability temper the score. The availability of medical transport services adds a crucial element, especially for those with specific needs.

The overall health score could be improved by enhancing public transit routes to directly serve Mill Creek and by increasing the frequency of bus services. Furthermore, promoting the availability of ride-sharing services and ensuring the responsiveness of medical transport providers would contribute to a higher score. These improvements would collectively enhance the ease with which residents can access healthcare and contribute to a healthier community.

The evaluation of the overall health score also depends on individual circumstances. For those with personal vehicles and the ability to drive, the access to healthcare is generally good. However, for those who rely on public transit, ride-sharing, or medical transport, the accessibility can be more challenging. Considering these factors is essential when evaluating the overall health score and determining the suitability of Mill Creek as a place to live.

The overall health score also implicitly considers the healthcare facilities themselves. The quality of care, the range of specialties offered, and the availability of appointments all play a role in the overall health of the community. While this analysis focuses on transportation, the quality and accessibility of the healthcare providers are also critical considerations.

In conclusion, the overall health score for Mill Creek (ZIP Code 17060) reflects a community with moderate access to healthcare. The presence of major roadways provides a foundation for easy access, but the limitations of public transit and the reliance on ride-sharing and medical transport services introduce challenges. Prospective residents should carefully consider their individual needs and preferences when evaluating this score and making decisions about moving to Mill Creek. The availability of transportation options is a critical component of healthcare access, and understanding the landscape is crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.