18624, Lake Harmony, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 18624, Lake Harmony, Pennsylvania is 25 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

64.57 percent of residents in 18624 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.44 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is St Luke's Hospital - Carbon Campus with a distance of 15.43 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 18624

This comprehensive analysis assesses the accessibility of healthcare services for residents of ZIP Code 18624, encompassing Lake Harmony, Pennsylvania. The evaluation considers various transportation modes, including private vehicles, public transit, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transport, to determine an overall health score. This score reflects the ease with which residents can reach essential medical care, a crucial factor for anyone considering moving to Lake Harmony.

The primary mode of transportation for accessing healthcare in this region is undoubtedly the personal vehicle. The scenic beauty of the Pocono Mountains is often juxtaposed with the practicalities of daily life, and healthcare access is no exception. Residents typically rely on their cars to navigate the network of roads connecting them to medical facilities. This reliance underscores the importance of understanding drive times and road conditions when evaluating the overall health score.

Major roadways influencing healthcare access include Interstate 80 (I-80), a vital east-west artery, and the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-476), offering north-south connectivity. Route 940 and Route 115 are also crucial, providing local access to towns and healthcare providers. The drive times to healthcare facilities vary depending on the location of the facility and the specific origin point within ZIP Code 18624.

For instance, a trip to the Lehigh Valley Hospital-Hazleton, a prominent regional medical center, might involve a drive along Route 940, merging onto I-80 West, and then exiting onto PA-309 South. This journey, depending on traffic and the specific starting point in Lake Harmony, could take approximately 30 to 45 minutes. Similar travel times can be expected for other hospitals and medical centers within the region.

Further, the drive to Pocono Medical Center in East Stroudsburg could entail a journey along Route 940, then onto Route 115 South, and finally Route 80 East. This trip might take approximately 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. These drive times highlight the necessity of reliable transportation, particularly for individuals with chronic conditions or those requiring frequent medical attention.

Public transportation options in the area are limited, which impacts the overall health score. The lack of extensive public transit presents a significant challenge for individuals without personal vehicles. The Luzerne County Transportation Authority (LCTA) provides some bus service in the region, but its routes and schedules may not directly serve all areas within ZIP Code 18624 or offer convenient access to all healthcare facilities.

The LCTA primarily operates within Luzerne County, and its routes, while potentially connecting to areas near healthcare facilities, might require transfers and extended travel times. Individuals needing ADA-accessible transportation should check with the LCTA for specific route details and availability of accessible buses. The limited frequency of bus service, especially during evenings and weekends, further restricts healthcare access for those reliant on public transit.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative transportation option. However, the availability of these services in the Lake Harmony area may be limited compared to more urban environments. Surge pricing during peak hours or periods of high demand can also make these services costly, potentially impacting healthcare access for those with limited financial resources. The reliability of ride-sharing, especially in inclement weather, should also be considered.

Medical transportation services cater specifically to individuals with mobility limitations or medical needs. These services, such as ambulance companies and non-emergency medical transportation providers, offer specialized transportation options, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. However, these services often come at a higher cost than other transportation modes, and their availability may require advance booking.

Several medical transport brands operate in the region, including ambulance services and non-emergency medical transport companies. These companies provide crucial services for individuals who cannot drive themselves or utilize public transportation. The cost of these services, however, can be a significant barrier to healthcare access for some residents.

The overall health score for ZIP Code 18624 is moderately impacted by transportation challenges. While residents with personal vehicles enjoy relatively good access to healthcare facilities, the limited public transit options, the potential cost and availability of ride-sharing services, and the expense of medical transportation services create barriers for certain segments of the population.

The score is also affected by the geographical distances to healthcare facilities. While there are several hospitals and medical centers within a reasonable driving distance, the travel times can still be significant, especially during peak traffic hours or in inclement weather. This factor highlights the importance of considering the location of healthcare providers when evaluating the overall health score.

Furthermore, the availability of specialized healthcare services, such as mental health care, dental care, and specialist consultations, can also influence the overall health score. The proximity of these services to ZIP Code 18624 and the ease with which residents can access them are crucial considerations. The absence of readily available specialized care can negatively impact the overall health score.

In conclusion, the overall health score for ZIP Code 18624 reflects a mixed picture. While personal vehicle ownership provides reasonable access to healthcare, the limitations of public transit, the potential challenges of ride-sharing, and the cost of medical transportation services create barriers for some residents. Anyone contemplating moving to Lake Harmony should carefully consider these transportation factors and their potential impact on their healthcare access. The availability of specialized medical services and the drive times to reach them further influence the overall health score, underscoring the need for a comprehensive assessment of transportation and healthcare access in this beautiful but geographically diverse region.