18407, Carbondale, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 18407, Carbondale, Pennsylvania is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

73.08 percent of residents in 18407 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.41 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Lehigh Valley Hospital - Dickson City with a distance of 10.89 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 18407 (Carbondale, PA)

This comprehensive analysis evaluates the accessibility of healthcare services for residents of ZIP Code 18407, focusing on the critical factor of transportation. Understanding the ease (or difficulty) of reaching medical appointments is paramount to assessing overall health and well-being. This report considers various transportation options, including personal vehicles, public transit, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transport, providing a detailed 'Overall Health Score' based on commute times, service availability, and accessibility features. For those **moving to Carbondale**, this information is crucial.

The primary arteries serving Carbondale, PA, include Interstate 81 (I-81), Route 6, and Route 6 East. These roadways are essential for accessing healthcare facilities located both within and outside the immediate area. Commute times are heavily influenced by traffic patterns, particularly during peak hours and inclement weather. While I-81 offers relatively swift north-south travel, Route 6 and Route 6 East provide more direct access to local healthcare providers. The ability to navigate these roads safely and efficiently is a cornerstone of **healthcare access** for residents.

For residents relying on personal vehicles, the drive time to the nearest major hospitals, such as Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton (approximately 20 miles) and Moses Taylor Hospital, also in Scranton, (approximately 18 miles) can range from 30 to 45 minutes under normal conditions. These estimates are highly variable, impacted by traffic congestion, especially around Scranton during rush hour. The condition of the roads, including potential for potholes and winter weather hazards, also significantly affects commute times.

Public transportation options in the area are limited but do exist. The Lackawanna County Transit System (LCTS) provides bus service, with routes potentially serving parts of Carbondale. However, the frequency of these routes and their direct connectivity to healthcare facilities are critical considerations. Detailed route information, including bus numbers and schedules, is essential to determine the feasibility of using public transit for medical appointments. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-compliant features on LCTS buses is crucial for individuals with disabilities, ensuring equal **healthcare access**.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Carbondale area, offering a more flexible transportation alternative. However, the availability of these services can vary depending on the time of day and demand. Surge pricing during peak hours or periods of high demand could significantly impact the affordability of ride-sharing for medical appointments. The reliability and cost-effectiveness of ride-sharing services are therefore crucial factors in evaluating overall healthcare accessibility.

Specialized medical transportation services cater to individuals with specific needs, such as those requiring wheelchair-accessible vehicles or stretcher transport. Several medical transport brands operate in the region, offering services to and from medical appointments. These services are essential for individuals with mobility limitations or other health conditions that prevent them from using standard transportation methods. The availability, cost, and responsiveness of these specialized services are vital to ensuring equitable **healthcare access**.

The 'Overall Health Score' for ZIP Code 18407 is influenced by the following factors: drive times to healthcare facilities, the availability and frequency of public transit, the reliability and cost of ride-sharing services, and the accessibility of specialized medical transport. A higher score indicates greater ease of access to healthcare, while a lower score reflects significant transportation barriers.

**Healthcare access** is not merely about the presence of medical facilities; it's about the ability of residents to reach those facilities in a timely and affordable manner. Delays in reaching medical appointments can lead to delayed diagnoses, treatment, and poorer health outcomes. The availability of diverse transportation options is therefore critical to promoting overall health and well-being within the community.

The analysis of public transit routes requires careful examination of LCTS bus schedules, route maps, and ADA accessibility features. Determining the proximity of bus stops to healthcare facilities and the frequency of service is essential to assessing the viability of public transit as a means of accessing medical care. The availability of real-time tracking information for buses can also significantly improve the user experience and reduce wait times.

Ride-sharing services offer a convenient alternative to personal vehicles and public transit, but their cost and reliability must be carefully evaluated. Analyzing the average cost of ride-sharing trips to healthcare facilities, as well as the availability of drivers during peak hours, is crucial. The potential impact of surge pricing on the affordability of ride-sharing services must also be considered, particularly for low-income residents.

Specialized medical transport services play a vital role in ensuring that individuals with disabilities or other health conditions can access medical care. Evaluating the availability, cost, and responsiveness of these services is essential. This includes assessing the types of vehicles available (e.g., wheelchair-accessible vans, stretcher transport), the geographical coverage of the services, and the waiting times for appointments.

The 'Overall Health Score' is not a static measure; it can change based on improvements or deteriorations in transportation infrastructure and services. For example, the expansion of public transit routes, the introduction of new ride-sharing options, or the enhancement of road infrastructure could all positively impact the score. Conversely, a reduction in public transit service, an increase in ride-sharing prices, or the deterioration of road conditions could negatively affect the score.

For those **moving to Carbondale**, understanding the transportation landscape is paramount. This report provides a starting point for assessing the accessibility of healthcare services. Prospective residents should consider their individual transportation needs, the availability of services, and the associated costs when making decisions about their healthcare and well-being.

In conclusion, the 'Overall Health Score' for ZIP Code 18407 is a complex metric influenced by a multitude of factors. The availability, affordability, and reliability of **transportation** options are the cornerstone of **healthcare access**. A comprehensive understanding of these factors is essential for residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers to ensure that all members of the community can access the medical care they need. The continuous monitoring and evaluation of these factors are crucial for maintaining and improving the overall health and well-being of the residents of Carbondale.