17859, Orangeville, Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 17859, Orangeville, Pennsylvania is 66 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

74.98 percent of residents in 17859 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 8.46 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Geisinger-Bloomsburg Hospital with a distance of 4.23 miles from the area.

**Prostate Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Orangeville, PA (ZIP Code 17859)**

Considering a move to the charming, rural community of Orangeville, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17859)? Understanding healthcare access, particularly for a critical health concern like prostate cancer, is paramount. This comprehensive analysis examines transportation options and their impact on accessing prostate cancer healthcare within and around Orangeville, providing a "Prostate Cancer Score" to help inform your decision. This score considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, offering a realistic picture of the challenges and opportunities for prostate cancer patients.

Orangeville, nestled in Columbia County, presents a unique set of transportation challenges. The area is characterized by a predominantly car-dependent infrastructure, with limited public transit options. This geographic reality significantly influences healthcare access, especially for individuals managing a serious illness like prostate cancer. Evaluating the ease and efficiency of reaching specialists, diagnostic centers, and treatment facilities is crucial.

**Drive Times and Roadways: The Primary Arteries of Healthcare**

The primary mode of transportation in and around Orangeville is, undoubtedly, the personal vehicle. The efficiency of accessing prostate cancer healthcare hinges significantly on drive times to regional medical centers. The most direct route to larger healthcare hubs typically involves navigating the network of state and local roads.

To reach Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, a major regional healthcare provider, the most direct route from Orangeville involves traveling south on **PA-487** and connecting to **US-11**. The drive, under normal traffic conditions, typically takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes, covering roughly 25 miles. This route offers a relatively straightforward journey, but traffic congestion during peak hours, particularly near Danville, can extend travel times.

Another crucial destination is the UPMC Susquehanna facilities in Williamsport. This journey involves heading north on **PA-487** to **PA-42**, then merging onto **I-180 West**. The total distance is approximately 45 to 55 miles, with a drive time of around 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes. This longer drive requires careful planning, especially for frequent appointments or treatments.

Smaller, local medical practices and urgent care facilities within the immediate vicinity of Orangeville offer some convenience. However, the availability of specialized prostate cancer care, such as urologists and radiation oncologists, is often limited in these settings. This necessitates travel to larger hospitals and medical centers.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Orangeville and the surrounding areas are significantly limited. The lack of a robust public transit system presents a significant challenge for individuals without access to a personal vehicle or those unable to drive due to health conditions or other factors.

The Columbia County Transportation Authority (CCTA) provides limited bus service within the county. However, routes and schedules are infrequent, and service to Orangeville itself is minimal. Information regarding specific routes and schedules is essential for those considering public transit.

ADA accessibility is a critical consideration for those with mobility limitations. CCTA buses are equipped with accessibility features, including ramps and lifts, to accommodate passengers with disabilities. However, the limited frequency of service and the potential for long wait times can still pose challenges.

For individuals reliant on public transit, accessing prostate cancer healthcare requires careful planning, coordination, and potentially significant travel times. The lack of readily available public transportation underscores the importance of alternative transportation options.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the region, but their availability and reliability can vary. The rural nature of Orangeville may result in longer wait times and potentially higher fares compared to urban areas. This can be a significant factor for patients needing frequent transportation for appointments, treatments, or follow-up care.

Medical transportation services offer a specialized solution for individuals with medical needs. These services, provided by companies like MedStar and others, are designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments. They often provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel to assist with patient care.

Medical transportation services can be a valuable option for prostate cancer patients, especially those who are unable to drive or have mobility limitations. However, these services can be costly, and availability may be limited, requiring advance booking and careful planning.

**The Prostate Cancer Score: A Composite Assessment**

The "Prostate Cancer Score" for Orangeville, PA (ZIP Code 17859) reflects the combined impact of these transportation factors on healthcare access. It is a subjective assessment, considering the following elements:

* **Drive Time:** The average drive time to major healthcare facilities offering prostate cancer care.
* **Public Transit Availability:** The frequency, accessibility, and reliability of public transportation options.
* **Ride-Sharing Reliability:** The availability, wait times, and cost of ride-sharing services.
* **Medical Transportation Services:** The availability, cost, and accessibility of medical transportation options.

Based on the analysis, the Prostate Cancer Score for Orangeville is moderately challenging. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit, and the potential limitations of ride-sharing services create barriers to healthcare access. While medical transportation services offer a viable alternative, their cost and availability must be carefully considered.

**Moving to Orangeville: A Consideration of Healthcare Access**

For individuals considering a move to Orangeville, this "Prostate Cancer Score" should be a key factor in the decision-making process. Prospective residents should carefully assess their individual healthcare needs, transportation capabilities, and financial resources.

It is essential to research the specific healthcare providers in the region, including their locations, services offered, and insurance coverage. Contacting local healthcare facilities directly to inquire about transportation assistance programs or patient support services is highly recommended.

Moving to a rural area like Orangeville presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. While the community offers a tranquil lifestyle, healthcare access requires careful planning and consideration. The "Prostate Cancer Score" serves as a valuable tool for assessing the transportation landscape and its impact on accessing vital healthcare services. By understanding the complexities of transportation and healthcare access, prospective residents can make informed decisions and ensure their well-being in their new home.