18456, Prompton, Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 18456, Prompton, Pennsylvania is 66 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

80.00 percent of residents in 18456 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.66 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wayne Memorial Hospital with a distance of 4.49 miles from the area.

## Prostate Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Prompton, PA (ZIP Code 18456)

The crisp air of Prompton, Pennsylvania, whispers promises of tranquility. Nestled in the heart of Wayne County, this charming community offers a slower pace of life, attracting those seeking respite from the urban sprawl. Yet, the allure of rural living necessitates a critical examination of **healthcare access**, particularly when considering the complexities of a diagnosis like prostate cancer. This write-up delves into the nuances of **transportation** options available to residents of ZIP Code 18456, providing a Prostate Cancer Score based on the ease and efficiency of reaching essential medical services.

For men facing a prostate cancer diagnosis, timely access to specialized care is paramount. The journey from initial screening to diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing monitoring requires navigating a complex healthcare landscape. This is especially true in areas like Prompton, where the proximity of specialized medical facilities and the availability of reliable **transportation** can significantly impact the patient experience.

The Prostate Cancer Score for Prompton, PA (18456) considers various factors: drive times to urology specialists, radiation oncology centers, and surgical facilities; the availability and accessibility of public transit; the presence of ride-sharing services; and the availability of medical **transportation** providers. Each factor is weighted to reflect its importance in facilitating timely and convenient access to care.

**Roadways and Drive Times: The Asphalt Arteries of Care**

The primary routes serving Prompton are a network of state highways and local roads, each presenting its own challenges and advantages for accessing healthcare. Route 6, a major east-west thoroughfare, offers the most direct access to larger medical centers. The drive to Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton, a regional hub for cancer care, typically takes around 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic. This journey involves traversing Route 6, a well-maintained but often congested highway, particularly during peak hours.

Heading south on Route 6 towards Scranton means passing through Honesdale, the county seat, where Wayne Memorial Hospital provides some basic urological services and primary care. The drive is usually 15-20 minutes. While Wayne Memorial offers a local option, it might not have the specialized expertise and advanced equipment required for complex prostate cancer cases.

Further west, the drive to Wilkes-Barre, approximately an hour and a half away via Route 6 and I-81, opens up access to additional treatment options, including specialized cancer centers. This longer commute, however, necessitates careful planning and consideration of potential delays.

The smaller roads within Prompton, such as Prompton Road and Golf Course Road, primarily serve residential areas and offer limited access to major roadways. Navigating these local roads requires caution, especially during inclement weather.

**Public Transit: A Limited Network**

Public transit options in Prompton are extremely limited. The Wayne County Transportation Authority (WCTA) provides bus service within the county, but its routes are infrequent and primarily designed for local travel. There are no direct routes to Scranton or Wilkes-Barre, making public transit a non-viable option for most prostate cancer patients seeking specialized care.

The WCTA buses lack many ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, such as wheelchair lifts or ramps. This makes it even more challenging for patients with mobility issues to use the available public transit.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Scranton and Wilkes-Barre areas, but their presence in Prompton is less consistent. Availability can be limited, especially during off-peak hours or in rural areas. Relying solely on ride-sharing for medical appointments is risky, as delays or cancellations can disrupt treatment schedules.

Several medical **transportation** providers operate in the region, offering specialized services for patients needing assistance getting to and from medical appointments. These services typically involve pre-scheduled rides in wheelchair-accessible vehicles, ensuring a safe and comfortable journey. However, medical **transportation** can be expensive, and insurance coverage varies. Patients must investigate their insurance coverage options and pre-book rides well in advance.

**Medical Transportation Brands:**

* **Care Ride:** Offers non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
* **American Medical Response (AMR):** Provides both emergency and non-emergency medical transportation services.
* **First Transit:** Operates a fleet of vehicles, including wheelchair-accessible vans, for medical appointments.

**The Prostate Cancer Score for Prompton (18456)**

Considering the factors discussed, the Prostate Cancer Score for Prompton, PA (18456) is moderately low. While the proximity to Wayne Memorial Hospital offers some local options, the lack of robust public transit, the limited availability of ride-sharing services, and the reliance on driving for specialized care create significant challenges.

The score reflects the following:

* **Drive Times:** Moderate. While Scranton and Wilkes-Barre are within reasonable driving distance, the commute times can be significant, especially during peak hours.
* **Public Transit:** Very Low. The limited and infrequent public transit options make it impractical for most patients.
* **Ride-Sharing:** Low. Availability is inconsistent, and reliance on ride-sharing can be unreliable.
* **Medical Transportation:** Moderate. While medical **transportation** services are available, they come with added costs and require advance planning.

**Recommendations for Residents of Prompton**

For residents of Prompton facing a prostate cancer diagnosis, proactive planning is crucial.

* **Establish a strong relationship with a primary care physician:** Early detection is key.
* **Research and select a urologist:** Determine the location and accessibility.
* **Explore medical **transportation** options:** Compare costs and insurance coverage.
* **Coordinate appointments:** Minimize travel time and maximize efficiency.
* **Consider the impact on family and caregivers:** Plan for the support needed.

**Moving to Prompton and Healthcare Considerations**

For those considering **moving to Prompton**, the availability of healthcare services should be a key factor in the decision-making process. Prospective residents should research the local healthcare landscape, including the proximity of specialized cancer centers, the availability of **transportation** options, and the potential costs associated with accessing care.

Prompton offers a peaceful and idyllic lifestyle, but its rural setting presents challenges for accessing specialized medical care. By understanding the available **transportation** options and planning accordingly, residents of Prompton can navigate the healthcare system and receive the timely and effective treatment they deserve.