17023, Elizabethville, Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 17023, Elizabethville, Pennsylvania is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

61.12 percent of residents in 17023 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 21.27 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Penn State Health Hampden Medical Center with a distance of 21.46 miles from the area.

## Prostate Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Elizabethville, PA (ZIP Code 17023)

The prospect of a prostate cancer diagnosis can be daunting, demanding swift and informed decisions. For residents of Elizabethville, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17023), understanding the ease of access to specialized healthcare is paramount. This write-up assesses the "Prostate Cancer Score" for this community, focusing on transportation infrastructure, healthcare access, and the practicalities of navigating the healthcare landscape. This information is critical for those living in the area, or for individuals **moving to Elizabethville**, ensuring they can readily access necessary medical care.

Elizabethville, nestled in the heart of Pennsylvania, presents a unique challenge. Its rural setting, while offering tranquility, can complicate access to specialized medical services. The "Prostate Cancer Score" considers the time and effort required to reach urologists, radiation oncologists, and other specialists crucial for prostate cancer treatment and management. This assessment weighs the availability of various **transportation** options, including driving, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services, against the geographical distribution of relevant healthcare providers.

**Driving Dynamics: The Asphalt Arteries**

For many Elizabethville residents, the car remains the primary mode of **transportation**. The efficiency of the highway network is crucial. The primary route to larger medical centers is often via Pennsylvania Route 225, a vital artery connecting Elizabethville to the wider region. Traveling south on Route 225, one can connect to Interstate 81, a major north-south thoroughfare providing access to Harrisburg and its associated medical facilities.

The drive to Harrisburg, a city boasting comprehensive healthcare options, typically takes between 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. This journey utilizes Interstate 81 and U.S. Route 322, which can become congested during peak hours. The route is generally well-maintained, but winter weather can pose challenges, potentially extending travel times.

Heading north, Route 225 leads to Route 147, which offers access to the communities of Sunbury and Shamokin, which may offer some limited options. However, these areas typically offer fewer specialized services compared to Harrisburg. The drive times to these locations are shorter, generally around 30-45 minutes, but the availability of prostate cancer specialists might be more limited.

**Public Transit: A Limited Reach**

Public **transportation** options in Elizabethville are limited. The area is not served by a comprehensive bus network. This lack of readily available public transit significantly impacts the "Prostate Cancer Score." Individuals without personal vehicles, or those unable to drive due to medical conditions, face considerable challenges in accessing healthcare.

The lack of robust public **transportation** poses a significant hurdle for those requiring regular appointments, such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy. The absence of accessible public transit options necessitates reliance on alternative modes of **transportation**, potentially increasing costs and logistical complexities. Furthermore, the lack of ADA-compliant public transit options further limits access for individuals with disabilities.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Elizabethville area, but their reliability and availability can be inconsistent, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, particularly for frequent medical appointments.

Medical **transportation** services, such as those offered by private companies, provide specialized assistance for individuals with mobility limitations. These services typically offer door-to-door **transportation**, including assistance with getting in and out of vehicles. However, these services often come with a higher price tag than ride-sharing, adding to the financial burden of healthcare access.

**Healthcare Access: Navigating the Medical Landscape**

The "Prostate Cancer Score" also considers the availability of healthcare providers. While Elizabethville itself may not have specialized prostate cancer care, the proximity to Harrisburg offers a range of options. Harrisburg is home to several hospitals and medical centers with urology departments, radiation oncology clinics, and other specialists.

The Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, located approximately an hour's drive from Elizabethville, is a major regional healthcare provider offering comprehensive cancer care services. UPMC Harrisburg, another major healthcare provider, also offers a range of cancer treatment options. Both of these facilities offer advanced diagnostic and treatment options, including robotic surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

**Moving to Elizabethville: Considerations for Prostate Cancer Care**

For individuals **moving to Elizabethville**, understanding the healthcare landscape is crucial. The "Prostate Cancer Score" highlights the importance of personal vehicle ownership and the potential challenges associated with limited public **transportation**. Those relying on public transit or ride-sharing should factor in longer travel times and potential logistical difficulties when planning medical appointments.

Individuals with a history of prostate cancer or those at high risk should consider the implications of healthcare access when **moving to Elizabethville**. It is advisable to research local healthcare providers, assess **transportation** options, and factor in the potential costs associated with accessing specialized care.

**Conclusion: A Score of Awareness**

The "Prostate Cancer Score" for Elizabethville, PA (ZIP Code 17023) is impacted by the area's rural setting and limited public **transportation**. While access to specialized care is available in nearby Harrisburg, the reliance on personal vehicles and the potential for longer travel times are significant factors.

The score emphasizes the importance of planning and preparation for those living in the area, or those **moving to Elizabethville**, who may require prostate cancer care. Understanding the available **transportation** options, the location of healthcare providers, and the potential costs associated with accessing care is crucial for navigating the healthcare landscape and ensuring timely and effective treatment. While the community offers a peaceful environment, the challenges of healthcare access warrant careful consideration.