18440, La Plume, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 18440, La Plume, Pennsylvania is 53 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

50.00 percent of residents in 18440 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.02 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Lehigh Valley Hospital - Dickson City with a distance of 9.85 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in La Plume, PA (ZIP Code 18440)

For those considering a move to the charming community of La Plume, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18440), assessing healthcare accessibility is paramount. This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" based on the ease of transportation to medical facilities, a critical factor in maintaining well-being. This score considers drive times, public transit options, and alternative transportation methods, offering a comprehensive understanding of healthcare access within and around La Plume.

The "Overall Health Score" is a composite metric, incorporating factors like travel time, transportation availability, and the presence of ADA-compliant features. Higher scores reflect easier access to healthcare, while lower scores indicate potential challenges. This evaluation aims to provide prospective residents with the information needed to make informed decisions regarding their healthcare needs.

**Drive Times and Road Networks:**

La Plume, nestled in Lackawanna County, relies heavily on personal vehicles for transportation. Driving times to healthcare facilities significantly influence the "Overall Health Score." The primary roadways serving the area are **Interstate 81 (I-81)**, **US Route 6**, and **Pennsylvania Route 407**. The availability of these routes is good.

Access to Scranton, the region's healthcare hub, is primarily via **I-81**. Driving to major hospitals like Geisinger Community Medical Center or Moses Taylor Hospital typically takes between 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Travel to smaller clinics and urgent care facilities closer to La Plume, such as those in Clarks Summit, might be as short as 10 to 15 minutes.

Navigating the local roads, including **PA-407** and smaller county roads, can be slower, especially during peak hours. The condition of these roads is generally good, but winter weather can impact travel times. Residents should factor in potential delays due to snow and ice during colder months.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transportation options in La Plume are limited. The Lackawanna County Transportation System (LCTS) provides bus service, but routes and schedules are not always convenient for healthcare appointments. There are no direct routes from La Plume to major hospitals.

The primary bus routes serving the general area are the **Route 30** and **Route 33** buses. These routes primarily serve the city of Scranton, but do not provide direct access to any major healthcare facilities. The LCTS does offer ADA-compliant buses with features like wheelchair lifts and priority seating.

The lack of frequent and direct public transit options significantly lowers the "Overall Health Score" for those who do not drive or prefer not to drive. Dependence on public transit can make healthcare access more challenging and time-consuming.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Scranton area, offering an alternative to driving or public transit. However, availability can vary, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a factor, especially for frequent appointments.

Medical transportation services, such as those provided by ambulance companies or specialized transport providers, offer a solution for those with mobility limitations or medical needs. These services typically require pre-booking and can be expensive.

The presence of ride-sharing and medical transportation options does improve the "Overall Health Score," providing alternatives for those who cannot drive. However, the limitations of these services, including cost and availability, must be considered.

**Healthcare Facilities and Services:**

The "Overall Health Score" is also influenced by the proximity and availability of healthcare facilities. La Plume itself has limited healthcare options. Residents typically seek care in nearby towns like Clarks Summit or in Scranton.

The presence of hospitals, clinics, and urgent care facilities in Scranton and the surrounding areas is a positive factor. However, the travel time to these facilities, as discussed earlier, impacts the overall score.

The availability of specialized medical services, such as cardiology, oncology, and mental health services, is also crucial. Residents of La Plume have access to a wide range of these services in Scranton.

**ADA Accessibility:**

The "Overall Health Score" takes into account the accessibility of transportation and healthcare facilities for individuals with disabilities. The LCTS offers ADA-compliant buses, and most healthcare facilities are required to meet ADA standards.

However, the lack of readily available public transit options and the reliance on personal vehicles can create challenges for individuals with mobility limitations. The availability of accessible parking, ramps, and other features at healthcare facilities is a positive factor.

**Overall Health Score and Recommendations:**

Based on the analysis, the "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in La Plume (ZIP Code 18440) is moderately positive. While the proximity to Scranton and the availability of healthcare facilities are advantageous, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transit options present challenges.

**Recommendations for Prospective Residents:**

* **Assess Driving Capabilities:** Those who drive will find healthcare access relatively easy. Consider traffic patterns and potential travel times during peak hours.
* **Evaluate Public Transit Needs:** Those who do not drive or prefer not to drive should carefully consider the limitations of public transit. Explore ride-sharing options and medical transportation services.
* **Plan for Healthcare Appointments:** Schedule appointments in advance and factor in travel time, especially during inclement weather.
* **Research Healthcare Providers:** Identify healthcare providers in advance and assess their accessibility and proximity to La Plume.
* **Consider Accessibility Needs:** Individuals with disabilities should verify the accessibility of transportation and healthcare facilities.

**Conclusion:**

Moving to La Plume offers a peaceful lifestyle, but prospective residents must carefully evaluate healthcare access. The "Overall Health Score" reflects the need for careful planning and consideration of transportation options. While driving provides the most convenient access, the availability of ride-sharing, medical transportation, and ADA-compliant features offers support. By understanding the transportation landscape and proactively planning for healthcare needs, residents can ensure their well-being in this charming Pennsylvania community.