26285, Norton, West Virginia Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 26285, Norton, West Virginia is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

32.89 percent of residents in 26285 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.36 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Davis Medical Center with a distance of 5.85 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 26285**

The journey to healthcare, particularly for those facing the complexities of breast cancer, is a critical factor in quality of life. In ZIP Code 26285, encompassing the town of Norton, West Virginia, access to timely and appropriate medical care is a matter of geography and available **transportation** options. This analysis provides a "Breast Cancer Score," assessing the ease of travel to facilities offering comprehensive breast cancer services, factoring in drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport. This information is particularly relevant for individuals considering **moving to Norton**, ensuring they understand the realities of **healthcare access** in the area.

The primary healthcare provider serving Norton and the surrounding region is the WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital in Buckhannon, approximately 40 miles away. This facility offers a range of services, including diagnostic imaging, surgical oncology, and chemotherapy. Driving from Norton, the most direct route utilizes US-33 East, a two-lane highway that can become congested during peak hours. The drive typically takes around one hour, but this can fluctuate depending on traffic, weather conditions, and the driver's familiarity with the winding mountain roads.

Another option involves taking US-33 East to US-19 South, adding about 10 miles to the trip. This route offers a slightly wider road and may be preferable for those seeking a less challenging driving experience. However, the overall travel time remains similar, hovering around an hour and fifteen minutes. The condition of these roads is generally good, but winter weather can significantly impact travel times and safety, making the journey to Buckhannon even more arduous.

Public **transportation** options in the region are limited. The Mountain LineMountain Line Transit Authority, serving the Morgantown area, does not extend its services to Norton. Local options are scarce, and relying on public transit for regular cancer treatments would be challenging. This lack of public transit significantly impacts the Breast Cancer Score, particularly for individuals without access to a personal vehicle or those unable to drive.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area, but their reliability and availability are inconsistent. While they may be an option for occasional appointments, the cost of regular rides to Buckhannon or other healthcare facilities could become prohibitive. Furthermore, the availability of drivers, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather, is not guaranteed. This uncertainty further complicates the process of accessing care.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance, offer a crucial lifeline. Companies like MedTrans and CareRide provide non-emergency medical transport, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services require advance booking and can be expensive, but they are a viable option for individuals who cannot drive or lack other **transportation** alternatives. The availability of these services, however, does not negate the impact of the distance and travel time on the overall Breast Cancer Score.

The Breast Cancer Score for ZIP Code 26285 is therefore significantly impacted by the geographical challenges. The reliance on personal vehicles for the majority of healthcare access, combined with the limited public transit and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services, creates a less-than-ideal situation. The distance to the primary healthcare facility, WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital, necessitates a minimum one-hour drive, which can be stressful and time-consuming for patients undergoing treatment.

The Breast Cancer Score is further influenced by the availability of specialized breast cancer services. While WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital offers comprehensive care, including diagnostic imaging, surgery, and chemotherapy, the absence of a dedicated cancer center within Norton itself means patients must travel for all aspects of their treatment. This constant travel adds to the physical and emotional burden of battling the disease.

For individuals considering **moving to Norton**, the Breast Cancer Score is a crucial factor to consider. The need for regular **transportation** to and from medical appointments, the potential for unpredictable weather conditions, and the limited availability of alternative **transportation** options all contribute to a less-than-ideal healthcare access scenario. Prospective residents should carefully evaluate their **transportation** needs and ensure they have a reliable plan for accessing healthcare.

The Breast Cancer Score is also affected by the availability of support services. The presence of local support groups, counseling services, and patient advocacy organizations can significantly improve the quality of life for breast cancer patients. While these services may exist in the region, their accessibility and proximity to Norton are crucial factors. Patients should research the availability of these resources before making a decision about **moving to Norton**.

The Breast Cancer Score also reflects the financial implications of accessing healthcare. The cost of gas, vehicle maintenance, ride-sharing services, and medical **transportation** can quickly add up, placing a significant financial burden on patients. Patients should carefully consider these costs when planning their healthcare journey.

The overall Breast Cancer Score for ZIP Code 26285 reflects the challenges of accessing healthcare in a rural area. The distance to the primary healthcare facility, the limited public transit options, and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services all contribute to a less-than-ideal situation. While medical **transportation** services provide a crucial lifeline, they can be expensive. The score is further impacted by the need for patients to travel for all aspects of their treatment, the availability of support services, and the financial implications of accessing healthcare.

In conclusion, the Breast Cancer Score for ZIP Code 26285 is moderate. While comprehensive breast cancer services are available at WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital, the distance and reliance on personal vehicles for **transportation** pose significant challenges. Individuals considering **moving to Norton** should carefully assess their healthcare needs and ensure they have a reliable plan for accessing care. The score highlights the importance of proactive planning and the potential need for exploring all available **transportation** options to ensure timely and appropriate access to healthcare.