18834, New Milford, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 18834, New Milford, Pennsylvania is 34 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

45.73 percent of residents in 18834 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.14 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Barnes-Kasson County Hospital with a distance of 8.78 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 18834 (New Milford, PA)

The Overall Health Score for residents of New Milford, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18834), paints a picture of healthcare access heavily influenced by transportation. This rural community, nestled in Susquehanna County, presents unique challenges and opportunities when it comes to receiving timely and effective medical care. The score considers the ease of travel to healthcare providers, factoring in drive times, public transit options, and alternative transportation services. A lower score indicates more significant barriers to care.

The primary concern for residents seeking healthcare in 18834 is the reliance on personal vehicles. The geographic isolation and limited public transportation options place a premium on car ownership and the ability to drive. The major roadways serving the area are crucial to understanding the health score. Route 706, a vital east-west artery, provides access to local services and connects to larger highways. Route 11, running north-south, offers a more direct route to larger towns and cities, but traffic can be heavy, particularly during peak hours. Route 29 provides a connection to the south.

Drive times to healthcare facilities vary considerably depending on the destination and the time of day. The closest options are generally located in New Milford itself, including family practices and urgent care clinics. However, specialized care, such as cardiology, oncology, or advanced imaging, often necessitates travel to larger medical centers in Binghamton, New York, or Scranton, Pennsylvania. These trips can involve considerable travel time, potentially exceeding an hour each way, depending on traffic conditions.

The drive to Binghamton, accessible via Route 706 and Interstate 81, is a common route for specialized care. Scranton, reachable via Route 11 and Interstate 81, offers a wider range of medical services. These journeys, while feasible for those with personal vehicles, pose significant challenges for individuals with mobility limitations, those without cars, or those who cannot drive due to medical conditions. The distance and time commitment can also deter preventative care and make it difficult to manage chronic illnesses.

Public transportation options in 18834 are extremely limited, significantly impacting the Overall Health Score. There is no established, regular public bus service within the immediate vicinity. This lack of public transit exacerbates the challenges faced by those who cannot drive. The absence of accessible and affordable public transportation is a major barrier to healthcare access, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, low-income individuals, and those with disabilities.

While public transit is lacking, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available, though their presence may be sporadic and their availability can be unpredictable, especially in rural areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also be prohibitive for some residents, making it an unreliable option for routine medical appointments. Medical transport services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), are available, but primarily for emergencies or for individuals who meet specific eligibility criteria. These services are often costly and may require prior authorization, further complicating access to care.

The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) mandates accessibility features on public transportation, including ramps, lifts, and designated seating. However, the lack of public transportation in 18834 renders these features irrelevant. The absence of accessible transportation options further compounds the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, limiting their ability to access healthcare and maintain their overall health.

The availability of healthcare providers within the ZIP Code is a critical factor in determining the Overall Health Score. While New Milford has some local healthcare providers, the limited scope of services necessitates travel for specialized care. The concentration of medical specialists in larger cities, such as Binghamton and Scranton, underscores the importance of transportation in accessing comprehensive healthcare.

The Overall Health Score for 18834 is negatively impacted by the limited transportation options and the distance to specialized medical services. The reliance on personal vehicles, the lack of public transportation, and the potential costs of ride-sharing services create significant barriers to healthcare access. For individuals considering moving to New Milford, the availability of reliable transportation and the proximity to comprehensive healthcare services should be a paramount consideration.

Moving to New Milford requires careful consideration of these transportation limitations. Individuals with existing health conditions or those who anticipate needing specialized care should factor in the travel time and potential costs associated with accessing medical services. The absence of public transit necessitates a reliance on personal vehicles, ride-sharing, or medical transportation services, which can impact both the cost and convenience of healthcare access.

The Overall Health Score also considers the impact of transportation challenges on preventative care. The time and effort required to travel to healthcare providers can discourage routine check-ups, screenings, and preventative treatments. This can lead to delayed diagnoses, exacerbation of existing conditions, and poorer overall health outcomes. The lack of convenient and affordable transportation options can disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, widening health disparities and increasing the burden of chronic diseases.

The health score is not static and can change over time. The development of new healthcare facilities in the area, the expansion of ride-sharing services, or the implementation of a public transportation pilot program could improve the score. Conversely, changes in traffic patterns, increased fuel costs, or the closure of local healthcare providers could worsen the score.

The Overall Health Score for 18834 reflects the complex interplay between transportation and healthcare access. The score highlights the need for innovative solutions to improve healthcare access for all residents. Addressing the transportation challenges in New Milford is essential to ensuring that all residents can receive timely, affordable, and quality medical care. This includes exploring options such as community-based transportation services, partnerships with ride-sharing companies, and advocating for improved public transportation infrastructure.

In conclusion, the Overall Health Score for 18834 is a critical indicator of the community's ability to access healthcare. The score underscores the importance of transportation in determining health outcomes and highlights the need for proactive measures to address the existing challenges. The score serves as a valuable tool for residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers to assess the current state of healthcare access and to identify opportunities for improvement. The ability to navigate the transportation landscape is crucial for maintaining good health and well-being in this rural Pennsylvania community.