18847, Susquehanna, Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 18847, Susquehanna, Pennsylvania is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

52.87 percent of residents in 18847 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.03 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Barnes-Kasson County Hospital with a distance of 0.94 miles from the area.

## Prostate Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in ZIP Code 18847

The decision to relocate, especially when considering healthcare access, is a significant one. For individuals residing in or contemplating a move to ZIP Code 18847 (Susquehanna, Pennsylvania), understanding the prostate cancer healthcare landscape is crucial. This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of transportation options and their implications for accessing potentially life-saving care. We will explore the challenges and opportunities presented by the local infrastructure, offering a “Prostate Cancer Score” to aid in informed decision-making.

ZIP Code 18847, nestled in the heart of Susquehanna County, presents a unique set of circumstances. The region’s rural character influences transportation options, impacting healthcare access. The nearest comprehensive cancer centers are located outside the immediate vicinity, necessitating travel. This report examines the available routes, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses in relation to prostate cancer treatment, which often requires frequent appointments for diagnosis, staging, treatment, and follow-up care.

The "Prostate Cancer Score" is a composite metric, considering factors like drive times, public transportation availability, ride-share options, and medical transport services. It reflects the relative ease or difficulty of accessing prostate cancer-related healthcare from 18847. A higher score indicates better accessibility. We'll evaluate each transportation mode, culminating in a final score and concluding remarks.

**Driving: The Cornerstone of Healthcare Access**

For most residents of 18847, personal vehicles are the primary mode of transportation. The ability to drive is fundamental for healthcare access. The major arteries serving the area include Interstate 81 (I-81), a north-south corridor, and US Route 17 (US-17), which connects to New York State. Pennsylvania Route 171 (PA-171) and Pennsylvania Route 29 (PA-29) provide local access.

The nearest major medical centers equipped to handle prostate cancer treatment are located in Binghamton, New York, approximately 30-45 minutes away via I-81 and US-17. Scranton, Pennsylvania, is another option, accessible in approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes via I-81. These drive times are estimates and are subject to traffic conditions, weather, and the specific location within 18847.

The reliability of driving is a significant advantage. Patients can control their schedules and travel at their convenience. However, the costs of vehicle ownership, including fuel, maintenance, and insurance, must be considered. Furthermore, individuals undergoing treatment may experience fatigue or other side effects that could impact their ability to drive safely.

**Public Transportation: Limited Options, Significant Challenges**

Public transportation in 18847 is severely limited, presenting a significant challenge for individuals needing regular healthcare appointments. The lack of a robust public transit system is a major factor influencing the Prostate Cancer Score. There are no fixed-route bus services operating within the immediate area.

The lack of public transit underscores the challenges of healthcare access in rural areas. Individuals without access to a personal vehicle or the financial means to use other transportation options face significant barriers to receiving timely and consistent care. The absence of ADA-compliant features on any potential bus services further compounds these difficulties.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gap**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the region, though their presence may be limited, particularly in the more rural areas of 18847. Availability and wait times can vary significantly depending on the time of day, day of the week, and driver availability. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier, especially for frequent appointments.

Medical transport services offer a more specialized option. These services are designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, often with assistance for those with mobility limitations. Several medical transport providers operate in the area, including local ambulance services and specialized companies. The cost of medical transport is typically higher than ride-sharing and may require pre-booking. The availability of these services is crucial for those who cannot drive or lack access to other transportation options.

**The Prostate Cancer Score for 18847**

Considering the factors outlined above, the Prostate Cancer Score for 18847 is moderate, reflecting the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited availability of alternative transportation options. The score is negatively impacted by the lack of public transit and the potential limitations of ride-sharing and medical transport services.

The score is positively influenced by the relatively short drive times to healthcare facilities in Binghamton and Scranton. However, the reliance on driving necessitates careful consideration of the associated costs and potential limitations.

**Final Thoughts: Navigating the Healthcare Landscape**

For individuals considering a move to 18847 or currently residing there, understanding the transportation landscape is crucial. The availability of healthcare access is a critical factor in quality of life, especially for those facing a prostate cancer diagnosis.

The Prostate Cancer Score for 18847 highlights the importance of personal vehicles and the need to carefully plan for transportation to and from medical appointments. While ride-sharing and medical transport services offer alternatives, their availability and cost should be carefully evaluated.

For those considering moving to Susquehanna and concerned about healthcare access, it is advisable to research the specific healthcare facilities in the area, including their transportation assistance programs. Planning for potential transportation challenges is essential for ensuring timely and consistent access to prostate cancer care. The ability to drive, or access to a reliable alternative, is paramount.