17522, Ephrata, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 17522, Ephrata, Pennsylvania is 76 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

65.56 percent of residents in 17522 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 6.51 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wellspan Ephrata Community Hospital with a distance of 0.93 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 17522 (Ephrata, PA)

This analysis assesses the overall health score for residents of Ephrata, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17522), focusing specifically on the ease and efficiency of commuting to healthcare facilities. The score considers various transportation options, including private vehicles, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport, factoring in travel times, accessibility, and service availability. Understanding these factors is crucial for individuals considering moving to Ephrata and for current residents seeking optimal healthcare access.

Ephrata, a charming borough nestled in Lancaster County, offers a blend of rural tranquility and suburban convenience. However, the accessibility of healthcare, a critical component of overall well-being, hinges on the efficiency of the local transportation infrastructure. The following sections delve into the specifics of each transportation mode, providing a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities for accessing healthcare within and beyond the 17522 ZIP code.

**Private Vehicle Transportation: The Dominant Mode**

For most residents of Ephrata, the private vehicle remains the primary mode of transportation, including for healthcare appointments. The town's layout and the surrounding road network directly impact drive times to medical facilities. Major thoroughfares like **PA-272 (North Reading Road/South Reading Road)** and **US-322 (East/West Main Street)** serve as vital arteries, connecting Ephrata to neighboring towns and cities where many healthcare providers are located.

Driving to Ephrata Community Hospital, a key healthcare provider, is generally straightforward. Residents in the central borough can expect a drive time of under 10 minutes. However, those residing on the periphery, especially on the outskirts of town, might experience slightly longer commutes, especially during peak traffic hours.

Accessing specialized care often necessitates travel to Lancaster City, approximately 20 miles away. This journey typically involves navigating **US-322** and **PA-283 (Oregon Pike)**, with an average drive time of 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Congestion, particularly during rush hour, can significantly impact travel times, potentially causing delays for patients and adding stress to the healthcare experience.

Further afield, Philadelphia, with its extensive medical infrastructure, is a viable option for specialized care. The drive to Philadelphia, primarily via **PA-272** to **US-222** and then **I-76 (Schuylkill Expressway)**, can take upwards of 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic. This extended travel time underscores the importance of considering the location of healthcare providers when evaluating the overall health score for the 17522 ZIP code.

**Public Transit: Limited Options, Room for Improvement**

Public transportation in Ephrata, while present, offers limited options for healthcare access. The Lancaster County Public Transportation Authority (Red Rose Transit Authority or RRTA) provides bus service within the county. However, the routes and frequency of service in Ephrata are not as extensive as in more urban areas.

The primary bus route serving Ephrata is Route 11, which runs along **East/West Main Street (US-322)**. This route connects Ephrata to Lancaster City, providing access to various healthcare facilities. However, the frequency of Route 11 is typically hourly, and the travel time to Lancaster City can be significantly longer than driving, potentially exceeding an hour.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a crucial factor in evaluating public transit. RRTA strives to provide accessible services, with buses equipped with ramps and other features to accommodate passengers with disabilities. However, the reliance on fixed routes and schedules can still pose challenges for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring more frequent trips to healthcare appointments.

The limited scope of public transit in Ephrata presents a significant hurdle for those without access to a private vehicle. Expanding and improving the public transportation network, including increasing route frequency and extending service to more areas within and around Ephrata, would significantly enhance healthcare access for a broader segment of the population. This is especially important for those considering moving to Ephrata who may rely on public transit.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative transportation option, particularly for those who cannot drive or prefer not to. These services can provide door-to-door transportation, offering greater flexibility than public transit. However, the availability of ride-sharing services in Ephrata may vary depending on the time of day and demand.

The cost of ride-sharing can also be a factor, particularly for frequent healthcare appointments. While convenient, the expense can accumulate, potentially impacting the overall healthcare affordability for residents.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for patients with mobility limitations or medical needs, provide a crucial link to healthcare for some residents. Companies like MedStar and First Transit offer non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel.

These services typically require advance booking and may involve specific eligibility criteria. They offer a valuable solution for individuals who cannot utilize public transit or ride-sharing due to their medical condition. The availability and cost of these services are essential considerations when assessing the overall health score for healthcare access in Ephrata.

**Overall Health Score Summary**

The overall health score for commuting to healthcare in ZIP Code 17522 reflects a mixed picture. While the private vehicle remains the most convenient option, the reliance on cars can lead to increased travel times, especially during peak hours and for specialized care. The limited scope of public transit presents a challenge for those without access to a private vehicle, emphasizing the need for improvements in route frequency and coverage.

Ride-sharing services and medical transport provide valuable alternatives, but their availability, cost, and eligibility requirements must be considered.

For individuals considering moving to Ephrata, understanding these transportation dynamics is crucial. While Ephrata offers a pleasant living environment, the accessibility of healthcare requires careful consideration. The overall health score, therefore, is moderately positive, with room for improvement through enhanced public transportation infrastructure and increased availability of affordable transportation options. This is especially important for those seeking to move to Ephrata and prioritize easy healthcare access. The future of healthcare access in Ephrata hinges on a collaborative approach, involving local government, transportation providers, and healthcare institutions, to ensure that all residents can readily access the care they need.