18643, Pittston, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 18643, Pittston, Pennsylvania is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

74.96 percent of residents in 18643 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 5.87 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center with a distance of 5.70 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 18643 (Pittston, PA)

This analysis provides an 'Overall Health Score' assessment for residents of Pittston, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18643), focusing on transportation options and their impact on healthcare access. The score considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options, painting a picture of how easily individuals can reach necessary medical appointments and facilities. This information is particularly relevant for those considering moving to Pittston and prioritizing their health.

The 'Overall Health Score' is not a single number but a composite understanding of the challenges and opportunities presented by the local transportation landscape. It acknowledges that healthcare access is multifaceted, influenced by factors like age, mobility, and financial resources. This write-up aims to provide a comprehensive overview, empowering residents and prospective movers to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

**Drive Times and Road Networks:**

The primary arteries serving Pittston are Interstate 81 (I-81) and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension (I-476). These highways provide relatively quick access to larger medical centers in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre. However, traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, can significantly impact drive times.

For example, a trip to Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Plains Township, a major regional hospital, typically takes 15-25 minutes via the **Pittston Bypass** and **State Route 315** under normal traffic conditions. However, this can easily extend to 30-45 minutes during rush hour. Accessing Scranton hospitals, such as Geisinger Community Medical Center, involves traveling on I-81, which can take 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic.

Local roads like **Main Street**, **Kennedy Boulevard**, and **Susquehanna Avenue** offer alternative routes, but they are often slower due to traffic lights and local congestion. Navigating these roads can be especially challenging for individuals with mobility limitations or those unfamiliar with the area. The condition of these roads, particularly during winter months, can further impact drive times and safety.

**Public Transportation: A Limited Option:**

Public transportation options in Pittston are limited, significantly impacting the 'Overall Health Score'. The Luzerne County Transportation Authority (LCTA) provides bus service, but routes and schedules are not extensive. The primary routes serving Pittston are the 17 and 18. These routes offer connections to Wilkes-Barre and surrounding areas, including some medical facilities.

However, the frequency of these buses can be infrequent, especially during evenings and weekends, making it difficult to schedule medical appointments. ADA accessibility is available on LCTA buses, which is a crucial consideration for individuals with disabilities. The limited reach of the public transportation network means that many residents, particularly those living outside of the immediate downtown area, rely on alternative transportation methods.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, like Uber and Lyft, are available in the Pittston area. However, their availability can fluctuate, particularly during off-peak hours or in less populated areas. This unreliability poses a challenge for those needing timely access to healthcare. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier for individuals with limited financial resources, further impacting their healthcare access.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), are available. Ambulance services are essential for emergencies, but NEMT services are crucial for non-emergency appointments, such as dialysis, physical therapy, and doctor visits. Several providers operate in the region, including CareRide and MedRide. These services offer door-to-door transportation for individuals who cannot drive themselves or use public transportation.

However, the availability and cost of NEMT services can vary. Insurance coverage for these services is often complex and may require pre-authorization. Therefore, residents must carefully investigate their insurance coverage and the associated costs of medical transport before relying on these services.

**Challenges and Opportunities for Healthcare Access:**

The 'Overall Health Score' for transportation and healthcare access in Pittston is moderately impacted by several factors. While drive times to major hospitals are generally reasonable, reliance on personal vehicles is high, and traffic congestion can be a factor. Public transportation is limited and may not be a viable option for many residents. Ride-sharing services are available but can be unreliable and expensive. Medical transport services offer a valuable resource but are subject to insurance limitations and potential cost barriers.

The lack of robust public transportation is a significant challenge, particularly for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those without access to a car. Expanding the LCTA network, increasing route frequency, and improving connections to medical facilities would significantly improve the 'Overall Health Score'.

Opportunities exist to improve healthcare access through community initiatives. Collaborations between healthcare providers, transportation services, and community organizations could provide subsidized transportation options for low-income residents. Promoting telehealth services and home healthcare visits can also reduce the need for in-person appointments and alleviate transportation burdens.

**Conclusion: Considerations for Moving to Pittston:**

For those considering moving to Pittston, understanding the transportation landscape is crucial for assessing healthcare access. While the area offers access to quality medical facilities, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limitations of public transportation should be carefully considered. Individuals with mobility limitations, those without access to a car, or those with limited financial resources may face significant challenges in accessing healthcare.

Prospective residents should thoroughly research their transportation options, including the availability and cost of ride-sharing and medical transport services. They should also investigate the proximity of healthcare facilities to their potential residence and the ease of access via various transportation methods.

The 'Overall Health Score' for Pittston is not overwhelmingly negative, but it does highlight areas where improvements are needed. By understanding the challenges and opportunities, residents and prospective movers can make informed decisions about their health and well-being, ensuring they can access the healthcare they need when they need it. This understanding is a crucial aspect of making a move to Pittston a positive and healthy experience.