17948, Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 17948, Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

80.48 percent of residents in 17948 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.74 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Schuylkill Medical Center - South Jackson Street with a distance of 9.19 miles from the area.

## Prostate Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Mahanoy City (ZIP Code 17948)

Considering a move to Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania, ZIP code 17948? This assessment focuses on the critical aspect of **healthcare access**, specifically for prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment. We'll analyze the **transportation** landscape, crucial for timely appointments and specialized care, ultimately providing a "Prostate Cancer Score" to help you understand the practical realities of accessing medical services in this community.

The foundation of this score lies in understanding the geography. Mahanoy City, nestled in the heart of Schuylkill County, presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare. The town's location, while offering a close-knit community feel, necessitates careful consideration of how you'll get to your appointments.

The primary arteries for vehicular **transportation** are Route 901, traversing east and west, and Route 54, running north and south. These roads, while offering direct access to Mahanoy City, can become congested during peak hours, potentially impacting drive times to medical facilities. The drive to larger hospitals in the region, where specialized prostate cancer care is often located, is a key factor.

For instance, a trip to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, a regional healthcare hub, necessitates a drive of approximately 60-75 miles. The most direct route involves taking Route 54 east to Interstate 81 South, then transitioning to Route 11 North. This drive, while primarily on highways, can take over an hour, depending on traffic conditions. Similarly, accessing facilities in Allentown, such as Lehigh Valley Hospital, requires navigating Route 901 to Interstate 81 South, then connecting to the Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike (Route 476) or Route 22. This journey, covering roughly 75-85 miles, can easily exceed 90 minutes.

Public **transportation** options are limited in this area. Schuylkill Transportation System (STS) provides bus services, but routes and schedules are subject to change. Determining the specific routes and their frequency is essential. Furthermore, the accessibility of these buses for individuals with mobility limitations, including ADA-compliant features, must be investigated. This is particularly important given that prostate cancer treatment can sometimes affect mobility.

Ride-sharing services, like Uber and Lyft, are available in Mahanoy City, although their availability may vary depending on the time of day and demand. Their reliability and cost-effectiveness for regular medical appointments should be carefully evaluated. The cost of these services, especially for longer trips to regional medical centers, can quickly accumulate.

Medical **transportation** services, designed specifically for patients needing assistance, offer another option. Companies like Medical Transportation Management (MTM) and LogistiCare provide non-emergency medical transport. Researching the availability of these services in the area and their coverage for prostate cancer-related appointments is crucial. These services often have contracts with insurance providers, potentially reducing out-of-pocket expenses.

The "Prostate Cancer Score" will also consider the proximity of local medical facilities. While Mahanoy City has its own medical practices, specialized care, such as urology and radiation oncology, might require travel to larger hospitals. The distance to these facilities and the availability of appointments are critical.

Furthermore, the score will incorporate information on the availability of support groups and patient resources in the area. Connecting with other individuals undergoing treatment can be invaluable for emotional support and practical advice.

Considering the drive times, limited public transit, and potential reliance on ride-sharing or medical transport, accessing specialized prostate cancer care in ZIP code 17948 presents challenges. The score will reflect the overall ease or difficulty of navigating the **transportation** landscape to obtain necessary medical services.

The score is not a definitive judgment but a tool to inform your decision. It will help you understand the practical implications of your move and plan accordingly. It's about empowering you with the knowledge to make an informed choice regarding your **healthcare access**.

The final "Prostate Cancer Score" will be determined by assigning points based on several factors:

* **Drive Times:** Points are deducted for longer drive times to specialized care facilities.
* **Public Transportation:** Points are awarded based on the availability, frequency, and ADA compliance of public transit.
* **Ride-Sharing Availability:** Points are awarded based on the reliability and cost-effectiveness of ride-sharing services.
* **Medical Transportation Services:** Points are awarded based on the availability of medical transport services and their insurance coverage.
* **Proximity to Local Medical Facilities:** Points are awarded based on the availability of local medical practices and their ability to provide initial diagnosis and treatment.
* **Support Resources:** Points are awarded based on the availability of support groups and patient resources in the area.

The higher the score, the better the **healthcare access** situation. A lower score indicates potential challenges that require careful planning and consideration.

Remember, this assessment is a starting point. We encourage you to conduct thorough research, contact local medical providers, and speak with residents to gain a comprehensive understanding of the **healthcare access** landscape in Mahanoy City. This proactive approach will enable you to make an informed decision about **moving to Mahanoy City** and ensure you can receive the necessary care for prostate cancer.