43716, Beallsville, Ohio Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 43716, Beallsville, Ohio is 31 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

51.09 percent of residents in 43716 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.41 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Barnesville Hospital Association, Inc with a distance of 12.66 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Beallsville (ZIP Code 43716)

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a diagnosis as life-altering as breast cancer, can be fraught with challenges. In the rural expanse of Beallsville, Ohio (ZIP Code 43716), these challenges are compounded by geographical isolation and limited transportation options. Understanding the accessibility of breast cancer care is crucial for residents and those considering moving to this tranquil community. This "Breast Cancer Score" aims to illuminate the transportation landscape, offering insights into drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services, ultimately evaluating healthcare access.

The primary artery connecting Beallsville to larger healthcare hubs is **State Route 7**. This winding two-lane highway snakes north and south, offering the most direct route to major medical facilities. Driving south on Route 7, the journey to Wheeling Hospital in Wheeling, West Virginia, a potential destination for specialized care, typically takes approximately 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions.

Venturing north on Route 7 provides access to facilities in Marietta, Ohio, including Marietta Memorial Hospital. The drive, covering approximately 40-55 minutes, showcases the rural character of the region, with picturesque landscapes punctuated by occasional small towns. While Route 7 is the main thoroughfare, the condition of the road and the potential for delays due to seasonal weather must be considered.

Beyond Route 7, smaller county roads, such as **County Road 10** and **County Road 11**, serve as secondary routes. These roads, while offering alternative paths, often involve longer drive times and may be less well-maintained, potentially impacting healthcare access, especially during inclement weather. These roads are important for local travel but are not ideal for time-sensitive medical appointments.

Public transportation options in Beallsville are limited. The Southeastern Ohio Transportation Agency (SEOTA) offers some services, but these are often demand-response, requiring advance booking and potentially long wait times. Fixed-route bus services are virtually non-existent in the immediate vicinity. This scarcity significantly impacts healthcare access for individuals without personal vehicles, particularly those with mobility limitations.

The availability of public transit is a critical factor when assessing healthcare access. The lack of robust public transit in Beallsville underscores the need for alternative transportation solutions, such as ride-sharing and medical transport services. The absence of accessible, frequent, and reliable public transportation constitutes a significant barrier to timely and consistent healthcare.

While SEOTA strives to provide accessible services, including ADA-compliant vehicles, the demand-response nature of the service can create challenges. Individuals requiring transportation must plan in advance, and the limited service area can restrict access to specialized breast cancer care facilities located outside the immediate vicinity.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the broader region, but their presence in Beallsville is sporadic and dependent on driver availability. Securing a ride to a medical appointment may require advance planning and could be subject to unpredictable wait times, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The reliance on ride-sharing adds another layer of complexity to healthcare access.

Medical transport services, including non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), offer a crucial lifeline for individuals requiring assistance getting to and from medical appointments. Companies like First Transit and LogistiCare provide NEMT services in the region, but eligibility requirements, insurance coverage, and scheduling procedures must be carefully considered.

These services often require pre-authorization from insurance providers and may have limitations on the distance and type of appointments they cover. While offering a vital service, these options are not always readily available or easily accessible, particularly for individuals with limited resources or complex medical needs.

The "Breast Cancer Score" must account for the availability and reliability of medical transport services. The ability to secure a ride to and from appointments is essential for consistent care, particularly for treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy. The lack of readily available medical transport can lead to missed appointments and delays in treatment, significantly impacting patient outcomes.

For those considering moving to Beallsville, understanding the transportation landscape is paramount. The reliance on personal vehicles or pre-arranged transportation underscores the need for careful planning and consideration of healthcare access. The challenges of navigating the transportation network should be factored into the decision-making process.

The drive times to the nearest major healthcare facilities, the limitations of public transit, and the complexities of ride-sharing and medical transport services all contribute to the overall "Breast Cancer Score" for Beallsville. The score reflects the relative ease or difficulty of accessing breast cancer care within the community.

The "Breast Cancer Score" is not simply a numerical rating; it is a comprehensive assessment of the transportation infrastructure and its impact on healthcare access. It highlights the need for community resources, such as volunteer driver programs or partnerships with local organizations, to enhance transportation options and improve healthcare access for all residents.

The rural nature of Beallsville presents unique challenges to healthcare access. The limited transportation options require proactive measures to ensure that all residents, particularly those facing a breast cancer diagnosis, can receive timely and consistent care. Improving transportation infrastructure and expanding access to medical transport services are essential steps toward improving healthcare access.

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Beallsville, Ohio (ZIP Code 43716) is a complex calculation, reflecting the realities of rural healthcare access. The score acknowledges the challenges posed by geographical isolation, limited public transit, and the reliance on personal vehicles or pre-arranged transportation. It emphasizes the need for community-based solutions to improve healthcare access and ensure that all residents have the opportunity to receive the care they need.

The journey to healthcare in Beallsville is a testament to the resilience of the community. While the transportation landscape presents challenges, the dedication of healthcare providers and the resourcefulness of residents create a network of support. Understanding the complexities of transportation and healthcare access is the first step toward ensuring that everyone in Beallsville has the opportunity to thrive.