26143, Elizabeth, West Virginia Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 26143, Elizabeth, West Virginia is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

30.26 percent of residents in 26143 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.99 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Camden Clark Medical Center with a distance of 16.32 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in ZIP Code 26143**

The journey to healthcare, particularly for those facing a breast cancer diagnosis, is a complex one. It’s not simply about the medical expertise available, but also the accessibility of that care. This report delves into the transportation landscape surrounding breast cancer treatment options for residents of ZIP Code 26143 (Elizabeth, West Virginia), a rural community, assessing the challenges and opportunities that shape their healthcare access. We'll examine drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport options, ultimately providing a "Breast Cancer Score" that reflects the ease or difficulty of navigating this critical aspect of care.

The very notion of “healthcare access” is multifaceted. It encompasses not just the presence of medical facilities, but also the ability to physically reach them. This is especially crucial in a region like Elizabeth, where the distance to specialized care can be significant. The Breast Cancer Score aims to quantify this accessibility, taking into account the available transportation options and the time and effort required to utilize them.

**The Road Ahead: Drive Times and Destinations**

For many residents of 26143, the automobile remains the primary mode of transportation. The nearest hospitals with comprehensive breast cancer treatment services are likely located in Parkersburg, approximately 30-40 miles away, or Charleston, about 130 miles. The drive to Parkersburg, utilizing **US Route 50** and potentially **West Virginia Route 14**, typically takes between 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic and road conditions. The journey to Charleston, primarily via **US Route 33** and **Interstate 79**, can consume two to three hours, making it a considerable undertaking for routine appointments, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.

The condition of the roads themselves plays a crucial role. Rural roads are often subject to weather-related closures and may not be well-maintained, potentially adding to travel times and increasing the risk of delays. This is an important consideration for patients who may be immunocompromised or undergoing treatment that requires strict adherence to schedules.

**Public Transit: A Limited Network**

Public transportation options in this area are limited. The Mid-Ohio Valley Transit Authority (MOVTA) serves the Parkersburg area, but its routes may not extend directly to Elizabeth or offer convenient connections for medical appointments. The availability of ADA-accessible buses is crucial for patients with mobility limitations, and this is an important factor when considering the practicality of public transit.

The MOVTA may offer demand-response services, such as a dial-a-ride program, but these often require advance booking and may have limited operating hours, making them less suitable for urgent or unscheduled medical needs. The lack of frequent service and the potential for long travel times can significantly hinder healthcare access for those reliant on public transit.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, may be available in the Parkersburg area but are less prevalent in Elizabeth itself. The availability of these services can vary depending on the time of day and the demand, and the cost can be a significant barrier for some patients.

Medical transport services, such as MedTrans Corporation or FirstCall Medical Transportation, offer specialized transportation for patients with medical needs. These services often provide door-to-door transportation and can accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility devices. However, they can be expensive and may require pre-authorization from insurance companies.

**The Breast Cancer Score: A Composite Assessment**

To calculate the Breast Cancer Score, we consider several factors:

* **Drive Time:** The average drive time to the nearest comprehensive breast cancer treatment center (Parkersburg and Charleston).
* **Public Transit Availability:** The frequency, accessibility, and convenience of public transit options.
* **Ride-Sharing Availability:** The availability and cost of ride-sharing services.
* **Medical Transport Options:** The availability, cost, and accessibility of medical transport services.
* **Road Conditions:** The quality and maintenance of the roads used for transportation.

Each factor is assigned a weighted value based on its importance in determining healthcare access. The Breast Cancer Score is then calculated as a composite score, ranging from 1 to 10, with 1 representing the most challenging access and 10 representing the easiest access.

**Scoring the Landscape: Analysis and Recommendations**

Based on the available information, the Breast Cancer Score for 26143 is likely to be relatively low, potentially in the range of 3-4. The primary challenges are the long drive times to specialized care, the limited public transit options, and the potential cost and availability issues associated with ride-sharing and medical transport.

For residents of 26143 facing a breast cancer diagnosis, the following recommendations are crucial:

* **Early Planning:** Begin planning for transportation needs as soon as possible, including exploring all available options.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Verify insurance coverage for transportation services, including medical transport and ride-sharing.
* **Community Resources:** Contact local community organizations and healthcare providers for information on available transportation assistance programs.
* **Support Network:** Build a strong support network of family, friends, or volunteers who can provide transportation assistance.
* **Advocacy:** Advocate for improved public transit services and increased access to affordable transportation options in the region.

**Moving to Elizabeth: A Healthcare Consideration**

For those considering moving to Elizabeth, the Breast Cancer Score should be a key consideration, especially if they or a family member have a history of breast cancer or other health concerns requiring specialized care. The challenges associated with transportation can significantly impact the quality of life and the ability to access timely and effective treatment.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Healthcare Journey**

The journey to healthcare for breast cancer patients in 26143 is often complicated by transportation barriers. By understanding the limitations and exploring all available options, residents can proactively manage their healthcare access and navigate the challenges of a rural environment. Addressing the issues of transportation is essential to ensure that all individuals have the opportunity to receive the care they need, when they need it. This Breast Cancer Score serves as a starting point for understanding the complexities of healthcare access and highlights the need for continued efforts to improve transportation options and support the well-being of the community.