17349, New Freedom, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 17349, New Freedom, Pennsylvania is 52 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

40.31 percent of residents in 17349 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.92 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wellspan York Hospital with a distance of 14.10 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 17349 (New Freedom, PA)

The quaint borough of New Freedom, Pennsylvania, nestled in ZIP code 17349, offers a charming, close-knit community. However, prospective residents, especially those prioritizing healthcare access, must consider the complexities of transportation. This analysis provides an “Overall Health Score” reflecting the challenges and opportunities associated with accessing medical services within and surrounding this area. The score considers drive times, public transit options, and alternative transportation solutions, offering a comprehensive picture for anyone contemplating moving to New Freedom.

The foundation of our score hinges on the accessibility of healthcare facilities. The primary healthcare providers serving 17349 are located in surrounding towns, necessitating travel. This immediately introduces transportation as a critical factor. The “Overall Health Score” will be lower for those without reliable transportation. This is especially true for individuals with mobility limitations or those who are unable to drive.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The most common mode of transportation for healthcare access in New Freedom is by personal vehicle. The primary roadways serving the area are crucial to this assessment. Interstate 83 (I-83) is the major north-south artery, offering relatively fast access to York, Pennsylvania (approximately a 20-minute drive), where a concentration of hospitals and specialist practices can be found.

However, I-83 can experience congestion, particularly during peak commuting hours. This can significantly impact drive times, potentially delaying access to urgent care. Furthermore, the local roads, such as PA-616 and PA-851, provide access to smaller towns and medical offices, but are often more winding and subject to slower speeds. These roads are also susceptible to seasonal weather conditions, further impacting travel times.

For residents of New Freedom, reaching the closest urgent care facilities in Shrewsbury, PA, requires a drive of about 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. Accessing hospitals like UPMC Memorial Hospital in York can take up to 30 minutes during rush hour. The drive to WellSpan York Hospital, also in York, is comparable. These drive times are crucial components of our “Overall Health Score.”

**Public Transportation:**

Public transportation options in 17349 are limited. The York County Transportation Authority (YCTA) provides bus service, but the routes serving New Freedom are infrequent and may not directly connect to all healthcare facilities. Route 8, for instance, offers service along Main Street in New Freedom, but its schedule might not align with the needs of those seeking medical appointments.

Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible buses is essential for individuals with disabilities. The YCTA strives to provide accessible services, but the reliability and convenience of public transit for healthcare access remain a concern. The lack of extensive public transportation significantly lowers the “Overall Health Score” for individuals who cannot drive or prefer not to.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area, offering a potential alternative for healthcare transportation. However, their availability and cost can vary, particularly during off-peak hours or in areas with limited demand. The reliability of ride-sharing for scheduled medical appointments is also a factor to consider.

Medical transportation services, such as those provided by companies specializing in non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), offer a more specialized solution. These services are designed to transport individuals with mobility limitations or other needs to and from medical appointments. However, these services often require advance booking and can be expensive.

**Medical Transport Brands:**

Specific medical transport brands operating in the 17349 area include, but are not limited to, Care Ride, and First Transit. These services, along with local ambulance companies, offer a range of options for individuals needing assistance with healthcare transportation. The availability of these services, their pricing, and their ability to accommodate specific medical needs are all factors that contribute to the “Overall Health Score.”

**Overall Health Score Calculation:**

The “Overall Health Score” for healthcare access in 17349 is calculated based on a weighted average of the factors discussed above. Drive times are weighted heavily, as they represent the most common mode of transportation. Public transit availability and accessibility are also significant factors, especially for those without personal vehicles. Ride-sharing and medical transport options are considered as alternatives, but their reliability and cost impact their weight in the score.

The final score will reflect the overall ease or difficulty of accessing healthcare services in New Freedom. A higher score indicates better access, while a lower score highlights potential challenges. The score will be particularly relevant for individuals with chronic health conditions, those requiring frequent medical appointments, and those who rely on public transportation or other alternative transportation methods.

**Implications for Moving to New Freedom:**

For those considering moving to New Freedom, the “Overall Health Score” provides a crucial perspective. While the community offers a desirable lifestyle, the limitations in transportation options for healthcare access must be carefully considered. Prospective residents should assess their individual needs and preferences, including their ability to drive, their reliance on public transit, and their access to ride-sharing or medical transport services.

Individuals with specific healthcare needs should research the proximity of medical facilities, the availability of specialists, and the ease of access to those facilities. They should also factor in the potential costs of transportation, including fuel, vehicle maintenance, ride-sharing fees, or medical transport services.

**Conclusion:**

The “Overall Health Score” for 17349 reflects the reality of healthcare access in a suburban setting. While the area offers a desirable quality of life, the transportation infrastructure presents challenges. Prospective residents should carefully evaluate their individual circumstances and needs when considering moving to New Freedom. A thorough understanding of the transportation landscape is essential for ensuring that healthcare access is not a barrier to a healthy and fulfilling life in this charming community. The score serves as a valuable tool, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.