17929, Cressona, Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 17929, Cressona, Pennsylvania is 68 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

82.29 percent of residents in 17929 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.44 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Schuylkill Medical Center - South Jackson Street with a distance of 3.61 miles from the area.

## Prostate Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Cressona, PA (ZIP Code 17929)

Considering a move to Cressona, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17929)? This analysis provides a "Prostate Cancer Score" – a personalized assessment of healthcare access, specifically concerning prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment, considering your transportation options. This score isn't a definitive medical judgment, but a practical guide, helping you understand the realities of navigating healthcare in this Schuylkill County community. We'll examine drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, offering a comprehensive picture of your transportation landscape.

Cressona, nestled in the Appalachian foothills, offers a peaceful setting. However, its relative isolation impacts healthcare access. The score will factor in travel times to specialists, availability of transportation, and the overall ease of reaching essential medical services. This is crucial, especially when facing a potential prostate cancer diagnosis. Early detection and prompt treatment are paramount, and timely access to healthcare is a critical factor.

**The Prostate Cancer Score Methodology:**

Our score considers several factors. First, we assess drive times to hospitals and urology specialists within a reasonable radius. Second, we evaluate the feasibility of public transportation, including routes, frequency, and ADA accessibility. Third, we analyze the availability and cost of ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft. Finally, we examine medical transport options for those needing assistance. Each element is weighted, with drive times receiving the most significant consideration due to their direct impact on healthcare access.

**Driving to Healthcare:**

Cressona’s location presents a significant transportation challenge. The primary routes for accessing healthcare are US-209 and PA-901. Your drive time will depend on your destination. Pottsville, the county seat, is a relatively short drive. However, specialist care and advanced treatment options often necessitate travel to larger medical centers.

To reach Geisinger St. Luke's Hospital in Orwigsburg, you'll likely take PA-901 and then merge onto US-209. This drive typically takes around 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic. This hospital provides comprehensive medical services, including urology.

For more specialized care, you might need to travel to Reading Hospital in Reading, approximately an hour's drive via I-78 East. This journey involves navigating interstate highways, which can be subject to traffic delays, especially during peak hours. This hospital offers advanced prostate cancer treatment options, including radiation therapy and surgery.

Another option is Lehigh Valley Hospital – Schuylkill in Pottsville, roughly a 10-15 minute drive. This hospital offers a range of services, including urology, making it a convenient option for initial consultations and some treatments.

**Public Transportation Options:**

Public transportation in Cressona is limited. Schuylkill Transportation System (STS) provides bus service within the county. However, route coverage is not extensive, and frequency is limited, especially on weekends and evenings. This significantly impacts healthcare access, particularly for those without personal vehicles.

STS Route 301, which runs between Pottsville and Pine Grove, might offer a limited option, but the schedule may not align with medical appointments. Furthermore, ADA accessibility varies across routes and buses. Confirming ADA compliance is essential if you require accessible transportation.

Public transit is not a reliable option for reaching hospitals outside of Pottsville. Therefore, relying on public transportation for prostate cancer care presents significant challenges.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area, though their availability can be unpredictable, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Costs can also fluctuate, potentially making them an expensive option for regular appointments.

Medical transport services are an essential consideration. Several companies specialize in non-emergency medical transportation, providing door-to-door service for those with mobility issues or unable to drive. These services typically require advance booking and may involve co-pays. Researching local medical transport providers is essential.

**The Prostate Cancer Score for Cressona (ZIP Code 17929):**

Based on our assessment, the Prostate Cancer Score for Cressona is moderate. While access to basic urological services is relatively convenient, accessing specialized care and advanced treatments involves longer travel times. The limited public transportation options and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services further complicate healthcare access.

**Recommendations for Prospective Residents:**

If you're considering moving to Cressona, consider these recommendations. First, assess your transportation needs and abilities. If you rely on public transportation or have mobility limitations, carefully evaluate the challenges of accessing healthcare.

Second, research local urologists and healthcare providers in the area. Understand their appointment scheduling processes and the availability of services.

Third, explore medical transport options in advance. Identify reliable providers and understand their pricing and booking procedures.

Fourth, familiarize yourself with the drive times to various hospitals and medical centers. Consider traffic patterns and potential delays.

**Conclusion:**

Moving to Cressona offers a tranquil lifestyle, but it's essential to acknowledge the transportation limitations impacting healthcare access. This Prostate Cancer Score provides a starting point for evaluating these challenges. Prioritizing transportation planning, researching local resources, and understanding the realities of healthcare access are crucial steps for anyone considering a move to Cressona, especially those managing or concerned about prostate cancer. By proactively addressing transportation needs, you can ensure timely access to the care you deserve, maintaining your health and well-being in your new community.