18436, Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 18436, Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

54.43 percent of residents in 18436 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.74 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wayne Memorial Hospital with a distance of 11.89 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 18436

The idyllic charm of Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania, nestled within ZIP Code 18436, often beckons those seeking a slower pace of life. However, a crucial consideration for anyone contemplating a move to this serene locale is **healthcare access**. This write-up provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, meticulously evaluating the **transportation** landscape and its impact on reaching vital medical services. We'll delve into drive times, public transit options, and alternative transport methods, providing a comprehensive picture for informed decision-making.

The "Overall Health Score" considers several factors, including the proximity of healthcare facilities, the ease and reliability of reaching them, and the availability of diverse transport options. This assessment will help potential residents understand the realities of accessing healthcare in this area, ultimately influencing their overall well-being and quality of life.

The primary challenge for residents of 18436 is the relatively dispersed nature of healthcare facilities. While the area boasts a peaceful atmosphere, it’s not densely populated, meaning medical services are often located further afield. This necessitates careful consideration of **transportation** methods and their associated travel times.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The most common method of accessing healthcare in 18436 is by personal vehicle. The primary roadways serving the area are crucial to understanding drive times. Route 6, a major east-west artery, provides access to Scranton and points west. Route 590, another significant road, runs east-west and connects to Lake Wallenpaupack and surrounding towns.

Driving to the closest hospitals will be a factor. Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton, a comprehensive facility, is approximately a 40- to 60-minute drive, depending on traffic and the exact location within 18436. This journey involves navigating Route 6 or Route 84.

Wayne Memorial Hospital in Honesdale, a smaller but important regional hospital, is closer, typically a 20- to 30-minute drive via Route 191 or Route 6. This proximity makes it a more accessible option for urgent care and routine appointments.

For specialized care or access to a wider range of specialists, residents may need to travel to larger cities like Wilkes-Barre or even further. These trips can easily exceed an hour, highlighting the importance of reliable vehicle **transportation** and planning.

**Public Transit:**

Public transit options in 18436 are limited. Lackawanna County Transit System (LCTS) provides some bus service in the Scranton area, but it does not extend significantly into the Lake Ariel region. This severely restricts the availability of public transit for healthcare access.

The lack of robust public transit presents a significant challenge for individuals without personal vehicles, particularly seniors, those with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources. The absence of convenient and affordable public **transportation** can create a barrier to **healthcare access**, potentially leading to delayed or missed appointments and impacting overall health outcomes.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance for the limited LCTS routes is variable. While the LCTS strives to provide accessible services, the sparse route coverage and potential for long wait times can still present difficulties for individuals with mobility challenges. This further underscores the importance of alternative **transportation** solutions.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Scranton area and may be accessible in parts of 18436, though availability can vary. The cost of ride-sharing can be a significant factor, particularly for frequent medical appointments. The lack of consistent service in the more rural areas of 18436 can also be a concern.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance, are available. Companies like Medical Transportation Services (MTS) and other regional providers offer non-emergency medical **transportation**. These services typically involve scheduled pickups and drop-offs, often catering to patients with mobility limitations or those requiring assistance during their journey. The cost of these services can vary depending on the distance and level of assistance required.

The availability of medical **transportation** services is a crucial element in improving **healthcare access** for vulnerable populations in 18436. However, the cost and scheduling requirements necessitate careful planning and coordination.

**Overall Health Score and Considerations for Moving to Lake Ariel:**

The "Overall Health Score" for **healthcare access** in 18436 is moderately challenging. While the area offers a tranquil lifestyle, the dispersed nature of healthcare facilities and the limited public **transportation** options present significant hurdles.

The primary strength is the relatively short drive to Wayne Memorial Hospital in Honesdale. However, the longer drive times to larger hospitals in Scranton and beyond, coupled with the lack of robust public transit, are major weaknesses.

For individuals considering **moving to Lake Ariel**, a thorough assessment of their **transportation** needs is essential. Owning a reliable vehicle is practically a necessity. Those who are unable to drive or lack access to a vehicle must carefully evaluate the availability and affordability of ride-sharing or medical **transportation** services.

Planning for healthcare needs should be an integral part of the decision-making process. Prospective residents should research the location of their preferred healthcare providers and estimate the travel times. They should also investigate the availability and cost of alternative **transportation** options, including ride-sharing and medical **transportation** services.

The overall score is influenced by the balance of advantages and disadvantages. The availability of medical **transportation** services and the proximity of Wayne Memorial Hospital offer some mitigation. However, the limited public transit, the longer drive times to larger hospitals, and the potential for higher costs associated with alternative **transportation** methods contribute to a less-than-ideal score.

The "Overall Health Score" reflects the realities of accessing healthcare in 18436. While the area offers a desirable quality of life, prospective residents must be aware of the **transportation** challenges and plan accordingly to ensure their **healthcare access** needs are met. Careful planning and a realistic assessment of **transportation** options are vital for anyone considering **moving to Lake Ariel** and prioritizing their health and well-being. The score is not a deterrent, but a call for informed decision-making.