18255, Weatherly, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 18255, Weatherly, Pennsylvania is 56 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

63.92 percent of residents in 18255 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.20 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Lehigh Valley Hospital - Hazleton with a distance of 7.23 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Weatherly, PA (ZIP Code 18255)

The quaint borough of Weatherly, Pennsylvania, nestled amidst the rolling hills of Carbon County, offers a tranquil lifestyle for its residents. However, a critical factor influencing the overall health and well-being of those residing in ZIP code 18255 is the accessibility of healthcare. This assessment delves into the complexities of transportation options available for accessing medical services, providing an “Overall Health Score” based on commute times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport resources. This information is particularly crucial for individuals and families considering **moving to Weatherly**, ensuring they understand the realities of **healthcare access** in this charming, yet geographically somewhat isolated, community.

The primary mode of transportation for residents in Weatherly is the personal vehicle. The landscape, characterized by winding roads and rural settings, necessitates reliance on cars for most errands, including medical appointments. Evaluating drive times to healthcare facilities is therefore paramount in determining the Overall Health Score. The nearest hospitals and specialty clinics are located in surrounding towns, requiring travel along specific routes.

To access the nearest major hospital, Lehigh Valley Hospital–Hazleton, residents typically embark on a journey of approximately 15-20 minutes. The most direct route involves traveling east on PA-93, a relatively well-maintained two-lane highway. This route offers scenic views but can experience congestion during peak hours, potentially extending travel times. Alternative routes, such as utilizing local roads like Broad Street and Spring Mountain Road, may offer slight variations in travel time, but they are often less direct and can be susceptible to traffic delays.

For specialized care, such as that offered at Geisinger St. Luke's Hospital in Orwigsburg, the commute increases significantly. This journey, approximately 30-40 minutes, involves traveling south on PA-93, connecting to I-81 South, and then exiting onto PA-61 South. This route includes a portion of interstate travel, which can be beneficial for speed but also exposes travelers to potential delays caused by traffic accidents or construction. The Overall Health Score is impacted by this longer commute, particularly for individuals requiring frequent or urgent medical attention.

Public transportation options in Weatherly are limited. The Lackawanna County Transportation Authority (LCTA) does not currently provide service to Weatherly. This absence significantly restricts **transportation** options for individuals without personal vehicles, particularly the elderly, those with disabilities, and those who cannot afford or are unable to drive. The lack of public transit exacerbates the challenges associated with **healthcare access**, potentially leading to delayed or missed appointments. This deficiency significantly lowers the Overall Health Score.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Weatherly area, but their availability and reliability can be inconsistent. While these services offer a potential solution for those without personal vehicles, the cost can be prohibitive for regular medical appointments. Furthermore, the wait times for ride-sharing services in rural areas like Weatherly can be considerably longer than in urban centers, potentially impacting the timeliness of medical care. The Overall Health Score is modestly improved by the availability of ride-sharing, but the limitations must be considered.

Medical transport services are available to residents of Weatherly, offering specialized support for individuals with mobility limitations or specific medical needs. Ambulance services, such as those provided by Weatherly Ambulance Association, are crucial for emergency situations. Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) providers, like Medical Transportation Management (MTM), can be arranged to transport individuals to scheduled appointments. However, these services often require prior arrangements and may have limitations regarding the distance they cover and the types of appointments they serve. The availability of medical transport services offers a vital lifeline for those with disabilities or health conditions, positively impacting the Overall Health Score.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a crucial factor in evaluating public transit and medical transport options. While the absence of public transit in Weatherly is a major drawback, the medical transport services are generally equipped to accommodate individuals with disabilities. This includes providing wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel to assist with boarding and disembarking. However, the limited scope of these services and the reliance on pre-arranged bookings can still pose challenges for individuals with disabilities.

The Overall Health Score for accessing healthcare in Weatherly, PA (ZIP Code 18255) is moderately impacted by the limitations of **transportation** options. While the availability of personal vehicles and medical transport services provides some level of **healthcare access**, the absence of public transit and the potential for long commute times to specialized medical facilities present significant challenges. Individuals considering **moving to Weatherly** should carefully consider these factors, particularly those with existing health conditions or those who rely on public transit. The score is further influenced by the cost and availability of ride-sharing services.

The Overall Health Score is also influenced by the availability of local healthcare providers. Weatherly has a limited number of primary care physicians and specialists within the borough. This necessitates residents to travel to surrounding towns for a comprehensive range of medical services. The quality of care, the availability of appointments, and the proximity of emergency services are all critical components of the Overall Health Score.

The proximity of pharmacies and other healthcare-related services also plays a role. Weatherly has a local pharmacy, but access to specialized pharmacies or medical equipment suppliers may require travel to neighboring towns. The convenience of accessing these essential services can significantly impact the overall well-being of residents.

In conclusion, the Overall Health Score for accessing healthcare in Weatherly, PA (ZIP Code 18255) is moderate. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the potential for longer commute times to specialized medical facilities create challenges. While medical transport services and ride-sharing offer some support, the lack of readily available public transportation and the geographic isolation of the borough impact the overall accessibility of healthcare. Individuals considering **moving to Weatherly** should carefully assess their healthcare needs and their ability to navigate the available **transportation** options to ensure they can adequately access the medical care they require. Understanding the realities of **healthcare access** is paramount for a healthy and fulfilling life in this charming community.