18441, Lenoxville, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 18441, Lenoxville, Pennsylvania is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

50.60 percent of residents in 18441 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 5.03 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Lehigh Valley Hospital - Dickson City with a distance of 3.90 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Lenoxville (ZIP Code 18441)

This analysis provides an overall health score for residents of Lenoxville, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18441), focusing on the critical factor of **healthcare access**. We examine the ease and efficiency of **transportation** options available to access medical facilities, considering drive times, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport. This assessment aims to inform prospective residents considering **moving to Lenoxville** and to highlight areas for community improvement.

The overall health score is based on a composite evaluation of various factors, including the availability and accessibility of healthcare providers, the efficiency and reliability of transportation options, and the cost-effectiveness of accessing care. We consider both routine and emergency medical needs. This score is not a definitive medical judgment but rather an indicator of the challenges and opportunities related to healthcare access within this specific geographic area.

**Driving Times and Roadways:**

Lenoxville's relative isolation significantly impacts healthcare access. The primary roadways serving the area are Route 6 and Route 307. These roads, while scenic, can present challenges. Travel times to healthcare facilities are highly dependent on traffic conditions, weather, and the specific location of the facility.

For routine care, accessing practices in Scranton, approximately 20 miles away, requires navigating Route 6, a two-lane highway that can experience congestion, particularly during peak hours. This drive could take anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes, or even longer during inclement weather. Emergency situations necessitate faster access to hospitals, such as Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton or Moses Taylor Hospital.

The route to Scranton, utilizing Route 6, is the most direct, but the road's limitations necessitate caution. In the opposite direction, accessing facilities in the Wilkes-Barre area, roughly 40 miles away, involves a longer drive along Route 307, then connecting to Interstate 81. This commute can easily exceed an hour, making timely access to specialized care a significant concern.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transportation options are limited in Lenoxville and the surrounding areas. The Lackawanna County Transit System (LCTS) provides some bus service, but coverage in Lenoxville is sparse. Route 21, for example, might offer limited service along Route 6, but schedules are infrequent, and routes often do not extend directly to major healthcare facilities.

Accessibility for individuals with disabilities is a crucial consideration. LCTS buses are equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, including wheelchair lifts and priority seating. However, the limited route coverage and infrequent schedules pose significant challenges for those relying on public transit for healthcare access.

The lack of robust public transportation underscores the reliance on personal vehicles for healthcare needs. This further emphasizes the importance of reliable transportation and the potential impact of transportation limitations on health outcomes for vulnerable populations, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those without personal vehicles.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area, but their presence in Lenoxville is less consistent. Availability depends on driver density and demand, which can vary significantly. This means that securing a ride, especially during off-peak hours or in emergencies, is not always guaranteed.

Medical transport services offer a more specialized option for healthcare access. Companies like American Medical Response (AMR) and local ambulance services provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) for individuals requiring assistance. These services are often used for appointments, dialysis, or other medical needs. However, the cost of NEMT can be substantial, and prior arrangements are usually required.

The availability of medical transport is a crucial safety net, particularly for those unable to drive or utilize public transit. However, the reliance on these services highlights the limitations of other transportation options and the potential financial burden associated with accessing healthcare.

**Healthcare Provider Availability:**

The availability of healthcare providers within Lenoxville itself is limited. Residents typically need to travel to Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, or other surrounding towns to access primary care physicians, specialists, and hospitals. This geographic dispersion adds to the challenges of healthcare access, especially for those with limited mobility or transportation options.

The distance to healthcare facilities impacts the overall health score. The time and effort required to travel for appointments, receive treatments, or seek emergency care can significantly affect health outcomes. The lack of local options necessitates careful planning and reliance on available transportation resources.

**Overall Health Score and Recommendations:**

Based on the analysis, the overall health score for healthcare access in Lenoxville (18441) is moderate. While the area is not entirely isolated, the limited transportation options, coupled with the distance to healthcare providers, create challenges. The reliance on personal vehicles, the inconsistent availability of ride-sharing services, and the cost of medical transport all contribute to this score.

For individuals considering **moving to Lenoxville**, it's crucial to factor in the **transportation** challenges associated with **healthcare access**. Those without reliable personal vehicles should carefully assess their ability to utilize public transit, ride-sharing, or medical transport services.

To improve the health score, several recommendations are pertinent. Enhancing public **transportation** options, particularly expanding LCTS routes and increasing service frequency, would significantly improve **healthcare access**. Encouraging ride-sharing services to increase their presence in the area could provide a more reliable alternative to personal vehicles.

Additionally, promoting telehealth services could reduce the need for in-person visits, especially for routine appointments and follow-up care. Supporting initiatives that bring mobile medical services to Lenoxville could also improve access to care.

Finally, community efforts to raise awareness about available **transportation** resources, including medical transport options and financial assistance programs, are essential. By addressing these challenges, the community can enhance the overall health score and improve the well-being of its residents.