18471, Waverly, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 18471, Waverly, Pennsylvania is 76 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

89.80 percent of residents in 18471 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 7.31 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Lehigh Valley Hospital - Dickson City with a distance of 5.88 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Waverly, PA (ZIP Code 18471)

The health of a community hinges on many factors, but a critical one is **healthcare access**. This write-up assesses the ease with which residents of Waverly, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18471) can reach necessary medical services, providing an "Overall Health Score" based on **transportation** options and their associated challenges. Considering a potential move to Waverly, prospective residents should carefully evaluate this information.

Waverly, nestled in the Endless Mountains region, offers a tranquil lifestyle. However, its rural setting presents unique considerations regarding **healthcare access**. The geographical layout and limited public **transportation** options necessitate a reliance on personal vehicles for most residents. This dependence significantly impacts the "Overall Health Score," particularly for those with mobility limitations or without personal vehicles.

The primary thoroughfare serving Waverly is **Interstate 81**, a major north-south artery. Traveling south on I-81, residents can reach Scranton, a regional hub for medical services, within approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. This drive offers access to Geisinger Commonwealth Health System's Scranton campus, including its hospital and various specialty clinics. Heading north on I-81, residents gain access to hospitals in Binghamton, New York, a drive of approximately 45 minutes to an hour.

Beyond I-81, local roads like **Route 6** and **Route 307** provide alternative routes, though these roads are often slower and more prone to delays, especially during inclement weather. **Route 6** offers access to smaller medical facilities and primary care physicians in nearby towns. **Route 307** connects Waverly to Scranton, offering another option, albeit with increased traffic congestion during peak hours. These roads, however, are often less maintained than the interstate, potentially posing challenges for those with limited mobility or during winter months.

Public **transportation** options in Waverly are severely limited, negatively impacting the "Overall Health Score." The Lackawanna County Transit System (LCTS) provides some bus service, but routes are infrequent and primarily serve the Scranton area. These routes, while offering some accessibility, may not directly serve Waverly or provide convenient access to all necessary healthcare facilities. The limited service frequency can also present significant challenges for those needing frequent appointments or emergency care.

LCTS buses do offer some ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, including ramps and designated seating. However, the infrequency of service and the potential for long wait times can still pose significant hurdles for individuals with disabilities or those who rely on public **transportation**. The lack of robust public **transportation** significantly impacts the "Overall Health Score" for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a vehicle.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Waverly area, but their availability can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in adverse weather conditions. This unreliability adds another layer of complexity to **healthcare access**. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant financial burden for frequent medical appointments, further impacting the "Overall Health Score" for those with limited financial resources.

Medical **transportation** services, such as ambulance and non-emergency medical **transportation**, are available in the area. These services are crucial for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring specialized medical care. However, the response time for ambulances can be longer in rural areas, potentially impacting the "Overall Health Score" in emergency situations. Non-emergency medical **transportation** services, like those offered by local ambulance companies or specialized providers, can provide scheduled rides to medical appointments.

The "Overall Health Score" for **healthcare access** in Waverly (18471) is moderately impacted by the limited **transportation** options. The reliance on personal vehicles, the infrequent public **transportation**, and the variable availability of ride-sharing services create potential barriers to accessing healthcare. While the proximity to Scranton and Binghamton offers access to a range of medical services, the time and effort required to reach these facilities, particularly for those without reliable **transportation**, must be considered.

For those **moving to Waverly**, careful consideration of **transportation** needs is crucial. Individuals with chronic health conditions or those who require frequent medical appointments should assess the practicality of relying on personal vehicles, ride-sharing, or medical **transportation** services. The lack of robust public **transportation** necessitates proactive planning to ensure timely and reliable access to healthcare.

The "Overall Health Score" is further influenced by the availability of local healthcare providers. While Waverly itself may have limited medical facilities, the proximity to Scranton offers access to a wide range of specialists and hospitals. However, the travel time and potential for traffic congestion can impact the ease of accessing these services. The availability of primary care physicians and urgent care facilities within a reasonable distance from Waverly can significantly improve the "Overall Health Score."

The impact of weather conditions on **transportation** in Waverly also warrants consideration. The region experiences significant snowfall during the winter months, potentially making travel on local roads and even I-81 challenging. This can further restrict **healthcare access**, particularly for those with mobility limitations or who rely on public **transportation**. Residents should be prepared for potential delays and disruptions during winter months.

In conclusion, the "Overall Health Score" for **healthcare access** in Waverly (18471) is moderate, with some limitations. While the proximity to Scranton and Binghamton provides access to comprehensive medical services, the reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public **transportation**, and the variable availability of ride-sharing services create potential barriers. For those **moving to Waverly**, a careful assessment of their **transportation** needs and the availability of local healthcare providers is essential. Proactive planning, including exploring medical **transportation** options and considering the impact of weather conditions, can help mitigate the challenges and ensure access to necessary medical care.