17837, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 17837, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

82.61 percent of residents in 17837 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.88 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Geisinger Medical Center with a distance of 15.47 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Lewisburg, PA (ZIP Code 17837)

Evaluating the overall health score for residents of Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, necessitates a comprehensive understanding of their access to healthcare. This includes a deep dive into the nuances of transportation, a critical factor influencing the ability to obtain timely and appropriate medical care. For individuals considering moving to Lewisburg, this analysis provides a vital perspective on the practical realities of healthcare access within the 17837 ZIP code.

The primary consideration is the proximity of healthcare facilities. Lewisburg itself boasts Evangelical Community Hospital, a cornerstone of local healthcare. However, specialized care or advanced treatments may require travel to neighboring communities. This immediately highlights the significance of transportation options.

**Driving the Landscape of Healthcare Access**

The primary arteries for transportation in and out of Lewisburg are US Route 15 and PA Route 45. These roadways form the backbone of the local transportation network. US Route 15 provides a north-south corridor, connecting Lewisburg to Williamsport and Selinsgrove. PA Route 45, running east-west, links Lewisburg to State College and Mifflinburg.

Drive times to Evangelical Community Hospital from within Lewisburg are generally short, typically under 10 minutes, depending on the specific location within the ZIP code. However, travel times to other healthcare providers, such as Geisinger Medical Center in Danville (approximately 20-30 minutes via US Route 11 and US Route 15) or UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport (around 45 minutes via US Route 15), can significantly impact healthcare access, especially in emergencies.

Traffic conditions, particularly during peak commuting hours, can further influence drive times. While Lewisburg doesn't experience the congestion of larger metropolitan areas, rush hour can add delays, making timely access to healthcare a potential challenge.

**Public Transit: A Limited Role**

Public transportation options in Lewisburg are primarily provided by the Union County Transportation Authority (UCTA). While the UCTA offers fixed-route bus services, their reach and frequency are limited. These routes primarily serve the immediate Lewisburg area and may not directly connect to all healthcare facilities.

The UCTA does provide demand-response services, offering door-to-door transportation, including ADA-accessible vehicles, for individuals with disabilities or those who cannot utilize the fixed-route system. This service is crucial for those with mobility limitations, but it requires advance scheduling and may not be suitable for urgent medical needs.

The availability of public transit is a critical factor in healthcare access, especially for those without personal vehicles or who cannot drive. The limitations of the current public transportation system in Lewisburg, coupled with the reliance on advance scheduling, present a significant challenge to maximizing healthcare access.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Lewisburg, providing an alternative to personal vehicles and public transit. However, the availability of these services can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier for some individuals, especially for frequent trips to healthcare providers.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for non-emergency medical transport, are also available. These services, such as MedTrans or local ambulance companies offering non-emergency transport, provide specialized transportation for individuals with medical needs. They typically offer door-to-door service and can accommodate individuals with mobility limitations. However, these services often require pre-booking and may have associated costs.

The role of ride-sharing and medical transport in Lewisburg is to supplement the existing transportation infrastructure. They provide valuable options for those who cannot drive or lack access to public transit, but their availability, cost, and reliability need to be considered when assessing overall healthcare access.

**Assessing the Overall Health Score**

The overall health score for residents of Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, concerning healthcare access, is influenced by several factors. The proximity of Evangelical Community Hospital offers a significant advantage. However, the need to travel to other healthcare providers, the limitations of public transit, and the reliance on ride-sharing and medical transport introduce complexities.

The drive times to key healthcare facilities, even with the limited traffic, can be a factor. The availability and reliability of public transit and ride-sharing services also play a crucial role. Furthermore, the cost of transportation, including vehicle ownership, fuel, and the fees associated with ride-sharing or medical transport, impacts healthcare access.

**Recommendations for Improving Healthcare Access**

To enhance the overall health score for residents of Lewisburg, several improvements are warranted. Expanding the frequency and reach of public transit, particularly connecting to key healthcare facilities in neighboring communities, would benefit residents.

Promoting the use of ride-sharing services and medical transport by providing financial assistance or subsidies to those in need would also be beneficial. Furthermore, supporting initiatives that promote carpooling or shared transportation options would contribute to improved healthcare access.

Educating residents about available transportation options and the process of accessing them is also essential. Providing information on the UCTA services, ride-sharing, and medical transport services can empower individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare transportation needs.

**Conclusion: A Balanced Perspective**

For those considering moving to Lewisburg, understanding the transportation landscape is crucial. While Lewisburg offers immediate access to healthcare through Evangelical Community Hospital, the need to travel for specialized care or advanced treatments necessitates careful consideration of transportation options.

The overall health score in Lewisburg is good, but it is not without its challenges. The availability of personal vehicles and the ability to drive are significant advantages. However, the limited public transit, the reliance on ride-sharing, and the cost of transportation can create barriers for some residents. By addressing the limitations of the current transportation infrastructure and promoting accessible and affordable options, Lewisburg can further enhance its overall health score and ensure that all residents have equitable access to healthcare.