18621, Hunlock Creek, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 18621, Hunlock Creek, Pennsylvania is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

42.24 percent of residents in 18621 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.41 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wilkes-Barre General Hospital with a distance of 11.87 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Hunlock Creek (ZIP Code 18621)

The idyllic charm of Hunlock Creek, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18621), often masks the complex realities of accessing essential services, particularly healthcare. This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" for residents, focusing on the ease and efficiency of **transportation** options to medical facilities. Understanding these factors is crucial for anyone considering **moving to Hunlock Creek**, or for current residents seeking to optimize their healthcare journey. This score will consider drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options, painting a comprehensive picture of **healthcare access** within and around the community.

Hunlock Creek, nestled in Luzerne County, presents a unique challenge. Its rural setting means that healthcare facilities are not immediately accessible. The primary artery for residents is State Route 29, a two-lane road that winds through the countryside. This road connects Hunlock Creek to larger towns and cities where medical facilities are concentrated. The distance to these facilities, and the quality of the available transportation, directly impacts the overall health score.

Drive times are a significant determinant of healthcare access. The nearest hospital, Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Plains Township, is approximately a 25-35 minute drive via PA-29 and Interstate 81. This drive, while feasible, can be impacted by traffic, especially during peak hours. Other facilities, like Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, are roughly the same distance, offering a similar commute time. These times are based on average conditions and do not account for emergencies or unexpected delays.

Public **transportation** options are limited in Hunlock Creek. The Luzerne County Transportation Authority (LCTA) provides bus service, but routes serving Hunlock Creek are infrequent and may not directly connect to all healthcare facilities. Route 17, for example, might offer a connection to Wilkes-Barre, but its schedule and frequency are not ideal for medical appointments. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible buses on these routes needs to be verified, as this is crucial for individuals with mobility limitations. The LCTA website and customer service are the best resources for up-to-date route information and accessibility details.

Ride-sharing services, like Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their reliability and cost can vary. Availability might be limited, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of a ride-share to a medical facility can be a significant financial burden, particularly for those with limited incomes or frequent appointments. Residents should research the availability and cost of these services before relying on them for healthcare transportation.

Medical transport services are another crucial component of the healthcare access landscape. Several companies offer specialized transport for patients with specific medical needs. These services include ambulance services for emergencies and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) for scheduled appointments. Companies like Care Transportation and Life Fleet offer NEMT services in the area. However, these services often require pre-booking and can be costly, especially for long-distance trips. The availability of these services and the insurance coverage for them are essential considerations.

The condition of the roads also impacts the overall health score. PA-29, while scenic, can be subject to weather-related closures or delays, particularly during winter. Interstate 81, the primary highway connecting Hunlock Creek to major medical centers, is generally well-maintained, but accidents or construction can cause significant delays. The quality of road infrastructure directly affects the reliability of all **transportation** options.

The availability of urgent care facilities and walk-in clinics within a reasonable distance is another factor. While Hunlock Creek itself may not have these facilities, nearby towns like Dallas and Kingston offer urgent care options. These facilities provide an alternative to emergency room visits for less serious medical needs, improving **healthcare access** and reducing the burden on hospitals.

Telemedicine, the use of technology to provide healthcare remotely, offers a potential solution to the **transportation** challenges. Many healthcare providers now offer virtual appointments, allowing patients to consult with doctors and specialists from the comfort of their homes. The availability of reliable internet access in Hunlock Creek is, therefore, a critical factor in the effectiveness of telemedicine.

The overall health score for **healthcare access** in Hunlock Creek is moderate. While the drive times to major hospitals are reasonable, the limitations of public **transportation**, the potential unreliability and cost of ride-sharing services, and the reliance on pre-booked medical transport services all contribute to challenges. The availability of telemedicine and urgent care facilities can mitigate some of these challenges.

For those **moving to Hunlock Creek**, it is imperative to carefully consider the **transportation** options available for healthcare needs. Researching the LCTA routes, understanding the availability and cost of ride-sharing services, and investigating medical transport options are essential. Additionally, prospective residents should assess the reliability of their internet service for telemedicine appointments.

The Overall Health Score is a dynamic measure, subject to change based on factors like road improvements, expansion of public **transportation**, and the availability of new healthcare services. Regular assessment of these factors is crucial for residents to ensure they can access the healthcare they need. The score is influenced by the interplay of drive times, public transit limitations, ride-share costs, and the availability of medical transport, all of which directly impact the ability of residents to obtain timely and effective medical care. Ultimately, the health score reflects the complex reality of accessing healthcare in a rural community.