17813, Beavertown, Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 17813, Beavertown, Pennsylvania is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

60.06 percent of residents in 17813 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 26.96 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Geisinger Medical Center with a distance of 33.23 miles from the area.

## Prostate Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Beavertown, PA (ZIP Code 17813)

Considering a move to Beavertown, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17813)? Beyond the charming rural landscapes and close-knit community, understanding healthcare access is paramount, especially when considering a potential prostate cancer diagnosis. This write-up provides a comprehensive "Prostate Cancer Score" assessment, analyzing transportation options to medical facilities equipped to diagnose and treat this prevalent disease. We'll delve into drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, painting a clear picture of healthcare access in this central Pennsylvania locale.

The "Prostate Cancer Score" is not a formal medical evaluation, but rather a practical guide. It considers the ease of reaching essential healthcare services from Beavertown, focusing on the transportation infrastructure crucial for timely diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. This is particularly important given the often-complex treatment regimens and the need for regular appointments associated with prostate cancer management.

Beavertown, nestled in Snyder County, offers a predominantly rural setting. This geographic reality heavily influences transportation choices. The primary mode of transportation for most residents is the personal vehicle. Understanding drive times to various medical facilities is, therefore, crucial.

The nearest hospitals equipped to handle prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment are in neighboring towns and cities. The Evangelical Community Hospital in Lewisburg, approximately 25 miles east, is a significant healthcare hub. The drive to Lewisburg from Beavertown typically takes around 35-45 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific route. The most direct route involves taking Route 522 South to Route 192 East, then connecting to Route 15 North. This route is generally well-maintained, but can experience congestion during peak commuting hours.

Another option is to travel south on Route 522 to Route 35, which leads to the Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, about 40 miles away. This drive typically takes around an hour, offering access to comprehensive cancer care. This route involves a longer distance, but can sometimes be less congested than the route to Lewisburg.

Further afield, but offering specialized care, is the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, located approximately 80 miles south. This drive, primarily via Route 322 East, can take upwards of 1.5 to 2 hours, making it a less convenient option for routine appointments but potentially necessary for specialized treatments or clinical trials.

Public transportation options in Beavertown are limited. The Susquehanna Valley Transportation Authority (SVTA) provides some bus services, but these are primarily focused on serving larger towns and cities like Lewisburg and Selinsgrove. Public transit is not a viable option for most residents seeking healthcare in Beavertown.

The SVTA does offer some routes that could potentially be used to reach Lewisburg, but these routes would likely involve multiple transfers and significantly extend travel times, rendering them impractical for most patients, particularly those undergoing cancer treatment. Accessibility for individuals with disabilities is also a critical consideration. While the SVTA does provide ADA-compliant buses, the limited frequency and route coverage in the Beavertown area pose significant challenges.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the region, but their presence in Beavertown and surrounding areas is variable. Availability can be limited, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Relying solely on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments could be unreliable and potentially expensive. The cost of frequent rides to Lewisburg or Danville could quickly become a significant financial burden.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are available. Companies like First Transit and Medical Transportation Management (MTM) offer these services. These services can be particularly valuable for individuals who are unable to drive themselves or who lack access to other transportation options. However, these services typically require advance booking and can have limited availability, especially for same-day appointments. Costs vary depending on the distance and the specific service provided.

For individuals considering a move to Beavertown, the Prostate Cancer Score is significantly influenced by the reliance on personal vehicles. The lack of robust public transportation and the variable availability of ride-sharing services necessitate careful consideration of the drive times to medical facilities.

The score also takes into account the availability of medical transportation services, which can provide a crucial lifeline for those who cannot drive. However, the limitations of these services, including the need for advance booking and potential cost, must be factored into the overall assessment.

The "Prostate Cancer Score" for Beavertown, PA (ZIP code 17813) reflects a moderate level of healthcare access. While the Evangelical Community Hospital in Lewisburg offers a reasonable drive time, the lack of alternative transportation options and the potential challenges associated with ride-sharing and medical transport services warrant careful consideration. Prospective residents should factor in the potential travel time and cost when planning for healthcare needs, including those related to prostate cancer.

Moving to Beavertown offers a tranquil lifestyle, but understanding the transportation infrastructure is key to ensuring timely access to essential healthcare services. Careful planning and proactive arrangements for transportation are crucial for individuals managing prostate cancer or other health conditions requiring regular medical attention. The decision to move to Beavertown should therefore be informed by a realistic assessment of the transportation challenges and the availability of support services.