18438, Lakeville, Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 18438, Lakeville, Pennsylvania is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

59.31 percent of residents in 18438 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.19 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wayne Memorial Hospital with a distance of 10.17 miles from the area.

## Prostate Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Lakeville, PA (ZIP Code 18438)

Considering a move to the serene landscapes of Lakeville, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18438)? The allure of fresh air, tranquil lakes, and a slower pace of life is undeniable. However, before you pack your bags, it’s crucial to assess your access to essential healthcare services, particularly if you're a man over 50 or have a family history of prostate cancer. This analysis provides a "Prostate Cancer Score," considering transportation options and drive times to specialized medical facilities, helping you make an informed decision about your healthcare access in this charming community.

This score isn't a medical diagnosis, but rather a practical guide to understanding the logistical challenges and opportunities associated with accessing prostate cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment within and around Lakeville. We will examine the transportation landscape, evaluating drive times, public transit availability, and ride-sharing options, all crucial elements influencing your healthcare access.

The primary concern is timely access to medical professionals. Prostate cancer screening, including the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test and digital rectal exam, should be performed regularly. If abnormalities are detected, a biopsy and potential treatment options are necessary. Delays in diagnosis and treatment can significantly impact outcomes.

**The Score: A Transportation-Focused Assessment**

Our Prostate Cancer Score is based on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 representing excellent access and 5 representing very limited access. This score considers the time and effort required to reach specialized prostate cancer care facilities, factoring in the available transportation options.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

Lakeville's location presents a unique challenge: it’s nestled in a beautiful, but somewhat remote, area. The primary artery for transportation is **Interstate 84 (I-84)**, which provides relatively quick access to larger cities. However, traffic can be a factor, especially during peak hours and weekends.

Driving to the closest comprehensive cancer center, **Geisinger Medical Center** in Danville, PA, is a significant undertaking. Expect a drive of approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, primarily via I-84 West and then **U.S. Route 80 West**. This is a considerable commute for routine appointments, follow-up visits, or unexpected complications.

Closer options include **Wayne Memorial Hospital** in Honesdale, PA. This is a more realistic option, located approximately 20 minutes away via **PA-590 East**. However, while Wayne Memorial offers some diagnostic services, it may not have the same level of specialized oncology care as a larger facility.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in and around Lakeville are limited. There is no direct public transit to major medical centers. This presents a significant hurdle for individuals who do not drive or prefer not to drive.

The **Lackawanna County Transit System (LCTS)** offers some bus routes in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area. However, these routes do not directly serve Lakeville, and transferring to reach a medical facility would be time-consuming and potentially unreliable.

ADA accessibility is a consideration for public transit. While LCTS vehicles are equipped with accessibility features, the limited service in the Lakeville area makes public transit a less viable option for healthcare access.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Lakeville area, but their availability can be unpredictable, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Relying solely on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments would be risky.

Medical transport services are available, but they come at a cost. These services, such as **CareRide** or **American Medical Response (AMR)**, provide door-to-door transportation for medical appointments. However, the expense can be a significant burden, particularly for frequent visits.

**Healthcare Access: A Deeper Dive**

Beyond transportation, several factors impact healthcare access. The availability of primary care physicians in the Lakeville area is crucial for referrals and ongoing care. It's essential to research the local medical community and ensure you can establish a relationship with a primary care physician who can coordinate your prostate cancer care.

Consider the availability of specialists. Does Lakeville have urologists who can perform prostate cancer screenings and biopsies? The need for a referral to a larger facility for advanced treatment options is a factor to consider.

**The Prostate Cancer Score for Lakeville (18438):**

Based on the factors discussed, the Prostate Cancer Score for Lakeville, PA (18438) is a **3**.

This score reflects the following:

* **Drive Times:** While Wayne Memorial Hospital offers closer access, the limited specialized care there necessitates longer drives to major cancer centers.
* **Public Transit:** The lack of reliable public transit significantly limits access.
* **Ride-Sharing:** Availability is variable and not a dependable solution for routine appointments.
* **Medical Transport:** While available, the cost adds a financial burden.

**Moving to Lakeville: A Balanced Perspective**

Moving to Lakeville offers a desirable lifestyle, but it's essential to acknowledge the challenges of healthcare access. If you have a family history of prostate cancer or are over 50, it's crucial to factor in the time and effort required to reach specialized care.

Before making your move, consider these recommendations:

* **Research local healthcare providers:** Identify primary care physicians and specialists in the area.
* **Assess insurance coverage:** Ensure your insurance plan covers transportation costs and out-of-network care if necessary.
* **Explore medical transport options:** Investigate the costs and availability of medical transport services.
* **Plan for longer appointment times:** Factor in travel time when scheduling appointments.
* **Consider the impact on loved ones:** If you have a partner or family, discuss how they can assist with transportation and support.

**Conclusion:**

Lakeville's charm is undeniable. However, when considering a move, especially for individuals concerned about prostate cancer, a thorough assessment of transportation and healthcare access is paramount. While the Prostate Cancer Score for Lakeville is a 3, indicating moderate challenges, careful planning and proactive healthcare management can mitigate these obstacles, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of this beautiful community while maintaining access to quality care. The journey to healthcare is a critical component of your overall well-being, and understanding the transportation landscape is a vital first step.