18706, Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 18706, Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

80.30 percent of residents in 18706 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 4.87 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wilkes-Barre General Hospital with a distance of 3.78 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 18706 (Wilkes-Barre, PA)

Understanding the ease with which residents of ZIP Code 18706 can access healthcare is paramount to assessing their overall health. This analysis delves into the intricacies of transportation options available, painting a picture of healthcare accessibility that informs prospective residents considering moving to Wilkes-Barre. We'll examine drive times, public transit routes, and ride-sharing services, providing a comprehensive 'Overall Health Score' based on these factors.

The 18706 ZIP code encompasses a significant portion of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, a city nestled in the Wyoming Valley. Its geographic layout and infrastructure significantly influence healthcare access. The primary arteries for vehicular transportation are Interstate 81 (I-81), connecting north and south, and the Cross Valley Expressway (PA-309), facilitating east-west travel. Local roads like Wilkes-Barre Township Boulevard and South Wilkes-Barre Boulevard also play crucial roles in navigating the city.

Drive times to healthcare facilities within and around 18706 are a critical determinant of the Overall Health Score. The time it takes to reach a doctor's appointment, a specialist, or the emergency room directly impacts a resident's ability to receive timely and necessary care. Traffic conditions, particularly during peak hours, can significantly extend these drive times, compounding the stress of a medical need.

For residents in the heart of 18706, accessing the Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, located just outside the ZIP code, is relatively straightforward. The drive, primarily along Wilkes-Barre Township Boulevard, typically takes under 10 minutes under normal traffic conditions. However, residents in the more geographically dispersed areas of the ZIP code, particularly those in the eastern or western sections, may experience longer commutes.

The Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, another major healthcare provider, is also readily accessible. The drive, often involving travel on South Wilkes-Barre Boulevard, can be completed within 15 minutes. The proximity of these hospitals is a positive factor, contributing to a higher Overall Health Score.

Public transportation, provided by the Luzerne County Transportation Authority (LCTA), offers an alternative to driving. While not as extensive as in larger metropolitan areas, the LCTA provides several routes that serve the 18706 area. Route 9, for example, travels through the city and offers connections to healthcare facilities. Route 17 links to the Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center.

However, the LCTA's service frequency and coverage are limited, and the system's accessibility for individuals with disabilities (ADA) is a critical consideration. The availability of wheelchair-accessible buses and the presence of ramps and elevators at transit stops are essential for ensuring equitable access to healthcare. The Overall Health Score must account for these limitations, particularly for those with mobility challenges.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer another layer of transportation options. These services can be particularly useful for those without personal vehicles or for situations where driving is not feasible. Ride-sharing's availability and cost are important factors in evaluating healthcare access.

Medical transportation services, specializing in transporting patients to and from medical appointments, also play a role. Companies like MedTrans and First Transit provide non-emergency medical transportation, catering to individuals with mobility limitations or those who require assistance. The availability and affordability of these services can significantly improve healthcare access, especially for those who cannot utilize other transportation methods.

The Overall Health Score for 18706 is influenced by the interplay of these transportation options. Proximity to healthcare facilities, the efficiency of road networks, the availability and reliability of public transit, and the presence of ride-sharing and medical transportation services all contribute to the final score.

For residents relying on private vehicles, the Overall Health Score is generally favorable, given the relatively short drive times to major hospitals. However, traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, can negatively impact this score.

For those utilizing public transit, the score is more nuanced. While the LCTA provides a valuable service, the limited route coverage and frequency can hinder healthcare access. The ADA accessibility of the LCTA's infrastructure is a critical factor in determining the score for individuals with disabilities.

Ride-sharing services and medical transportation options add another layer of convenience. These services can improve healthcare access, especially for those who cannot drive or utilize public transit. However, the cost of these services can be a barrier for some residents, potentially lowering their Overall Health Score.

The Overall Health Score for 18706, therefore, is a composite measure reflecting the accessibility and affordability of transportation options. It's a dynamic assessment, influenced by factors like traffic patterns, public transit improvements, and the availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services. Prospective residents considering moving to Wilkes-Barre must consider these transportation factors to assess the ease with which they can access healthcare.

In conclusion, while 18706 offers relatively good access to healthcare facilities, the Overall Health Score is dependent on individual circumstances. The score is higher for those with personal vehicles and lower for those who rely on public transit or have mobility limitations. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services can mitigate some of these challenges. Understanding these nuances is crucial for anyone evaluating the healthcare accessibility of 18706.