17024, Elliottsburg, Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 17024, Elliottsburg, Pennsylvania is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

30.46 percent of residents in 17024 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.64 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Upmc Carlisle with a distance of 17.93 miles from the area.

## Prostate Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Elliottsburg (ZIP Code 17024)

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a serious condition like prostate cancer, is a crucial consideration when evaluating a community. In Elliottsburg, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17024), this journey necessitates understanding the intricate interplay of **transportation** options and **healthcare access**. This write-up aims to provide a comprehensive "Prostate Cancer Score" assessment, focusing on the practical realities of getting to and from medical appointments. For those considering **moving to Elliottsburg**, this information will be invaluable.

The cornerstone of healthcare accessibility lies in the ability to reach medical facilities efficiently. For Elliottsburg residents, this primarily translates to navigating the roads. The primary arteries for vehicular travel are **Interstate 81 (I-81)**, which runs north-south, and **U.S. Route 22/322**, an east-west corridor. These highways, while providing swift connections to larger population centers, can also be subject to traffic congestion, especially during peak hours.

Driving times to relevant medical facilities will vary depending on the destination and the time of day. The nearest major medical centers are located in Harrisburg, approximately 30-45 minutes away, depending on traffic. This drive typically involves taking **I-81 South** to **I-83 South**, or alternatively, utilizing **U.S. Route 22/322 East** to access Harrisburg. The drive to Hershey Medical Center, another significant healthcare provider, usually takes around 45-60 minutes, utilizing similar routes.

Within Elliottsburg itself, local roads like **Newport Road** and **Shermans Valley Road** provide access to essential services. These roads, however, are often winding and can be challenging during inclement weather. The condition of these roads, along with the potential for rural driving conditions, should be factored into the overall assessment of healthcare accessibility.

Beyond personal vehicles, public **transportation** offers an alternative, albeit a limited one. The **Capital Area Transit (CAT)** system serves the Harrisburg area, but its presence in Elliottsburg and the surrounding rural areas is minimal. Currently, no direct CAT bus routes serve Elliottsburg. Individuals relying on public transit would likely need to arrange for a ride to a CAT stop in a neighboring town, such as Newport, which is a considerable distance.

The lack of robust public transit presents a significant barrier for those who cannot drive or prefer not to. The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features on CAT buses are essential for individuals with mobility challenges, but the limited service area makes it difficult to leverage these features.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Harrisburg area, including Elliottsburg. However, their availability and cost can fluctuate, especially during off-peak hours or in rural areas. Relying solely on ride-sharing for frequent medical appointments could become expensive and unreliable.

Medical **transportation** services specifically designed for patients are another option. Companies like CareRide and Medical Transportation Management (MTM) offer non-emergency medical **transportation**, often including door-to-door service. These services can be particularly valuable for individuals with mobility limitations or those who lack access to other **transportation** options. However, these services typically require advance booking and may have associated costs.

The **healthcare access** landscape in Elliottsburg also includes the availability of local primary care physicians. While the area might have fewer specialists compared to urban centers, the presence of primary care providers is crucial for initial diagnosis, referrals, and ongoing management of prostate cancer. The proximity of these providers, along with their ability to navigate the **transportation** challenges, is a key factor in the overall score.

When evaluating the "Prostate Cancer Score" for Elliottsburg, several factors must be considered. The primary factor is the drive time to specialized cancer treatment centers, like those in Harrisburg and Hershey. The reliability of the roads, the potential for traffic delays, and the availability of alternative **transportation** options all contribute to the score.

The availability and affordability of ride-sharing services and medical **transportation** services are also important considerations. The limited public transit options negatively impact the score, particularly for individuals with mobility limitations.

The presence of local primary care physicians and their ability to provide referrals and coordinate care also play a vital role. The overall score reflects the ease or difficulty of accessing the necessary healthcare services for prostate cancer diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care.

For those considering **moving to Elliottsburg**, this "Prostate Cancer Score" assessment offers a realistic picture of the healthcare **transportation** landscape. While the area may lack the comprehensive public transit of a major city, the proximity to well-equipped medical centers in Harrisburg and Hershey, coupled with the availability of ride-sharing and medical **transportation** services, provides a degree of healthcare access.

However, the reliance on personal vehicles and the potential for travel time and cost should be carefully considered. Individuals with specific healthcare needs, particularly those requiring frequent appointments or specialized care, should thoroughly research the available **transportation** options and the associated costs before making a decision. The "Prostate Cancer Score" is not just about the distance to the hospital; it's about the ease, affordability, and reliability of the journey.