18464, Tafton, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 18464, Tafton, Pennsylvania is 34 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

61.74 percent of residents in 18464 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 20.37 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wayne Memorial Hospital with a distance of 12.42 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 18464 (Tafton, PA)

Understanding the ease with which residents of Tafton, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18464) can access healthcare is crucial for assessing their overall health and well-being. This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" based on the available transportation options for reaching medical facilities, considering drive times, public transit, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transport. The score reflects the accessibility challenges and opportunities inherent in this rural community.

The foundation of healthcare access lies in the ability to reach medical professionals. In Tafton, the primary mode of transportation is undoubtedly the personal vehicle. Residents rely on their cars to navigate the region, a reality that significantly impacts the overall health score. The drive times to healthcare facilities are a critical factor, directly influencing the speed and convenience of receiving medical attention.

For residents of Tafton, the nearest significant healthcare hubs are located in Hawley, Honesdale, and Scranton. Reaching these locations necessitates navigating a network of roads and highways. The primary arteries for travel are Route 6, Route 590, and Route 390. Route 6, a major east-west thoroughfare, provides access to Hawley and Honesdale, while Route 590 connects Tafton to Honesdale, and Route 390 offers a route towards the interstate and Scranton.

Drive times to these healthcare destinations vary depending on traffic and weather conditions. A typical drive to Wayne Memorial Hospital in Honesdale, the closest major hospital, is approximately 20-30 minutes via Route 590. Accessing the Geisinger St. Luke's Hospital in Orwigsburg is a longer journey, likely exceeding an hour. The commute to Scranton, where a wider array of specialist services and hospitals are available, can range from 45 minutes to over an hour, depending on the specific location within the city and the chosen route.

Public transportation options in Tafton are limited, presenting a significant challenge to healthcare access for those without personal vehicles. The lack of robust public transit contributes to a lower overall health score. The area is served by the Wayne County Transportation Authority (WCTA). The WCTA offers limited bus routes, primarily focused on serving the needs of the elderly and individuals with disabilities.

However, the WCTA's routes may not directly serve all healthcare facilities or offer frequent service, potentially requiring significant wait times and transfers. The availability of ADA-accessible buses is a positive aspect, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can utilize the service. Nonetheless, the overall impact of public transportation on healthcare access in Tafton is constrained by the limited route coverage and frequency.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their reliability and availability can be inconsistent, particularly in rural areas like Tafton. The availability of these services is often dependent on driver availability and demand, which can fluctuate significantly. This uncertainty can make it challenging to schedule medical appointments or access urgent care services.

The dependence on ride-sharing can also be costly, adding to the financial burden of healthcare access. The overall impact of ride-sharing on the health score is moderate, offering a potential alternative to personal vehicles but with limitations.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport individuals to and from medical appointments, are available in the region. These services often cater to patients with mobility limitations or those who require specialized assistance. Companies like American Medical Response (AMR) and local ambulance services operate in the area, providing non-emergency medical transportation.

These services can improve healthcare access for those who cannot drive or utilize other transportation options. However, they often require pre-booking and may be subject to insurance coverage limitations. The availability of medical transportation services contributes positively to the overall health score, but their impact is limited by factors such as cost and eligibility.

The overall health score for healthcare access in Tafton, PA (18464) is moderate. The reliance on personal vehicles for transportation presents both advantages and disadvantages. Drive times to healthcare facilities are manageable for some, but the lack of public transit options and the variable availability of ride-sharing services pose challenges.

The presence of medical transportation services offers a valuable resource for specific populations, but it is not a universal solution. The score is further influenced by the geographical isolation of Tafton, which necessitates travel to larger towns and cities for a comprehensive range of healthcare services.

For individuals considering moving to Tafton, understanding these transportation and healthcare access dynamics is crucial. The ability to drive is essential for navigating the area and accessing healthcare. Those without access to a personal vehicle may face significant challenges in receiving timely and convenient medical care.

The overall health score highlights the importance of considering transportation infrastructure and the availability of healthcare services when assessing the livability and well-being of a community. Addressing the limitations of public transit and enhancing the availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services could significantly improve healthcare access and, consequently, the overall health of the residents of Tafton. This assessment underscores the need for continued investment in transportation infrastructure and healthcare resources to ensure that all residents can access the care they need.