17870, Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 17870, Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania is 19 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

78.02 percent of residents in 17870 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 23.04 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Geisinger Medical Center with a distance of 16.91 miles from the area.

## Prostate Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Selinsgrove (ZIP Code 17870)

Considering a move to Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17870)? Beyond the charming river views and close-knit community, it’s crucial to assess your healthcare access, particularly if you're concerned about prostate cancer. This write-up provides a detailed analysis of your transportation options to medical facilities specializing in prostate cancer care, offering a "Prostate Cancer Score" to help you evaluate your healthcare accessibility. We'll examine drive times, public transit, and ride-sharing possibilities, ensuring you're well-informed about navigating the healthcare landscape in Selinsgrove.

The "Prostate Cancer Score" is a qualitative assessment, not a numerical one. It considers the ease of access, the variety of transportation options, and the overall convenience of reaching specialized care. Factors like drive times, public transit availability, and the presence of ride-sharing services contribute to this score, painting a picture of your potential healthcare journey.

**Drive Times: The King of Convenience**

For many, driving remains the primary mode of transportation. In Selinsgrove, your reliance on a personal vehicle is significant. Accessing prostate cancer specialists often necessitates a drive, and understanding those drive times is paramount.

The closest major medical centers with comprehensive urology departments and cancer care facilities are located in Danville (Geisinger Medical Center) and Lewisburg (Evangelical Community Hospital). These facilities offer advanced diagnostic and treatment options for prostate cancer, including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

From Selinsgrove, reaching Geisinger Medical Center in Danville typically involves a drive of approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. The primary route is via **Route 11/15 South**, a major artery connecting Selinsgrove to Danville. The drive is generally straightforward, but traffic can be heavier during peak commuting hours, especially around the intersections near the hospital.

Accessing Evangelical Community Hospital in Lewisburg involves a slightly longer drive, approximately 25-40 minutes, also depending on traffic. The most direct route is via **Route 11/15 North**. While this route is generally less congested than the southern approach to Danville, construction or accidents can occasionally cause delays.

For those seeking specialized care further afield, such as at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center (Hershey, PA), the drive becomes significantly longer, potentially taking 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, primarily via **Route 11/15 South** and **Interstate 81 South**. This longer commute highlights the importance of considering the frequency of appointments and the potential for fatigue associated with extended travel.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation in Selinsgrove and the surrounding areas is limited. The Susquehanna Valley Transportation Authority (SVTA) provides some bus services, but their routes and schedules are not designed for easy access to medical facilities specializing in prostate cancer care.

SVTA route schedules are infrequent, and routes do not directly serve the hospitals in Danville or Lewisburg. This makes public transit a less viable option for regular appointments or urgent care needs. For individuals with mobility limitations, the lack of ADA-accessible features on all routes could pose a significant challenge.

While the SVTA offers a "Shared Ride" program, it requires advance booking and may not always be available on short notice. This program, while helpful, is not a substitute for reliable and convenient transportation to medical appointments.

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

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Selinsgrove, but their availability can be inconsistent, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Relying solely on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments is not recommended.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by private companies, provide a more reliable option for individuals who cannot drive or do not have access to other forms of transportation. These services often offer door-to-door transportation and can accommodate individuals with mobility limitations. However, these services can be expensive and require advance booking.

**Healthcare Access and the Prostate Cancer Score**

Considering the available transportation options, the "Prostate Cancer Score" for Selinsgrove, PA (ZIP Code 17870) leans towards moderate. While the proximity to Danville and Lewisburg offers relatively short drive times, the limited public transit and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services create challenges.

The score is influenced by the reliance on personal vehicles, which can be a burden for those unable to drive or those who prefer not to. The availability of medical transportation services provides a safety net, but the cost and the need for pre-planning must be considered.

**Moving to Selinsgrove: Informed Decisions**

For individuals considering moving to Selinsgrove, it is crucial to assess your healthcare needs, particularly if you have a history of prostate cancer or are concerned about your risk. Evaluate your ability to drive or access reliable transportation to medical facilities.

If you rely on public transit or ride-sharing, the limitations in Selinsgrove require careful consideration. Explore the availability and cost of medical transportation services and factor these expenses into your budget.

The location of your residence within Selinsgrove can also impact your healthcare access. Proximity to major roads like Route 11/15 can reduce drive times.

**Conclusion: Prioritizing Transportation and Healthcare Access**

Navigating the healthcare landscape in Selinsgrove requires careful planning. While the drive times to Danville and Lewisburg are manageable, the limited public transit options and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services necessitate a proactive approach.

Individuals considering a move to Selinsgrove should prioritize their transportation needs and healthcare access. Thoroughly research the available options, including medical transportation services, and factor these considerations into your decision-making process. By understanding the nuances of transportation and healthcare access, you can make an informed choice and ensure your healthcare needs are met effectively in your new community.