17880, Swengel, Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 17880, Swengel, Pennsylvania is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

100.00 percent of residents in 17880 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

## Prostate Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Swengel (ZIP Code 17880)

The picturesque community of Swengel, nestled within the heart of Pennsylvania's Union County, offers a tranquil lifestyle. However, when considering a move, especially for those prioritizing healthcare access, understanding the landscape of prostate cancer treatment options becomes paramount. This write-up provides a detailed analysis of the transportation infrastructure and healthcare facilities available to residents of ZIP code 17880, offering a "Prostate Cancer Score" to assess the ease of accessing vital medical services.

The core of this assessment revolves around the crucial element of transportation. A reliable transportation system is the cornerstone of healthcare access, especially when dealing with a diagnosis like prostate cancer, which often necessitates frequent appointments for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. The ability to reach specialists, imaging centers, and treatment facilities quickly and efficiently is critical for both physical and emotional well-being.

**Driving Directions and Drive Times**

For residents of Swengel, the primary mode of transportation for accessing healthcare is, undoubtedly, the personal vehicle. The region is largely rural, with limited public transportation options. Therefore, the convenience of a car is essential.

The closest significant healthcare facilities are located in the larger towns of Lewisburg and Sunbury. Heading east from Swengel, the primary route is Route 45, a two-lane highway that winds through the rolling hills and farmland. This route provides direct access to Lewisburg, the home of Evangelical Community Hospital. The drive typically takes approximately 20-25 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions.

To reach Sunbury, the journey involves traveling north on Route 45 and then connecting to Route 147. This route is a bit longer, taking around 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic. Sunbury offers access to Geisinger Shamokin Area Community Hospital. Both hospitals provide comprehensive medical services, including urology departments and cancer treatment centers.

For more specialized care, such as advanced radiation therapy or clinical trials, residents may need to travel further afield. The drive to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, a regional hub for advanced medical care, takes approximately 45-60 minutes, primarily via Route 147 and then Route 11.

**Public Transportation and ADA Accessibility**

The public transportation options in and around Swengel are limited. The primary provider is the Union County Transportation Authority (UCTA). While UCTA offers a demand-response service, meaning rides must be scheduled in advance, the availability and frequency of service in the Swengel area are restricted.

The UCTA operates a fleet of buses, some of which are equipped with ADA-compliant features, including wheelchair lifts and accessible seating. However, the scheduling process can be cumbersome, and the travel times can be significantly longer than driving. For individuals undergoing cancer treatment, the unpredictability of public transportation schedules can be a significant stressor. Furthermore, the limited service hours may not accommodate early morning appointments or late-evening treatments.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transportation**

The ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Lewisburg and Sunbury areas. However, their availability in Swengel itself is less consistent. The ride-share services may be used for trips to appointments or to connect with public transportation.

Medical transportation services are also available in the region. These services specialize in transporting patients to and from medical appointments, offering door-to-door service and assistance with mobility. Some of the medical transportation brands operating in the area include:

* **Ambu-Lift:** Specializes in non-emergency medical transportation.
* **First Call Medical Transportation:** Provides a range of transportation options.
* **Medical Transport Services:** Offers transportation for various medical needs.

These services can be particularly beneficial for individuals who are unable to drive themselves or who require assistance with mobility. However, it's important to note that these services can be expensive, and availability may be limited, especially during peak hours.

**Healthcare Access and Prostate Cancer Treatment Options**

Evangelical Community Hospital in Lewisburg offers a comprehensive urology department, including diagnostic services, such as prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, biopsies, and imaging. The hospital also provides surgical treatment options, including minimally invasive procedures.

Geisinger Shamokin Area Community Hospital in Sunbury also offers urology services, including diagnostic testing and treatment options. The hospital has access to a range of specialists and resources.

Geisinger Medical Center in Danville provides a higher level of specialized care, including advanced radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and access to clinical trials. The hospital's cancer institute offers a multidisciplinary approach to prostate cancer treatment, involving urologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, and other specialists.

**Prostate Cancer Score: Assessing the Landscape**

Based on the transportation infrastructure and healthcare access outlined above, we can assign a "Prostate Cancer Score" to ZIP code 17880. This score is a subjective assessment based on the factors discussed.

* **Driving Convenience:** High. The proximity of Lewisburg and Sunbury, with relatively short drive times, provides convenient access to basic healthcare services.
* **Public Transportation Reliability:** Low. Limited public transportation options and potential scheduling difficulties can pose challenges.
* **Ride-Share Availability:** Moderate. Ride-sharing services are available but may not be consistently accessible in Swengel.
* **Medical Transportation Support:** Moderate. Medical transportation services are available, offering a crucial lifeline for those with mobility limitations, but at a potential cost.
* **Specialized Care Access:** Moderate. Access to specialized care, such as advanced radiation therapy and clinical trials, requires longer travel times to Danville.

**Overall Score:** The "Prostate Cancer Score" for ZIP code 17880 would be considered moderate. While the proximity of hospitals in Lewisburg and Sunbury offers a degree of convenience, the limitations of public transportation and the reliance on personal vehicles can create challenges for some residents. The distance to Danville for specialized care also needs to be considered.

**Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision**

For individuals considering a move to Swengel (ZIP code 17880), understanding the transportation infrastructure and healthcare access is crucial. While the area offers a peaceful lifestyle, the limited public transportation options and the reliance on personal vehicles should be carefully considered, especially for those with existing health conditions or those who may require frequent medical appointments.

The "Prostate Cancer Score" provides a framework for evaluating the ease of accessing prostate cancer treatment options. By considering the drive times, public transportation limitations, and availability of ride-share and medical transportation services, individuals can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs. The vibrant community of Swengel offers a lot to those who choose to make it their home, but it is important to plan for healthcare needs.