18232, Lansford, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 18232, Lansford, Pennsylvania is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

53.14 percent of residents in 18232 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 7.32 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is St Luke's Miners Memorial Hospital with a distance of 1.78 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 18232 (Lansford, PA)

This report assesses the overall health score for residents of ZIP Code 18232, focusing on the critical aspect of healthcare access, specifically examining the challenges and opportunities presented by the transportation landscape. Understanding the ease or difficulty of reaching medical facilities is paramount for informed decision-making, especially for individuals and families considering moving to Lansford. The analysis considers various modes of transportation, from personal vehicles to public transit and ride-sharing services, painting a comprehensive picture of the healthcare accessibility landscape.

The foundation of healthcare access lies in the ability to reach medical professionals and facilities. In Lansford, this often necessitates travel outside the immediate vicinity. The primary arteries for vehicular transportation are **Route 209** and **Route 93**, both vital for navigating the surrounding areas. **Route 209** serves as a major north-south thoroughfare, connecting Lansford to towns like Lehighton to the south and Tamaqua to the north. **Route 93** provides access east towards Nesquehoning and west towards Hometown.

Drive times to healthcare facilities vary depending on the destination. The closest urgent care facilities are typically located in Lehighton, a drive that could take approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions on **Route 209**. More specialized care, such as hospitals and specialist offices, often requires travel to larger population centers like Allentown or Scranton, potentially involving journeys of an hour or more, depending on the specific route and traffic. These longer commutes can be particularly challenging for individuals with chronic conditions or those requiring frequent medical appointments.

Public transportation options in the 18232 ZIP code are limited, which presents a significant barrier to healthcare access for those without personal vehicles. The Carbon Transit Authority (CTA) provides some bus service, but routes and schedules may not always align with healthcare appointments or cover all necessary destinations. This lack of robust public transit options disproportionately affects seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources, making healthcare access more difficult and potentially delaying critical medical care.

The CTA routes serving Lansford may offer some level of accessibility, but the availability of ADA-compliant features, such as ramps and lifts, needs to be verified on a route-by-route basis. Furthermore, the frequency of service, particularly during evenings and weekends, can significantly impact the feasibility of using public transit for healthcare-related trips. Careful consideration of these factors is essential when evaluating the overall health score for residents of this area.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are present in the region, offering an alternative to personal vehicles and public transit. However, the availability and cost of these services can fluctuate, particularly in rural areas like Lansford. Surge pricing during peak hours or periods of high demand could make ride-sharing an unaffordable option for many residents. Moreover, the reliability of ride-sharing services, especially for scheduled medical appointments, can be a concern, requiring careful planning and consideration.

Medical transportation services, such as non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), provide specialized assistance for individuals who require transportation to and from medical appointments. These services often cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those who cannot drive themselves. The availability of NEMT providers in the 18232 ZIP code needs to be assessed, considering factors like service area, cost, and the types of medical facilities they serve.

The overall health score for healthcare access in ZIP Code 18232 is moderately impacted by transportation limitations. While personal vehicles offer the most flexibility, the reliance on them presents challenges for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a car. The limited public transit options, the variable availability and cost of ride-sharing services, and the need to verify the availability of medical transportation services all contribute to the complexity of healthcare access in this area.

The physical geography of the region, with its mountainous terrain and winding roads, can also impact transportation. Navigating these routes, especially during inclement weather, can add to travel times and increase the risk of accidents. The condition of the roads, including potholes and other maintenance issues, can further exacerbate these challenges. These factors should be considered when assessing the overall health score.

The availability of healthcare facilities within the immediate vicinity of Lansford is also a crucial factor. While some primary care physicians and dental practices may be available locally, specialized care often requires travel to larger medical centers. The distance to these facilities, coupled with the transportation limitations discussed earlier, can create a significant barrier to accessing specialized medical services.

The economic circumstances of residents also play a significant role in healthcare access. Transportation costs, including fuel, vehicle maintenance, and ride-sharing fees, can be a significant financial burden, particularly for low-income individuals and families. The cost of healthcare itself, including co-pays and deductibles, can further exacerbate these financial challenges, making it more difficult for residents to seek necessary medical care.

For those considering moving to Lansford, a thorough assessment of the transportation options and their associated costs is crucial. Researching the availability of public transit routes, the reliability of ride-sharing services, and the availability of medical transportation services is essential. Understanding the drive times to various healthcare facilities, including hospitals, specialist offices, and urgent care centers, is also important.

The overall health score for healthcare access in ZIP Code 18232 can be improved by addressing the transportation challenges. Expanding public transit options, including increasing the frequency of service and expanding the routes served, would significantly benefit residents. Promoting ride-sharing services and providing financial assistance to low-income individuals for transportation costs could also improve healthcare access.

Furthermore, encouraging the development of telehealth services, which allow patients to consult with healthcare providers remotely, could reduce the need for travel. Supporting community initiatives that provide transportation assistance to seniors and individuals with disabilities could also improve healthcare access.

In conclusion, the overall health score for healthcare access in ZIP Code 18232 is influenced by a complex interplay of factors, including transportation options, the availability of healthcare facilities, and the economic circumstances of residents. While personal vehicles offer the most flexibility, the limited public transit options, the variable availability and cost of ride-sharing services, and the need to verify the availability of medical transportation services all contribute to the challenges of healthcare access in this area. Addressing these transportation limitations through strategic investments in public transit, ride-sharing programs, and telehealth services, along with supporting community initiatives, is essential to improving the overall health score and ensuring that all residents have access to the healthcare they need.