17099, Yeagertown, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 17099, Yeagertown, Pennsylvania is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

78.38 percent of residents in 17099 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.86 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute with a distance of 43.40 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 17099 (Yeagertown, PA)

This assessment provides an "Overall Health Score" for residents of Yeagertown, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17099), focusing on their access to healthcare services via various transportation modes. This score considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, offering a comprehensive view of healthcare accessibility for those considering moving to Yeagertown.

The health of a community is inextricably linked to its ability to connect residents with essential medical care. Yeagertown, a community nestled in Mifflin County, presents a unique landscape for healthcare access. The area's rural character, while offering tranquility, often presents challenges in transportation, influencing the ease with which residents can reach doctors, hospitals, and other vital healthcare providers.

**Drive Time Dynamics: The Asphalt Arteries**

For many Yeagertown residents, personal vehicles remain the primary mode of transportation to healthcare facilities. The efficiency of this mode hinges on the road network. Primary access routes include Route 322, the major east-west artery, and Route 655, which provides north-south connectivity. The drive time to the nearest hospitals, such as Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital, is a critical factor.

The drive from Yeagertown to Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital, a crucial healthcare hub, typically ranges from 10 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific location within the ZIP code. The journey primarily involves navigating Route 322. This highway, while generally well-maintained, can experience congestion during peak hours, particularly during morning and evening commutes.

Further afield, access to larger medical centers in Harrisburg or State College necessitates longer drives. These trips, which can take over an hour, involve navigating a combination of highways, including Route 322, US-22, and I-81. These longer commutes increase the risk of delayed care in emergencies and can be a significant burden for individuals with chronic conditions requiring frequent appointments.

**Public Transit: A Limited Lifeline**

Public transportation options in Yeagertown and the surrounding areas are limited. The Mifflin County Transportation Authority (MCTA) provides bus services, but the routes and schedules are often restricted, particularly on weekends and evenings. This limited service significantly impacts healthcare access for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle.

The MCTA operates several routes, but their coverage within Yeagertown and to key healthcare facilities is not extensive. Many routes require transfers, increasing travel time and complexity. The accessibility of MCTA buses for individuals with disabilities is crucial. The MCTA strives to provide ADA-compliant services, including wheelchair lifts and accessible seating.

For individuals relying on public transit, planning and coordination are essential. The limited frequency of buses and the potential for delays can create challenges in attending medical appointments on time. The availability of real-time tracking information and user-friendly route planning tools is essential to improve the experience.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Yeagertown area, though their availability and reliability can vary. The presence of these services offers an alternative to personal vehicles and public transit, particularly for those who need occasional rides to appointments or cannot drive.

However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a barrier for some residents. The price of a ride can fluctuate based on demand, and the distance to healthcare facilities can significantly impact the overall cost. The availability of ride-sharing services can also be unpredictable, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather.

Medical transportation services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) providers, play a crucial role in facilitating healthcare access for individuals with mobility limitations or medical needs. These services are particularly important for those requiring transport to dialysis appointments, physical therapy, or other ongoing treatments.

The availability of NEMT providers in Yeagertown is essential. These services often require advance booking and may have specific eligibility requirements. The coordination between NEMT providers, healthcare facilities, and patients is critical to ensure timely and reliable transportation.

**Overall Health Score and Considerations for Moving to Yeagertown**

The "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in Yeagertown (ZIP Code 17099) is moderately impacted by the limitations in transportation options. The reliance on personal vehicles, the restricted public transit, and the variable availability of ride-sharing services create challenges for some residents.

The drive times to local hospitals are generally reasonable, but the longer commutes to larger medical centers can pose a barrier. The limited public transit options and the potential cost of ride-sharing services further complicate healthcare access for those without personal vehicles.

For individuals considering moving to Yeagertown, a thorough assessment of their transportation needs and healthcare requirements is essential. Those who rely on public transit or ride-sharing should carefully evaluate the availability and reliability of these services. Individuals with chronic conditions or mobility limitations should investigate the availability of medical transportation services.

The overall health score is impacted by the need for residents to have access to healthcare. The availability of transportation services is a key component of healthcare access. The availability of transportation services is a key component of healthcare access. The overall health score is impacted by the need for residents to have access to healthcare.

The accessibility of healthcare in Yeagertown, a community where the tranquility of rural living meets the practicalities of daily life, is a complex issue. The ability to navigate the transportation landscape, whether by personal vehicle, public transit, ride-sharing, or medical transport, is a critical factor in ensuring that all residents can receive the care they need. The health score is impacted by the need for residents to have access to healthcare.