18326, Cresco, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 18326, Cresco, Pennsylvania is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

51.40 percent of residents in 18326 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.94 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is St Luke's Hospital - Monroe Campus with a distance of 12.73 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Cresco, PA (ZIP Code 18326)

Assessing the overall health score for residents of Cresco, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18326) requires a deep dive into the accessibility of healthcare services. A critical factor influencing this score is the ease with which residents can *transport* themselves to medical appointments, pharmacies, and emergency care facilities. This write-up will analyze the various *transportation* options available, considering drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services, ultimately painting a picture of *healthcare access* in this Pocono Mountain community. For anyone *moving to Cresco*, understanding these nuances is paramount to ensuring continued well-being.

Cresco itself is a relatively small, primarily residential area. The immediate availability of comprehensive healthcare services within the ZIP code is limited. This necessitates travel to neighboring towns and cities, making *transportation* a key determinant of health outcomes. The primary mode of *transportation* for most residents is the personal vehicle. The road network, while generally well-maintained, presents certain challenges.

The primary artery for accessing healthcare facilities outside of Cresco is **Interstate 80 (I-80)**. Heading east on I-80 provides access to hospitals and medical centers in the Stroudsburg area, approximately a 20-30 minute drive, depending on traffic. Westbound on I-80 leads to the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre region, a journey of approximately 45-60 minutes. This variability in travel time highlights the importance of considering traffic conditions, especially during peak hours and inclement weather.

**Route 390** is another significant roadway, connecting Cresco to the north and south. Heading south on Route 390 offers access to the Pocono Medical Center in East Stroudsburg. The drive time on Route 390 can be subject to delays, particularly during the summer months when tourism is at its peak. Traveling north on Route 390 provides access to smaller medical facilities and specialists in the Pocono Pines area.

**Route 191** is a key road, intersecting Route 390, offering another route to access medical facilities. This road is particularly useful for those living in the eastern part of Cresco. The time to access medical services can vary depending on the specific location of the medical facility.

Beyond these major roadways, numerous local roads and secondary routes provide access to various destinations. However, these routes are often slower and less direct, making them less ideal for urgent medical needs. The condition of these roads can also vary, impacting travel times and the safety of *transportation*.

Public *transportation* options in the Cresco area are limited. The lack of a robust public transit system poses a significant challenge to *healthcare access*, particularly for individuals who do not drive, including the elderly, those with disabilities, and low-income residents. The *transportation* options for these individuals are considerably restricted.

The lack of a consistent public transit system means that those who rely on public *transportation* for *healthcare access* have to rely on the kindness of neighbors, friends, or family members. This can lead to missed appointments, delayed treatment, and ultimately, poorer health outcomes.

While there is no dedicated public bus service that directly serves Cresco, some limited options exist through the Monroe County *Transportation* Authority (MCTA). The MCTA operates a demand-response service, requiring advance booking, which can be used to access medical appointments. However, this service has limitations, including restricted operating hours, limited geographic coverage, and the need for advanced planning. The reliability of this service can be a concern.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a critical consideration for any public transit system. The MCTA is required to provide ADA-compliant services, including accessible vehicles and trained staff. However, the limited availability of this service in Cresco still creates challenges for individuals with disabilities.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Cresco area. These services offer a convenient alternative to driving, particularly for those who cannot or prefer not to drive. However, the availability of ride-sharing services can vary depending on the time of day and the demand. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier for some residents, especially for frequent medical appointments.

The cost of ride-sharing can be a barrier for some residents, especially for frequent medical appointments. The availability of these services is also subject to fluctuations in demand and the number of drivers available. This can lead to longer wait times, particularly during peak hours or in areas with limited driver availability.

Medical *transportation* services are available for individuals who require specialized assistance. These services cater to patients who need stretcher transport, wheelchair assistance, or other forms of medical support. Several medical *transportation* providers operate in the Cresco area, including:

* **Medicall Transport:** Provides both basic and advanced life support ambulance services, as well as wheelchair and stretcher transport.
* **TransCare Ambulance:** Offers a range of medical *transportation* services, including non-emergency medical transport.
* **Pocono Medical Transport:** Provides non-emergency medical *transportation* services.

These services are particularly crucial for individuals with mobility issues, those who are recovering from surgery, or those who require specialized medical care during *transportation*. However, the cost of medical *transportation* can be substantial, and coverage may vary depending on insurance plans.

The availability of these services is a positive aspect of the healthcare ecosystem in Cresco, but it's essential to recognize the potential financial burden associated with these services. Understanding insurance coverage and exploring options for financial assistance are crucial for individuals who require medical *transportation*.

In conclusion, the overall health score for residents of Cresco, PA (ZIP code 18326) is significantly impacted by the challenges associated with *transportation* to healthcare services. While major roadways like I-80, Route 390, and Route 191 offer access to hospitals and medical facilities, drive times can vary, and traffic conditions can create delays. Public transit options are limited, posing challenges for those who do not drive. Ride-sharing services provide an alternative, but availability and cost can be barriers. Medical *transportation* services are available but can be expensive. For anyone *moving to Cresco*, a thorough assessment of *transportation* needs and the ability to navigate these challenges is essential to ensure adequate *healthcare access* and maintain a high overall health score.