18632, Mildred, Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 18632, Mildred, Pennsylvania is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

61.86 percent of residents in 18632 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 28.20 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Geisinger Medical Center Muncy with a distance of 27.62 miles from the area.

## Prostate Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 18632

The quaint borough of Mildred, nestled within the verdant embrace of ZIP Code 18632, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities when it comes to healthcare access, particularly for those concerned about prostate cancer. This write-up delves into the specifics of transportation options and their impact on accessing vital medical services, offering a "Prostate Cancer Score" based on the realities of navigating healthcare in this rural Pennsylvania community.

The score, for illustrative purposes, will consider factors like drive times, public transit availability, and the presence of ride-share services, ultimately painting a picture of the ease or difficulty a resident might face in receiving timely and comprehensive prostate cancer care. Our focus remains steadfastly on the practicalities of transportation, recognizing its crucial role in healthcare access.

Let’s embark on this journey, considering the specific transportation landscape of Mildred and its surrounding areas.

**The Highway to Healthcare: Drive Times and Road Conditions**

For many residents of Mildred, the automobile remains the primary mode of transportation. The nearest significant medical facilities, including hospitals and specialized clinics, are located in Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, and Bloomsburg. These destinations necessitate travel on a network of roads, each with its own impact on the "Prostate Cancer Score."

The most direct route to Scranton, home to Geisinger Commonwealth Health System, involves utilizing Pennsylvania Route 487 South, which eventually merges onto Interstate 81 North. The drive, typically covering around 50 miles, can take approximately one hour and fifteen minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions. The initial stretch on Route 487, a two-lane road, can be subject to delays, especially during peak hours or periods of inclement weather.

Wilkes-Barre, home to major hospitals like Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center and Commonwealth Health Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, is accessible via Route 487 South, connecting to Interstate 80 East, and then onto Interstate 81 North. This route, approximately 40 miles, usually takes about an hour, again contingent on traffic and weather. The section of I-80 can experience significant congestion, particularly during weekends and holidays.

Bloomsburg, with Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital, is reached via Route 487 South and then Pennsylvania Route 42 South. This journey, roughly 30 miles, is generally the shortest drive, averaging around 45 minutes. Route 42, while generally less congested, can be prone to delays due to its two-lane configuration.

These drive times, while manageable, highlight the dependence on personal vehicles and the potential for delays. The "Prostate Cancer Score" will reflect the added burden of long commutes, especially for individuals experiencing symptoms or undergoing treatment.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in 18632 are extremely limited. Luzerne County Transportation Authority (LCTA) provides some bus service, but its routes and frequency are sparse in this rural area. There are no direct routes to Mildred. Access to healthcare facilities via public transit necessitates a complex series of transfers, significantly extending travel times and increasing the likelihood of missed appointments.

The lack of readily available public transportation presents a significant challenge for individuals without access to a personal vehicle, or those unable to drive due to medical conditions. The "Prostate Cancer Score" reflects the limitations of public transit, recognizing its inadequacy in meeting the healthcare needs of the community.

ADA accessibility, while mandated for public transportation, is often a concern in rural areas. Ensuring that buses and other transit options are fully accessible is crucial for individuals with mobility impairments, further complicating the already limited public transit options.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps?**

The presence of ride-share services like Uber and Lyft in 18632 is sporadic. Availability is not guaranteed, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Relying on ride-share for regular medical appointments is therefore unreliable. The "Prostate Cancer Score" must account for the uncertainty and potential expense associated with ride-share services.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by private companies, provide a more reliable option for individuals needing assistance. These services often offer door-to-door transport, including wheelchair accessibility. However, they come at a cost, potentially adding a significant financial burden to the healthcare experience. The "Prostate Cancer Score" will weigh the availability and affordability of these services.

**The "Prostate Cancer Score" in 18632**

Based on the transportation landscape, the "Prostate Cancer Score" for 18632 would likely be moderate, reflecting the challenges of healthcare access in a rural setting. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit, and the uncertainty of ride-share services contribute to this assessment.

The score would be further influenced by the availability of local primary care physicians who can provide initial screenings and referrals. The proximity of specialists and the efficiency of appointment scheduling also play a role.

**Moving to Mildred: A Healthcare Consideration**

For individuals considering a move to Mildred, the transportation challenges should be a key consideration. The "Prostate Cancer Score" provides a realistic assessment of the accessibility of healthcare services. Prospective residents should carefully evaluate their transportation needs, their ability to drive, and their access to alternative transportation options.

The community's commitment to improving healthcare access, including potential investments in public transit or partnerships with medical transportation providers, would significantly improve the "Prostate Cancer Score" and enhance the quality of life for all residents. Investing in healthcare access is an investment in the well-being of the community.