26142, Davisville, West Virginia Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 26142, Davisville, West Virginia is 34 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

73.12 percent of residents in 26142 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.85 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Camden Clark Medical Center with a distance of 6.24 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Davisville (ZIP Code 26142)

Considering a move to Davisville, West Virginia (ZIP Code 26142)? Beyond the charm of small-town living, it's crucial to assess the practicalities, especially when it comes to healthcare access. This analysis provides a "Breast Cancer Score" – a comprehensive look at transportation options for breast cancer care, from diagnosis to treatment, within and around your potential new home. Understanding these factors is vital for informed decision-making, especially when battling a disease that demands timely and consistent medical attention.

The Breast Cancer Score weighs the accessibility of crucial healthcare resources, specifically focusing on transportation. This includes drive times to hospitals and cancer centers, public transit availability, and the feasibility of ride-sharing or medical transport services. The score is not a definitive measure of healthcare quality, but rather a practical assessment of how easily you can reach it.

Davisville is a rural community. The primary means of transportation for healthcare access is, therefore, by car. The most direct route to major medical facilities typically involves navigating US Route 50, a major east-west artery. Depending on the specific location within 26142, travel to the nearest significant healthcare hub, Camden Clark Medical Center in Parkersburg, will likely take approximately 20 to 30 minutes, assuming normal traffic conditions.

From Davisville, you'd take US-50 West. This route is generally well-maintained, but weather conditions, particularly during winter, can significantly impact travel times. Always factor in potential delays due to snow, ice, or fog. The journey to Camden Clark offers a relatively straightforward drive, but the distance necessitates careful planning, especially for frequent appointments.

For those seeking specialized cancer care, the drive to the WVU Medicine Camden Clark Cancer Center, located on the Camden Clark campus, is also a primary destination. This center provides comprehensive cancer services, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical oncology. The drive time mirrors the trip to the main hospital, making it a readily accessible option for residents of Davisville.

Alternatively, for more specialized treatment or second opinions, residents might consider traveling to larger medical centers. This includes hospitals in Charleston, West Virginia, or even Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. These journeys involve significantly longer drive times. Traveling to Charleston, approximately 110 miles away, would involve taking US-50 West to Interstate 79 South, a trip that could take upwards of two hours, not accounting for traffic.

Pittsburgh, a city with numerous renowned cancer centers, presents a more challenging transportation scenario. The drive, approximately 150 miles, would involve US-50 West to I-79 North, then onto various Pittsburgh-area highways. This journey could easily consume three or more hours, making it less practical for frequent appointments.

Public transportation options in and around Davisville are extremely limited. The Mid-Ohio Valley Transit Authority (MOVTA) offers some bus routes within the Parkersburg area, but these routes typically do not extend directly into Davisville. Furthermore, the frequency of service is limited, and the routes are not designed to serve the specific needs of patients requiring regular medical appointments.

ADA accessibility on MOVTA buses is available, but the limited service and lack of direct routes to healthcare facilities make public transit a less-than-ideal solution for those needing breast cancer care. Relying on public transit would necessitate multiple transfers and significantly extend travel times, potentially impacting the timeliness of treatments.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Parkersburg area, but their reliability and availability in Davisville can be inconsistent. The rural nature of the area means that wait times for a ride can be longer, and the cost can be higher, particularly during peak hours or in inclement weather. This makes ride-sharing a potentially unreliable option for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance, offer a more reliable alternative. Companies like MedStar and CareRide specialize in providing non-emergency medical transportation. These services typically involve pre-booked appointments and offer door-to-door service, ensuring patients reach their appointments safely and on time. However, the cost of these services can be substantial, and they may not be covered by all insurance plans.

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Davisville, considering transportation, highlights the challenges of healthcare access in a rural environment. The primary reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with limited public transit and potential inconsistencies in ride-sharing services, underscores the need for careful planning and consideration.

For someone moving to Davisville with a history of breast cancer or at high risk, the proximity to Camden Clark Medical Center and its cancer center is a significant advantage. However, the potential need for specialized care at distant facilities necessitates careful evaluation of transportation options and associated costs.

When moving to Davisville, consider the following: the reliability of your vehicle, the availability of family or friends to provide transportation, and the potential costs of medical transportation services. Proactively researching these options before a move is crucial.

The ability to navigate the transportation landscape effectively is paramount. While Davisville offers the charm of a small town, the "Breast Cancer Score" emphasizes the importance of prioritizing healthcare access and making informed decisions regarding your health and well-being. The journey to recovery is challenging, and understanding the transportation component is a vital step in ensuring timely and effective care.