18464, Tafton, Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 18464, Tafton, Pennsylvania is 34 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

61.74 percent of residents in 18464 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 20.37 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wayne Memorial Hospital with a distance of 12.42 miles from the area.

## Prostate Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Tafton, PA (ZIP Code 18464)

Moving to a new community, especially one with a more rural character like Tafton, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18464), necessitates a thorough understanding of its healthcare landscape. This is particularly crucial for men, as prostate cancer screening and treatment are vital components of preventative care. Assessing the ease of access to medical facilities specializing in prostate health, including urologists, oncologists, and radiation therapy centers, forms the basis of a "Prostate Cancer Score" for this area. This write-up will delve into the transportation options available to residents of 18464, considering drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, to provide a comprehensive overview of healthcare access.

Tafton, nestled in the Pocono Mountains, is characterized by its scenic beauty and relative isolation. This remoteness significantly impacts healthcare access, making transportation a critical factor. The closest major medical centers equipped to handle prostate cancer diagnoses and treatment are located in surrounding towns and cities, necessitating travel. The primary roads serving the area are Pennsylvania Route 507, Pennsylvania Route 6, and Interstate 84. These highways are essential arteries for accessing healthcare, with drive times varying depending on the destination and time of day.

For residents of Tafton, the drive to Scranton, approximately 40 miles away, is a common route for specialized medical care. This journey typically involves taking PA-507 south to I-84 West, then merging onto I-380 North, and finally connecting to I-81 North towards Scranton. The drive, under normal traffic conditions, can take approximately one hour to one hour and fifteen minutes. Another option involves traveling along PA-6 East, which can be a slightly longer route, especially during peak hours.

The commute to Wilkes-Barre, approximately 50 miles away, offers another avenue for healthcare access. This trip typically involves traveling on PA-507 south to I-84 West, then merging onto I-380 West, and finally connecting to I-81 South towards Wilkes-Barre. This drive, under normal traffic conditions, can take approximately one hour and fifteen minutes to one hour and thirty minutes. The availability of these routes, while offering options, highlights the dependence on personal vehicles for healthcare access in Tafton.

Public transportation options in the area are limited. Lackawanna County Transit System (LCTS) operates bus routes in the Scranton area, but these routes do not directly serve Tafton. The closest LCTS routes would require a significant drive to Scranton, followed by a transfer, making this option impractical for most residents. Similarly, Luzerne County Transportation Authority (LCTA) operates in the Wilkes-Barre area, but its services do not extend to Tafton. The absence of robust public transit underscores the challenges faced by individuals without access to a personal vehicle.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility on public transit is a crucial consideration for those with mobility limitations. LCTS and LCTA strive to provide accessible buses with features such as ramps, lifts, and designated seating. However, the limited service area means that individuals with disabilities in Tafton would face significant challenges utilizing public transit to access prostate cancer-related healthcare.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative transportation solution. However, the availability of these services in Tafton is variable. Ride-sharing is more prevalent in urban areas like Scranton and Wilkes-Barre, making it less reliable in Tafton, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Relying on ride-sharing for scheduled medical appointments requires careful planning and potentially significant wait times.

Medical transportation services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), cater specifically to individuals requiring assistance getting to medical appointments. Several ambulance services operate in Pike County, including Tafton. These services are primarily for emergency situations. NEMT providers, such as medical transportation companies, offer scheduled transportation for non-emergency medical appointments. Availability and pricing vary depending on the provider and the distance traveled. Researching and pre-arranging medical transport is essential for individuals in Tafton who cannot drive or do not have access to other transportation options.

The "Prostate Cancer Score" for Tafton, PA (18464) reflects the challenges in healthcare access due to the area's rural nature and limited transportation options. The reliance on personal vehicles for accessing specialized medical care, including prostate cancer screening and treatment, is a significant factor. The lack of robust public transit and the variable availability of ride-sharing services further complicate healthcare access. While medical transportation services offer a solution, their cost and availability must be considered.

Moving to Tafton requires careful consideration of these transportation factors. Individuals, particularly those with existing health concerns or those seeking preventative care, must proactively plan for their healthcare needs. This includes identifying the nearest medical facilities specializing in prostate cancer, understanding the drive times, and exploring all available transportation options.

The "Prostate Cancer Score" for Tafton, PA (18464) would be lower than that of a more urban area with readily available public transit and ride-sharing services. However, the presence of well-maintained highways and the availability of medical transportation services provide some level of healthcare access. Prospective residents should prioritize researching local healthcare providers, understanding their insurance coverage, and establishing a reliable transportation plan to ensure timely access to prostate cancer screening and treatment. This proactive approach will help navigate the transportation challenges and ensure that healthcare needs are met effectively.