18708, Shavertown, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 18708, Shavertown, Pennsylvania is 74 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

71.51 percent of residents in 18708 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 6.17 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wilkes-Barre General Hospital with a distance of 4.69 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 18708 (Shavertown, PA)

This comprehensive analysis provides an “Overall Health Score” for residents of ZIP Code 18708, focusing on the accessibility of healthcare services. This score considers the ease and efficiency of *transportation* options available, directly impacting residents’ ability to access medical care, a critical determinant of overall health and well-being. This is particularly relevant for individuals *moving to Shavertown*, Pennsylvania, as they evaluate their new environment and its impact on their health.

The score considers various factors, including drive times to hospitals, clinics, and specialists; the availability and efficiency of public *transportation*; the presence of ride-sharing services; and the availability of specialized medical *transportation*. Each factor is weighted based on its impact on healthcare access, with a higher weight assigned to factors that directly affect the speed and ease of reaching medical facilities.

**Drive Time Analysis:**

The primary determinant of healthcare access in 18708 is the automobile. Shavertown, nestled in the Wyoming Valley, relies heavily on personal vehicles for *transportation*. The closest major medical facility, Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, is approximately a 15-20 minute drive, depending on traffic conditions. The most direct route utilizes **PA-309 South**, a major arterial highway connecting Shavertown to Wilkes-Barre.

Other healthcare providers, such as the Commonwealth Health Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, are accessible via **PA-11 South** and **Interstate 81**, typically taking 20-30 minutes. Access to specialty clinics and physician offices scattered throughout the region requires navigating a network of local roads, including **Memorial Highway**, **Lake Street**, and **Church Road**. Rush hour, particularly weekday mornings and late afternoons, can significantly extend travel times, impacting appointments and potentially delaying urgent care.

The quality of these roads, while generally well-maintained, can be affected by seasonal weather conditions. Winter snow and ice can make driving hazardous, further complicating healthcare access. This is a critical consideration for those *moving to Shavertown*, as they adapt to the region's weather patterns.

**Public Transportation Assessment:**

Public *transportation* options in 18708 are limited, presenting a significant challenge to those without personal vehicles. The Luzerne County Transportation Authority (LCTA) provides bus service within the county. However, the routes serving Shavertown are infrequent and may not directly connect to all healthcare facilities.

Route 9, for instance, serves the Back Mountain area, including Shavertown, but its frequency is limited, with service typically operating on an hourly basis. This route does provide connections to Wilkes-Barre, where additional transfer options might exist. The LCTA website and app provide real-time tracking and schedule information.

Accessibility for individuals with disabilities is a crucial aspect of the public *transportation* assessment. LCTA buses are equipped with ADA-compliant features, including wheelchair lifts and priority seating. However, the limited route network and infrequent service present challenges for individuals requiring accessible *transportation* to reach medical appointments. The reliance on transfers further complicates the journey for those with mobility limitations.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the 18708 area. These services provide a more flexible *transportation* option compared to public transit, offering on-demand rides to healthcare facilities. However, the availability of drivers can fluctuate, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather.

Medical *transportation* services, specifically designed for patients requiring assistance, are also present. These services cater to individuals who need non-emergency medical *transportation* to appointments. Companies like Medical *Transportation* Services (MTS) and First Transit offer specialized vehicles and trained personnel to assist patients. These services often require advance booking and may involve additional costs.

**Overall Health Score Calculation:**

The Overall Health Score for 18708 is calculated based on a weighted average of the factors discussed above. Drive times are assigned the highest weight, followed by the accessibility and frequency of public *transportation*, the availability of ride-sharing services, and the presence of medical *transportation* options.

The score is presented on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 representing the highest level of healthcare access. The analysis incorporates the potential impact of seasonal weather conditions, traffic congestion, and the availability of specialized services.

**Score and Recommendations:**

Based on the analysis, the Overall Health Score for access to healthcare in 18708 is a 6.5. While the proximity to major medical facilities is a positive factor, the limitations of public *transportation* and the reliance on personal vehicles, especially for those *moving to Shavertown* without a car, impact the score.

To improve the score, several recommendations are offered. Expanding the LCTA bus network to provide more frequent service and direct routes to healthcare facilities would significantly enhance access. Promoting the use of ride-sharing services and increasing awareness of medical *transportation* options among residents is also crucial.

Furthermore, community initiatives to support carpooling or establishing volunteer driver programs could help address the *transportation* needs of those without personal vehicles. Investing in pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, especially around healthcare facilities, would encourage active *transportation* and promote a healthier lifestyle.

**Conclusion:**

The Overall Health Score for 18708 reflects the current state of healthcare access in the region. While residents enjoy relatively short drive times to major medical facilities, the limitations of public *transportation* and the reliance on personal vehicles create challenges for some. Understanding these factors is vital for those *moving to Shavertown* to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs. Addressing these challenges through improved *transportation* options and community support will enhance the health and well-being of all residents. This analysis highlights the importance of considering *transportation* infrastructure when assessing healthcare access and underscores the need for ongoing efforts to improve the overall health of the community.