17250, Rouzerville, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 17250, Rouzerville, Pennsylvania is 74 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

48.00 percent of residents in 17250 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.72 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wellspan Waynesboro Hospital with a distance of 2.60 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Rouzerville, PA (ZIP Code 17250)

The health of a community is inextricably linked to its access to healthcare. In Rouzerville, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17250), a rural community nestled in the embrace of the Appalachian Mountains, assessing this access requires a deep dive into the transportation landscape. This analysis considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services to arrive at an overall health score, providing critical insights for potential residents considering moving to Rouzerville.

The primary arteries for transportation in and out of Rouzerville are Pennsylvania Route 16 and Pennsylvania Route 997. These roads, while scenic, can present challenges. Route 16, a two-lane highway, winds through the countryside, connecting Rouzerville to nearby towns like Waynesboro and Mercersburg. Route 997 offers a more direct route towards Chambersburg and the Interstate 81 corridor. The condition of these roads, particularly during inclement weather, significantly impacts travel times and the ability to reach healthcare facilities.

Drive times to healthcare facilities vary considerably. The closest hospital, WellSpan Waynesboro Hospital, is approximately a 15-20 minute drive via Route 16. This is a relatively manageable distance, offering residents convenient access to emergency services, primary care physicians, and a range of specialist services. However, for more specialized care, residents may need to travel further. Chambersburg Hospital, part of the UPMC system, is roughly a 30-40 minute drive via Route 997 and I-81. This distance can become a significant barrier, particularly for those with mobility limitations or chronic health conditions.

Public transportation options in Rouzerville are limited. The primary provider of public transit in Franklin County is the Franklin County Transit Authority (FCTA). However, FCTA services in Rouzerville are infrequent and primarily focused on connecting residents to larger towns and cities. There are no direct bus routes to healthcare facilities from Rouzerville. This lack of readily available public transportation presents a significant challenge for individuals who do not own a car or are unable to drive.

The FCTA does offer ADA-accessible buses, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can utilize the limited public transit options. However, the infrequency of service and the lack of direct routes to healthcare facilities diminish the utility of these accessible services for those seeking medical care. The availability of ADA-compliant transportation is a crucial factor in assessing healthcare access, but its impact is lessened by the overall limitations of the public transit system.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Rouzerville area, but their reliability and availability can be inconsistent. While these services can provide a viable transportation option, particularly for those without access to a personal vehicle, they are subject to driver availability and surge pricing, which can make them an expensive and potentially unreliable means of accessing healthcare. The rural nature of the area may also limit the number of available drivers, leading to longer wait times.

Medical transport services offer a vital lifeline for individuals who require assistance getting to and from medical appointments. Several providers operate in the area, including ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation companies. These services are typically reserved for individuals with specific medical needs, such as those requiring assistance with mobility or those who are unable to drive due to a medical condition. The availability of these services is crucial for ensuring that vulnerable populations can access necessary healthcare.

Assessing the availability and accessibility of these medical transport services is critical for determining the overall health score. The quality of these services, including the responsiveness of the providers, the comfort of the vehicles, and the training of the personnel, directly impacts the patient experience and the ability to receive timely and appropriate medical care.

The overall health score for commute to healthcare in Rouzerville, PA (ZIP Code 17250) is moderate. While the proximity to WellSpan Waynesboro Hospital provides reasonable access to basic healthcare services, the limited public transportation options, the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services, and the reliance on personal vehicles create significant barriers for many residents. The availability of medical transport services mitigates some of these challenges, but their utilization is typically restricted to individuals with specific medical needs.

For those considering moving to Rouzerville, a careful evaluation of individual transportation needs and healthcare requirements is essential. The reliance on personal vehicles is a key factor, and residents without access to a car may face significant challenges in accessing healthcare. The availability of family, friends, or community support to provide transportation assistance is also a crucial consideration.

The future of healthcare access in Rouzerville could be improved by expanding public transportation options, including dedicated routes to healthcare facilities. Promoting ride-sharing services and incentivizing their use for medical appointments could also enhance access. Furthermore, increasing the availability and affordability of medical transport services would significantly benefit vulnerable populations.

Ultimately, the overall health score reflects the interplay of various factors, including transportation infrastructure, healthcare facility locations, and the availability of alternative transportation options. While Rouzerville offers reasonable access to healthcare for many residents, improvements in transportation infrastructure and services are needed to ensure equitable access for all. For potential residents, understanding these nuances is crucial for making informed decisions about their health and well-being.