17772, Turbotville, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 17772, Turbotville, Pennsylvania is 60 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

71.20 percent of residents in 17772 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.62 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Upmc Muncy with a distance of 7.26 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Turbotville (ZIP Code 17772)

Understanding the ease with which residents can access healthcare is paramount to assessing overall health. This analysis focuses on the transportation landscape in Turbotville, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17772), evaluating the accessibility of medical facilities and its impact on the community’s health score. We will explore drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing availability, painting a comprehensive picture of the healthcare transportation environment. For those considering moving to Turbotville, this provides crucial insights into the practicalities of accessing medical care.

The foundation of healthcare access in Turbotville relies heavily on personal vehicles. The primary arteries for travel are **Interstate 80 (I-80)**, a major east-west thoroughfare, and **U.S. Route 11 (US-11)**, a north-south route. These highways are critical for reaching larger medical centers located in nearby towns and cities. Smaller roads, such as **Pennsylvania Route 44 (PA-44)** and **Pennsylvania Route 54 (PA-54)**, provide access to local medical offices and facilities. However, the reliance on personal vehicles creates a potential barrier for those without them, impacting their ability to maintain regular healthcare appointments.

Drive times to healthcare facilities vary significantly depending on the destination and the time of day. Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, a regional hub for specialized care, is approximately a 30-45 minute drive via I-80 West. Evangelical Community Hospital in Lewisburg, another significant medical provider, is roughly a 25-35 minute drive, also primarily utilizing I-80 West and US-11 North. Local clinics and physician offices within Turbotville and the surrounding communities, such as those in Milton or Watsontown, are generally accessible within a 10-20 minute drive via PA-54 or PA-44.

Public transportation options in Turbotville are limited, presenting a significant challenge for those who cannot drive or lack access to a personal vehicle. The primary public transit provider in the area is the **River Valley TransitValley Transit**, which operates a network of bus routes throughout Lycoming County. However, these routes do not directly serve Turbotville. Residents would need to travel to a nearby town, such as Milton or Watsontown, to access the bus system. Furthermore, the frequency of these routes is often limited, particularly on weekends and evenings, making it difficult to schedule medical appointments.

The availability of ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features on public transit is crucial for ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities. River Valley Transit vehicles are equipped with ramps and other features to accommodate passengers with mobility impairments. However, the lack of direct service to Turbotville necessitates multiple transfers, potentially increasing travel time and the complexity of the journey. The overall impact is a lower health score for those reliant on public transit.

Ride-sharing services, such as **Uber** and **Lyft**, are available in the Turbotville area, but their reliability and cost can be significant factors. The availability of drivers can fluctuate, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of a ride-share can also be a barrier for those with limited financial resources, making it difficult to afford regular trips to medical appointments. While ride-sharing offers a potential solution, it is not a consistently dependable or affordable option for many residents.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are another option, albeit with their own set of considerations. Companies like **CareRide** and **Medical Transportation Services** offer specialized transportation for individuals with disabilities or those requiring assistance. These services often provide door-to-door transportation, including assistance with entering and exiting the vehicle. However, these services typically require advance booking and can be costly, potentially limiting their accessibility for some residents.

The overall health score for healthcare access in Turbotville is moderately impacted by the transportation landscape. The reliance on personal vehicles presents a significant advantage for those who can drive, offering relatively quick access to local and regional medical facilities. However, the limited public transportation options, the fluctuating availability and cost of ride-sharing services, and the expense of medical transportation services create barriers for those who cannot drive or lack access to a personal vehicle.

The impact on the community is substantial. Individuals without reliable transportation may delay or forgo necessary medical care, leading to poorer health outcomes. This can exacerbate existing health conditions and contribute to a lower overall quality of life. The ability to consistently attend appointments for preventative care, chronic disease management, and specialist consultations is crucial for maintaining good health.

For those considering moving to Turbotville, a thorough assessment of their transportation needs is essential. Individuals who rely on public transit or have limited mobility should carefully evaluate the challenges associated with accessing healthcare. It is crucial to factor in the potential costs of ride-sharing or medical transportation services when budgeting for healthcare expenses.

The community could benefit from initiatives aimed at improving healthcare access. This might include exploring partnerships with ride-sharing services to offer discounted transportation for medical appointments, advocating for expanded public transit routes to serve Turbotville, or promoting the availability of medical transportation services. Addressing these transportation challenges is critical to improving the overall health score of the community and ensuring that all residents have equitable access to healthcare.

In conclusion, while Turbotville offers reasonable access to healthcare for those with personal vehicles, the limited transportation options for those without cars significantly impacts the community’s overall health score. Improving public transit, promoting affordable ride-sharing, and supporting medical transportation services are vital steps toward ensuring that all residents can access the healthcare they need, regardless of their transportation limitations. This is a key consideration for anyone contemplating moving to Turbotville and a crucial area for local development and community well-being.