18453, Pleasant Mount, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 18453, Pleasant Mount, Pennsylvania is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

47.79 percent of residents in 18453 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.45 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wayne Memorial Hospital with a distance of 13.13 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 18453 (Pleasant Mount, PA)

This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" for residents of ZIP Code 18453, focusing on their ability to access healthcare. This score considers the various transportation options available, the distances to medical facilities, and the accessibility of these options for individuals with disabilities. The goal is to paint a clear picture of the challenges and opportunities faced by those seeking medical care in and around Pleasant Mount, Pennsylvania. This information is particularly relevant for individuals considering moving to Pleasant Mount, as healthcare access is a crucial component of overall well-being.

Pleasant Mount, nestled in the rolling hills of northeastern Pennsylvania, presents a unique challenge when it comes to healthcare access. The area is characterized by a rural landscape, which impacts transportation infrastructure and the proximity of medical facilities. This assessment considers the nuances of this environment, evaluating the practicality and efficiency of different travel methods.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The primary mode of transportation for accessing healthcare in 18453 is, unsurprisingly, the personal vehicle. The drive times to various medical facilities are heavily influenced by the road network. Residents typically rely on local roads like PA-370, which winds its way through the heart of Pleasant Mount. This road provides access to smaller towns and villages. However, it can be prone to delays, particularly during peak hours or inclement weather.

Traveling further afield requires utilizing major roadways such as Interstate 81 (I-81). I-81 offers a more direct route to larger cities like Scranton, where a wider array of specialized medical services are available. The drive to Scranton via I-81, accessed primarily through PA-370 to PA-371, can take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic conditions. This extended travel time can be a significant barrier to healthcare access, especially for those requiring urgent or frequent medical attention.

Another key route is US-6, which provides access to the east and west of Pleasant Mount. This road can be used to reach medical facilities in areas like Carbondale and Honesdale. These drives typically range from 20 to 40 minutes. The condition of these roads, particularly during winter months, can further complicate travel, potentially delaying access to essential medical care.

**Public Transportation:**

Public transportation options within ZIP Code 18453 are limited. The rural nature of the area makes it challenging to establish a comprehensive public transit system. This lack of robust public transportation significantly impacts the Overall Health Score, particularly for those without access to a personal vehicle.

The Lackawanna County Transit System (LCTS) provides some service in the broader Scranton area. However, routes serving Pleasant Mount are scarce, and schedules may not align with the needs of those seeking medical appointments. The frequency of service and the distance from Pleasant Mount to the nearest LCTS stops add to the challenges of relying on public transportation.

Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible features on public transit is crucial for individuals with disabilities. While LCTS strives to provide accessible vehicles, the limited route coverage in the Pleasant Mount area may still pose difficulties. The Overall Health Score is negatively impacted by the lack of convenient and accessible public transportation options.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Scranton area. However, their presence in Pleasant Mount is less consistent. The availability of these services can vary depending on the time of day and the demand in the area. This makes ride-sharing a less reliable option for accessing healthcare, particularly for those with urgent medical needs.

Medical transportation services offer a specialized solution for individuals requiring assistance with transportation to medical appointments. Several companies provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) in the region. These services often cater to individuals with disabilities or those who cannot drive themselves. However, these services can be costly, and the availability of appointments may be limited.

Some of the medical transportation brands operating in the region include, but are not limited to, First Transit and LogistiCare. These services often require pre-booking, which may not be feasible in emergency situations. The Overall Health Score is influenced by the availability, cost, and reliability of ride-sharing and medical transportation options.

**Healthcare Access and the Overall Health Score:**

The Overall Health Score for accessing healthcare in ZIP Code 18453 is negatively impacted by several factors. The rural location of Pleasant Mount limits the proximity of medical facilities. The reliance on personal vehicles for transportation, coupled with the potential for delays due to road conditions, poses challenges. The lack of robust public transportation and the variable availability of ride-sharing services further exacerbate these difficulties.

The limited access to specialized medical services in Pleasant Mount necessitates travel to larger cities like Scranton. This increases travel time and can create a barrier to accessing timely and appropriate care. The cost of transportation, including fuel, vehicle maintenance, and the potential expense of ride-sharing or medical transportation, adds to the financial burden of healthcare access.

For individuals considering moving to Pleasant Mount, a thorough assessment of their healthcare needs is crucial. The availability of a personal vehicle and the ability to navigate the road network are essential. Understanding the limitations of public transportation and the potential costs associated with ride-sharing or medical transportation is also vital.

**Recommendations:**

To improve the Overall Health Score for residents of ZIP Code 18453, several measures could be considered. Investing in infrastructure improvements, such as road maintenance and expansion, could reduce travel times and improve safety. Exploring the feasibility of expanding public transportation services, particularly to connect Pleasant Mount with major medical centers, could benefit those without access to personal vehicles.

Promoting the availability of ride-sharing services and medical transportation options could also enhance healthcare access. Providing financial assistance to those who need help with transportation costs could reduce the financial burden of accessing medical care. Supporting telehealth initiatives, which allow patients to receive medical consultations remotely, could further improve healthcare access.

Furthermore, encouraging the establishment of additional medical facilities, such as primary care clinics and urgent care centers, within or closer to Pleasant Mount could reduce travel times and improve access to care. Educating residents about available healthcare resources, including transportation options and financial assistance programs, could empower them to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

In conclusion, the Overall Health Score for accessing healthcare in ZIP Code 18453 reflects the challenges and opportunities presented by its rural location. While the area offers a peaceful and desirable living environment, the limitations in transportation options and the distance to medical facilities create barriers to healthcare access. By addressing these challenges through infrastructure improvements, expanded public transportation, and the promotion of ride-sharing and medical transportation services, the Overall Health Score for residents of Pleasant Mount can be significantly improved. This will ultimately enhance the well-being of the community and make it an even more attractive place to live.