17862, Penns Creek, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 17862, Penns Creek, Pennsylvania is 11 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

77.30 percent of residents in 17862 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 26.21 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Geisinger Medical Center with a distance of 25.49 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Penns Creek (ZIP Code 17862)

Embarking on a journey to assess the overall health score for residents of Penns Creek, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17862), necessitates a deep dive into the accessibility of healthcare services. This analysis focuses on the crucial element of transportation, a linchpin in determining the ease with which individuals can obtain necessary medical care. The score considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and specialized medical transport, offering a comprehensive picture for those considering moving to Penns Creek or for current residents seeking to understand their healthcare landscape.

The geographical location of Penns Creek, nestled in the heart of central Pennsylvania, presents both advantages and challenges when it comes to healthcare access. The surrounding landscape is primarily rural, influencing the availability and practicality of various transportation methods. The primary consideration is the distance to medical facilities, which directly impacts the timeliness and convenience of receiving care.

**Drive Time Dynamics:**

The most common mode of transportation for healthcare access in Penns Creek is personal vehicles. Several major roadways serve the area, forming the arteries through which residents navigate to their medical appointments. Pennsylvania Route 104, a critical north-south artery, provides direct access to local communities and connects to larger thoroughfares. Route 35, another important road, facilitates east-west travel, linking Penns Creek to neighboring towns and healthcare providers.

Drive times to the nearest hospitals and specialized clinics are a crucial factor in the health score. Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, a regional healthcare hub, is approximately a 30-45 minute drive via Routes 104 and 11/15. This drive time, while manageable, can be significantly impacted by traffic, especially during peak hours or adverse weather conditions. The Evangelical Community Hospital in Lewisburg, a closer option, is roughly a 20-30 minute drive, primarily utilizing Route 45.

Smaller clinics and physician offices within the immediate vicinity of Penns Creek, such as those in Middleburg or Selinsgrove, offer shorter drive times, often within 10-20 minutes. These local options are crucial for routine checkups and less critical medical needs, reducing the burden of longer commutes. However, specialized care, such as cardiology or oncology, often necessitates travel to the larger medical centers, extending the commute and potentially impacting the overall health score.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public transportation options in Penns Creek are limited, presenting a significant challenge for those without access to a personal vehicle. The Susquehanna Transit Authority (STA) provides some bus services within the region, but their routes and frequency are not extensive in the Penns Creek area. Services are more prevalent in larger towns like Selinsgrove and Sunbury, which may require a transfer or a longer travel time.

The STA does offer some routes that could be utilized for healthcare access, but the schedules are often infrequent, and the routes may not directly serve medical facilities. The buses that do operate are generally equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, including ramps and designated seating, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities. However, the limited coverage and potential for lengthy travel times significantly diminish the role of public transit in the overall health score.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Penns Creek area, but their availability can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in more remote locations. While these services offer a convenient alternative to personal vehicles, their reliability is not guaranteed, and the cost can be a significant factor for some individuals.

Medical transport services play a crucial role in bridging the gap for those who cannot drive or lack access to other transportation options. Several specialized medical transport providers operate in the region, offering services ranging from non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) to ambulance services. These services are essential for individuals with mobility limitations, chronic illnesses, or those requiring assistance with their medical appointments.

Companies like American Medical Response (AMR) and local ambulance services are readily available for emergency situations. For non-emergency transportation, options include private companies that specialize in transporting patients to and from medical appointments. The availability and responsiveness of these services are critical for ensuring timely access to healthcare, especially for individuals with specific medical needs.

**Impact on the Overall Health Score:**

The overall health score for healthcare access in Penns Creek is moderate. The reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transit options present challenges for some residents. Drive times to major healthcare facilities are reasonable, but the potential for delays and the lack of readily available alternatives can impact the timeliness and convenience of receiving care.

The availability of ride-sharing services and medical transport options provides crucial support, but their reliability and cost can be barriers for some individuals. The score is influenced by the rural nature of the area, which limits the density of healthcare providers and the frequency of public transit services.

**Recommendations for Improvement:**

Enhancing the overall health score for Penns Creek residents requires a multi-pronged approach. Increasing the frequency and coverage of public transit routes, particularly those connecting to healthcare facilities, would significantly improve access. Promoting the availability and affordability of ride-sharing services, potentially through local initiatives or partnerships, would also be beneficial.

Expanding the network of healthcare providers within the immediate vicinity of Penns Creek, including primary care physicians, specialists, and urgent care facilities, would reduce drive times and improve convenience. Investing in infrastructure improvements, such as road maintenance and traffic management, would minimize delays and ensure safer travel for all residents.

Furthermore, raising awareness about the availability of medical transport services and providing financial assistance to those who cannot afford them would be crucial. Encouraging collaboration between healthcare providers, transportation providers, and community organizations can help create a more integrated and accessible healthcare ecosystem for the residents of Penns Creek.

**Conclusion:**

Assessing the overall health score for healthcare access in Penns Creek reveals a landscape shaped by the interplay of geography, transportation infrastructure, and healthcare resources. While the area offers reasonable drive times to major medical centers and the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport, the limited public transit options and the reliance on personal vehicles present challenges. By implementing strategic improvements in public transportation, ride-sharing, and healthcare infrastructure, the community can enhance the overall health score and ensure that all residents have equitable access to the healthcare they need. For those moving to Penns Creek, understanding these factors is crucial for planning and ensuring their healthcare needs are met.