18854, Wysox, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 18854, Wysox, Pennsylvania is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

64.11 percent of residents in 18854 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 22.15 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Robert Packer Hospital with a distance of 15.29 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Wysox, PA (ZIP Code 18854)

Embarking on a journey to assess the overall health score for accessing healthcare in Wysox, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18854) requires a deep dive into the realities of transportation. This rural community, nestled in Bradford County, presents unique challenges and opportunities when it comes to reaching vital medical services. The availability and efficiency of transportation options directly impact the health and well-being of its residents, making it a critical factor in determining the overall health score. For those **moving to Wysox**, understanding these intricacies is paramount.

The cornerstone of transportation in Wysox is, undeniably, the automobile. The primary arteries for vehicular travel are **U.S. Route 6**, which traverses the northern part of the county, and **Pennsylvania Route 187**, which winds its way through Wysox itself. **Interstate 81**, though not directly accessible, serves as a major thoroughfare for those traveling from further afield, requiring a drive to access points such as the Tunkhannock exit. Other crucial roadways include **Wysox Road**, **Wyalusing Creek Road**, and various local roads that connect residents to healthcare facilities.

Drive times, a crucial element of the health score, are heavily influenced by traffic conditions and distance. The nearest major hospital, Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, is approximately a 15-20 minute drive via **Route 187** and **Route 220**. The Guthrie Clinic, also in Sayre, offers a wide array of specialist services and is similarly accessible. Smaller clinics and doctor's offices within Wysox and surrounding towns, such as Towanda, are generally reachable within a 10-15 minute drive. However, access to specialized care, such as advanced cardiology or oncology, often necessitates travel to larger medical centers in Scranton or Binghamton, potentially extending drive times to over an hour, significantly impacting the overall health score.

Public transportation options in Wysox are limited, which significantly diminishes the overall health score for those without personal vehicles. The lack of robust public transit presents a considerable barrier to **healthcare access**, particularly for individuals who are elderly, disabled, or lack the financial means to own and operate a vehicle. This underscores the critical importance of alternative transportation solutions in this rural setting.

Bradford County Transportation (BCT) provides some public transit services, though routes and frequency are limited. BCT offers demand-response transportation, meaning rides must be scheduled in advance. This service, while valuable, is not a readily available option for urgent medical needs. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible vehicles is crucial for ensuring equal access for individuals with disabilities, and the reliability of these services directly impacts the overall health score. Specific route numbers and detailed information on ADA features would be critical for a comprehensive assessment, but this information is often difficult to obtain.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their presence is often sporadic and availability can be unreliable, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. This adds another layer of complexity to the **transportation** equation, potentially increasing wait times and costs, and negatively impacting the overall health score. The unpredictable nature of ride-sharing, coupled with the limited public transit options, highlights the dependence on personal vehicles for **healthcare access** in Wysox.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more specialized solution. Companies such as CareRide or similar regional providers may operate in the area, offering non-emergency medical transportation. These services are particularly valuable for individuals who require assistance with mobility or who cannot drive themselves. However, the availability, cost, and insurance coverage for these services can vary significantly, impacting their accessibility and, consequently, the overall health score.

The overall health score for **healthcare access** in Wysox, PA (18854) is significantly influenced by the availability and reliability of transportation options. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with limited public transit, sporadic ride-sharing, and variable medical transport services, presents challenges for residents. Drive times to healthcare facilities are generally reasonable for routine care, but access to specialized services can involve extended travel. The absence of robust public transportation options, especially for individuals with limited mobility or financial constraints, creates a significant barrier to **healthcare access**, ultimately lowering the overall health score.

For those **moving to Wysox**, careful consideration of transportation needs is essential. Assessing the availability of personal vehicles, the potential reliance on family or friends for rides, and the accessibility of medical transportation services are crucial steps in ensuring adequate **healthcare access**. The overall health score is not just a numerical value; it reflects the realities of navigating the healthcare landscape in this rural community, highlighting the importance of robust and accessible **transportation** solutions.