18246, Rock Glen, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 18246, Rock Glen, Pennsylvania is 70 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

40.00 percent of residents in 18246 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.55 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Berwick Hospital Center with a distance of 8.60 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Rock Glen (ZIP Code 18246)

The idyllic landscapes of Rock Glen, Pennsylvania, nestled within ZIP code 18246, offer a serene escape. However, the tranquility of this rural community presents a unique challenge: **healthcare access**. This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" for residents, evaluating the ease with which they can reach essential medical services, considering various **transportation** options. The score will encompass drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options. This information is crucial for anyone **moving to Rock Glen** and prioritizing their health.

The cornerstone of healthcare access in 18246 is the ability to travel to medical facilities. Driving remains the primary mode of transport. The nearest significant medical centers are in Hazleton, approximately 15 miles away, and Bloomsburg, roughly 30 miles distant. These distances translate to drive times that significantly impact the "Overall Health Score."

Traveling to Hazleton typically involves navigating Route 93, a two-lane highway that can experience congestion during peak hours. The journey, without traffic, takes approximately 25-30 minutes. However, unexpected delays due to accidents or seasonal weather conditions, particularly snow and ice, can extend this commute considerably. The availability of emergency services in Hazleton is a vital consideration.

Reaching Bloomsburg necessitates a longer journey, primarily via Interstate 80 East. This interstate provides a generally smooth and efficient route. The drive, under ideal conditions, averages 45-55 minutes. However, I-80 is prone to traffic bottlenecks, especially during holiday weekends or due to construction. The Bloomsburg Hospital offers a broader range of specialized medical services, making the longer commute potentially worthwhile for certain needs.

The condition of local roads also influences the "Overall Health Score." Secondary roads, like Rock Glen Road and Tomhicken Road, provide access to smaller towns and services. These roads are often winding and can be poorly maintained, especially during winter. This can increase travel times and pose safety risks, particularly for elderly residents or those with mobility issues.

Public transit options are limited in 18246. The Luzerne County Transportation Authority (LCTA) provides some bus service within the county, but its routes do not directly serve Rock Glen. The closest LCTA routes are in Hazleton, requiring residents to drive to a designated stop. This severely diminishes the "Overall Health Score" for individuals without personal vehicles.

The LCTA buses are generally equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, including ramps and priority seating. However, the lack of direct service to Rock Glen means that individuals with disabilities face significant challenges in accessing healthcare via public transport. The absence of a comprehensive public transit system is a major drawback for residents relying on alternative **transportation** methods.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Hazleton and Bloomsburg areas. However, their availability in Rock Glen itself is less reliable. The "Overall Health Score" is negatively affected by the potential for extended wait times or the unavailability of ride-sharing services, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather.

Medical transport services offer a critical lifeline for residents with limited mobility or those requiring specialized care. Companies like American Medical Response (AMR) and Geisinger Life Flight provide ambulance and medical transport services. These services are essential for emergency situations and for transporting patients to and from medical appointments.

The "Overall Health Score" benefits from the availability of medical transport, but the response times and costs associated with these services must be factored in. The distance to the nearest hospitals can impact response times, potentially increasing the risk during medical emergencies.

The cost of **transportation** also plays a significant role in the "Overall Health Score." The cost of gasoline, vehicle maintenance, and potential tolls contribute to the overall financial burden of accessing healthcare. For low-income residents, these costs can create a barrier to accessing necessary medical services.

The availability of healthcare providers within Rock Glen itself is minimal. This means that residents must travel for almost all medical needs, including primary care, specialist appointments, and diagnostic testing. This lack of local healthcare resources significantly lowers the "Overall Health Score."

The "Overall Health Score" is also influenced by the availability of pharmacy services. Residents must travel to Hazleton or Bloomsburg to fill prescriptions. This adds another layer of complexity to the process of obtaining medications and managing chronic health conditions.

The overall assessment of healthcare access in 18246 reveals a complex picture. While the area offers a peaceful environment, the challenges related to **transportation** significantly impact the "Overall Health Score." The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the unreliable availability of ride-sharing services create obstacles for many residents.

The "Overall Health Score" is further diminished by the lack of local healthcare providers and the need to travel for almost all medical services. While medical transport services provide a crucial safety net, their cost and potential response times are factors to consider.

For individuals **moving to Rock Glen**, a careful evaluation of their healthcare needs and **transportation** capabilities is essential. Those with mobility issues or without access to a personal vehicle will face significant challenges in accessing healthcare. The absence of a robust public transit system and the limited availability of ride-sharing services necessitate careful planning and reliance on personal vehicles.

The "Overall Health Score" in 18246 could be improved by several factors. Increased public transit options, including routes that directly serve Rock Glen, would significantly improve access for residents without vehicles. The expansion of ride-sharing services and the availability of more local healthcare providers would also enhance the score.

Furthermore, the development of telehealth services could mitigate some of the challenges associated with distance and **transportation**. Telehealth allows patients to consult with healthcare providers remotely, reducing the need for travel for certain types of appointments.

In conclusion, the "Overall Health Score" for residents of 18246 is moderate. While the area offers a tranquil lifestyle, the limitations in **healthcare access** due to **transportation** constraints pose a significant challenge. For those prioritizing easy access to medical care, a thorough assessment of their individual needs and **transportation** options is crucial when considering **moving to Rock Glen**. The score reflects the importance of proactive planning and the potential need for alternative **transportation** solutions to ensure adequate healthcare access.