18104, Allentown, Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 18104, Allentown, Pennsylvania is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

75.64 percent of residents in 18104 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 7.48 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Lehigh Valley Hospital with a distance of 2.42 miles from the area.

## Prostate Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Allentown's 18104

Considering a move to Allentown's 18104 ZIP code? Beyond the charm of the city, the quality of life, and the vibrant community, a crucial factor to assess is healthcare access, especially when considering potential health concerns like prostate cancer. This write-up provides a "Prostate Cancer Score" for 18104, focusing on transportation options to medical facilities offering prostate cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Understanding these transportation nuances is vital, impacting your overall healthcare experience.

The 18104 ZIP code, encompassing a significant portion of Allentown, Pennsylvania, presents a mixed bag of transportation options. While not as densely populated as some urban centers, navigating the area to access healthcare requires careful planning. The score here considers drive times, public transit availability, and alternative transport choices.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The primary roadways influencing healthcare access in 18104 are the **Interstate 78 (I-78)**, **Route 22 (Lehigh Street)**, and **Route 145 (MacArthur Road)**. These arteries connect the area to major hospitals and medical centers. Drive times can vary significantly depending on traffic, especially during peak hours.

For example, reaching Lehigh Valley Hospital – 17th Street, a major healthcare provider, from central 18104 via **Route 22 East** typically takes 10-15 minutes under normal conditions. However, rush hour can easily double this time. Similarly, accessing St. Luke's Hospital – Allentown Campus, located near the intersection of **I-78 and Route 309**, can take 15-20 minutes, potentially longer during congestion.

The **Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-476)**, though not directly within 18104, offers another route to healthcare facilities, especially those further afield. However, it incurs tolls and adds travel time. Knowing these drive-time realities is crucial for scheduling appointments, especially for regular screenings or treatments.

**Public Transportation:**

LANTA (Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority) provides public transportation within the Allentown area. Several bus routes serve the 18104 ZIP code, offering an alternative to driving. However, the frequency of these routes and the overall travel time are significant considerations.

**Route 101** and **Route 103** are key routes serving 18104, connecting to major medical centers. For instance, **Route 101** travels along **Hamilton Street**, passing near several medical offices and offering a connection to the Lehigh Valley Hospital network. However, a bus ride to a hospital from a central 18104 location can take 30-45 minutes, significantly longer than driving.

LANTA buses are generally equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, including wheelchair accessibility and audio-visual announcements, enhancing accessibility for individuals with mobility limitations. However, the limited service on weekends and evenings may pose challenges for those requiring healthcare access outside of typical business hours.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in the Allentown area, providing another transportation option. These services offer on-demand access to healthcare facilities, bypassing the need to drive or rely solely on public transit.

However, ride-sharing costs can accumulate, especially for frequent appointments or longer distances. Furthermore, availability can fluctuate, particularly during peak hours or in areas with lower demand.

Medical transportation services, such as ambulance services or non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), are also accessible. These services cater specifically to individuals with medical needs who require assistance getting to and from appointments. Companies like **Medicaid Transportation** and **First Transit** operate in the region. However, these services often require prior scheduling and may have specific eligibility requirements.

**Prostate Cancer Score and Considerations:**

Based on these factors, the "Prostate Cancer Score" for 18104 is moderately favorable. While drive times to major hospitals are generally reasonable, reliance on personal vehicles is often necessary for efficient healthcare access. Public transportation offers an alternative, though travel times are longer, and service frequency is limited. Ride-sharing provides flexibility but at a cost.

For individuals considering a move to 18104, several factors should influence their healthcare access assessment. Proximity to major hospitals and medical centers is paramount. The ability to drive or have reliable access to a vehicle significantly impacts healthcare access.

Consider the availability of specialists, including urologists and oncologists, within the area. Research the specific prostate cancer screening and treatment options available at local hospitals, such as Lehigh Valley Hospital and St. Luke's Hospital. Assess your ability to navigate public transportation or utilize ride-sharing services if driving is not an option.

**Moving to Allentown** requires a comprehensive understanding of the local infrastructure. Planning for healthcare access is a critical element. The 18104 ZIP code presents a mixed bag of transportation options. While the drive times are relatively manageable, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limitations of public transit must be considered.

The score is based on the current transportation infrastructure. Investments in public transit or the expansion of ride-sharing services could improve the score.

**Conclusion:**

The "Prostate Cancer Score" for 18104 emphasizes the importance of understanding the transportation landscape. While the area offers reasonable healthcare access, careful planning is essential. Understanding drive times, public transit options, and alternative transportation choices will empower you to make informed decisions. This knowledge is crucial for anyone considering a move to Allentown, ensuring they can readily access the healthcare services they need, including those related to prostate cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment.