35136, Rockford, Alabama Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 35136, Rockford, Alabama is 25 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

58.82 percent of residents in 35136 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 20.08 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Coosa Valley Medical Center with a distance of 20.71 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Rockford, Alabama (ZIP Code 35136)

Considering a move to Rockford, Alabama (ZIP Code 35136), and concerned about healthcare access, particularly for lung cancer treatment? This write-up provides a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, focusing on transportation options and their impact on accessing crucial medical services. The ability to reach specialists, undergo treatments, and attend follow-up appointments is paramount. This analysis considers drive times, public transit, ride-share availability, and medical transport services, offering a comprehensive view of the healthcare landscape.

Rockford, nestled in Coosa County, presents a unique challenge. Its rural setting influences transportation infrastructure and, consequently, healthcare accessibility. The "Lung Cancer Score" reflects the ease or difficulty of reaching essential medical resources from this ZIP code. The lower the score, the better the access.

**Drive Time and Roadways: The Backbone of Healthcare Access**

The primary mode of transportation for most residents is personal vehicles. Driving times to healthcare facilities are a critical component of our score. The closest major medical center is the Coosa Valley Medical Center, located in Sylacauga, approximately 20 miles away. Reaching this facility typically involves navigating along US-280 East. Expect a drive time of around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic and time of day. This drive is generally manageable, but it can become challenging during peak hours or adverse weather conditions.

For specialized lung cancer care, including radiation oncology and advanced surgical procedures, patients often need to travel to larger hospitals in Birmingham, about 70 miles away. This journey involves taking US-280 West, transitioning onto I-65 North. The drive time can range from 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, depending on traffic congestion, especially around Birmingham. This longer commute introduces significant time commitments, potentially affecting treatment schedules and patient well-being.

The condition of the roadways is also a factor. While US-280 is generally well-maintained, occasional construction or accidents can cause delays. I-65, being a major interstate, is prone to heavy traffic, especially during rush hours and on weekends. These potential delays must be factored into the overall "Lung Cancer Score."

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

Public transportation options in Rockford are extremely limited. Coosa County does not have a comprehensive public bus system. This lack of public transit significantly impacts individuals without personal vehicles, especially those with mobility limitations or financial constraints. The absence of readily available public transportation is a major detriment to the "Lung Cancer Score."

The nearest public transit options are likely in neighboring counties or cities, such as Sylacauga or Birmingham, but the lack of direct routes and the need for multiple transfers make these options impractical for regular medical appointments. Individuals reliant on public transportation would face significant challenges in accessing timely and consistent cancer care.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a critical consideration for any public transit system. Without a functional system, individuals with disabilities face severe barriers to healthcare access. The lack of ADA-compliant transportation further diminishes the "Lung Cancer Score" for residents of Rockford.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Birmingham area, but their availability in Rockford is less certain. Ride-share services may be an option for occasional trips to Birmingham, but their reliability and cost-effectiveness for regular medical appointments are questionable. The distance and potential for surge pricing could make these services prohibitively expensive for many patients.

Medical transport services offer a specialized solution for patients needing assistance getting to and from medical appointments. Several companies operate in the Birmingham area, providing transportation for individuals with mobility limitations or medical needs. These services often include wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. However, medical transport services can be costly, and availability may be limited, especially for appointments outside of regular business hours.

The availability of medical transport services improves the "Lung Cancer Score," but the cost and potential for limited availability remain significant concerns.

**Medical Facilities and Healthcare Access: The Heart of the Matter**

The proximity and quality of healthcare facilities are paramount. While Coosa Valley Medical Center offers some basic medical services, including emergency care, it does not have a comprehensive cancer treatment center. Patients diagnosed with lung cancer will likely need to travel to larger hospitals in Birmingham for specialized care.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Hospital and St. Vincent's Hospital are two major medical centers in Birmingham with comprehensive cancer treatment programs. These facilities offer advanced diagnostic tools, surgical expertise, radiation oncology, and chemotherapy services. However, the distance and transportation challenges associated with reaching these facilities significantly impact the "Lung Cancer Score."

**The "Lung Cancer Score" Summary**

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Rockford, Alabama (ZIP Code 35136) is negatively impacted by the limited transportation options. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with the long distances to specialized cancer care centers, creates significant challenges for patients. The lack of public transit and the potential cost and availability limitations of ride-share and medical transport services further exacerbate these challenges.

While the Coosa Valley Medical Center provides a local point of contact, the need to travel to Birmingham for specialized treatment significantly impacts the overall healthcare access. The "Lung Cancer Score" reflects the reality that individuals diagnosed with lung cancer in Rockford face significant hurdles in accessing timely and comprehensive care.

**Moving to Rockford: Considerations for Healthcare**

For individuals considering moving to Rockford, understanding the healthcare landscape is crucial. Those with pre-existing medical conditions, particularly lung cancer or a history of lung cancer, should carefully assess the transportation challenges and the availability of specialized care. It is essential to factor in the travel time, potential costs, and the need for reliable transportation when making relocation decisions.

Planning for healthcare access should be an integral part of the moving process. Researching medical transport options, establishing relationships with healthcare providers in Birmingham, and considering the potential impact of long commutes on treatment schedules are all essential steps. The "Lung Cancer Score" serves as a reminder that while Rockford offers a tranquil setting, healthcare access presents significant challenges that must be addressed proactively.