17720, Antes Fort, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 17720, Antes Fort, Pennsylvania is 60 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

88.57 percent of residents in 17720 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.17 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital with a distance of 2.75 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 17720 (Antes Fort, PA)

Assessing the overall health score for residents of Antes Fort, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17720) necessitates a deep dive into the crucial intersection of transportation and healthcare access. This rural community, nestled in the heart of Lycoming County, presents unique challenges and opportunities when it comes to receiving timely and effective medical care. This analysis will explore the available modes of transportation, the drive times to key healthcare facilities, the presence of public transit options, the availability of ride-sharing services, and the existence of specialized medical transportation, all contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the community's health accessibility.

The very fabric of life in Antes Fort is interwoven with the necessity of personal vehicles. The primary arteries for accessing healthcare facilities are Pennsylvania Route 220, a major north-south thoroughfare, and Pennsylvania Route 44, which offers east-west connectivity. These roads, while providing essential links, can become congested during peak hours, potentially impacting the speed and reliability of travel to medical appointments. The condition of these roads, particularly during the harsh winter months, poses another challenge, as snow and ice can significantly increase travel times and risks.

For residents without personal vehicles, the options become significantly limited. Public transportation, while present in Lycoming County, offers a sparse network. The primary provider, River Valley TransitValley Transit (RVT), operates bus routes that serve the city of Williamsport, a major healthcare hub. However, these routes often lack direct service to Antes Fort, requiring residents to travel to Williamsport first, adding considerable time and complexity to the journey. The availability of ADA-accessible buses is a critical factor, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can also access these limited services.

The absence of robust public transportation emphasizes the importance of personal vehicles. Drive times to healthcare facilities are a critical metric in evaluating healthcare access. The UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport Hospital, a major regional medical center, is approximately a 20-30 minute drive via PA-220. UPMC Muncy, a smaller hospital, is closer, typically a 15-20 minute drive via PA-44. The drive to various specialist offices and clinics within Williamsport can vary, often extending travel times. These times are significantly impacted by traffic, weather conditions, and the specific location of the healthcare provider.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative to personal vehicles and public transit. However, their availability in rural areas like Antes Fort is often inconsistent. The frequency of service, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather, can be unreliable. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier, particularly for individuals with limited financial resources. This limited availability of ride-sharing services highlights a significant challenge for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle.

Medical transportation services, designed specifically for individuals with mobility limitations or medical needs, play a crucial role in bridging the gap in healthcare access. Companies like LifeLine Ambulance and other private providers offer non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services. These services provide door-to-door transportation to medical appointments, offering a valuable option for those who cannot travel independently. The cost of these services, however, can be a significant financial burden, and the availability of these services can also be limited.

The overall health score for Antes Fort, PA (17720) is therefore intricately linked to the challenges of transportation. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, the inconsistent availability of ride-sharing, and the cost of medical transportation all contribute to a complex picture. These transportation barriers can lead to delayed or missed medical appointments, potentially impacting the overall health and well-being of the community.

For individuals considering moving to Antes Fort, understanding these transportation challenges is paramount. Prospective residents should carefully evaluate their transportation needs and assess their ability to navigate the existing infrastructure. The proximity to Williamsport and the availability of healthcare facilities within a reasonable driving distance are positive factors. However, the limitations of public transportation and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services must be considered.

The availability of healthcare facilities in Williamsport is a significant advantage for Antes Fort residents. UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport Hospital offers a wide range of medical services, including emergency care, specialized treatments, and diagnostic testing. The presence of numerous specialist offices and clinics within Williamsport further enhances healthcare access. However, the drive times to these facilities, coupled with the potential transportation challenges, can still pose a barrier to timely care.

The physical geography of the region also plays a role in shaping the health score. The hilly terrain and the presence of the West Branch Susquehanna River can affect travel times and create additional challenges, particularly during inclement weather. The rural nature of the community also contributes to the limited availability of transportation options.

The overall health score for Antes Fort, PA (17720) is moderate, with areas for improvement. The community benefits from its proximity to Williamsport and the availability of healthcare facilities. However, the reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit, and the potential challenges of ride-sharing and medical transportation create barriers to healthcare access. Addressing these transportation challenges through improved public transit, expanded ride-sharing services, and increased access to affordable medical transportation could significantly improve the overall health score and the well-being of the residents of Antes Fort.