06351, Jewett City, Connecticut Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 06351, Jewett City, Connecticut is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

54.88 percent of residents in 06351 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.59 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is William W Backus Hospital with a distance of 7.32 miles from the area.

**Lung Cancer Score: Assessing Healthcare Access in Jewett City, CT (ZIP Code 06351)**

The journey to quality healthcare, especially for a disease as critical as lung cancer, is a complex equation. It is a blend of medical expertise, available resources, and the often-overlooked element of *transportation*. For residents of Jewett City, Connecticut (ZIP Code 06351), this equation requires careful examination. This analysis unveils the *healthcare access* landscape, focusing on the critical factor of getting to and from appointments, treatments, and follow-up care.

Jewett City, a small town nestled in the heart of eastern Connecticut, presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding *transportation* to medical facilities. The town's relative isolation necessitates reliance on personal vehicles, ride-sharing services, and, to a lesser extent, public transit. Understanding the practicalities of these options is crucial for anyone considering *moving to Jewett City* or for current residents navigating the healthcare system.

The closest comprehensive cancer care centers are located in Norwich and New London, both offering specialized oncology services. Reaching these centers from Jewett City primarily involves driving. The most direct route to Norwich often entails taking Route 12 south. The drive, depending on traffic, usually takes around 20-30 minutes. This route, while relatively straightforward, can experience congestion during peak commuting hours, potentially extending travel times.

The journey to New London, home to a major hospital with oncology services, typically involves a combination of Route 12 south and then Route 82 east. This drive is a bit longer, averaging 35-45 minutes, depending on traffic flow and the specific destination within New London. The roads, while generally well-maintained, can be subject to seasonal weather conditions, particularly during winter months, which could impact travel times and safety.

Public transit options are limited in Jewett City. The Southeast Area Transit District (SEAT) provides bus services, but routes are infrequent and may not directly connect to major medical centers. Route 12, a key artery, does have a SEAT bus line that can be utilized, but it involves a transfer in Norwich or New London. This adds significant travel time, potentially making it a less viable option for patients undergoing treatment or with mobility limitations. Furthermore, information on ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility for these buses needs to be confirmed with SEAT, as this is a critical consideration for many patients.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, offering a more flexible *transportation* option. However, their availability can vary depending on the time of day and the demand. Surge pricing during peak hours or periods of high demand can significantly increase the cost, potentially creating a financial barrier for some patients. The reliability of ride-sharing, particularly for scheduled appointments, also needs to be considered.

Medical *transportation* services specifically designed for patients, such as those offered by private ambulance companies or specialized medical transport providers, are another option. These services often provide door-to-door assistance, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. However, these services can be expensive and may require pre-booking, which necessitates advanced planning. The availability of these services within Jewett City and the surrounding areas needs to be confirmed.

The *healthcare access* landscape is further complicated by the patient's individual circumstances. Factors such as physical limitations, the need for frequent appointments, and the availability of support networks all play a crucial role. Patients undergoing cancer treatment often experience fatigue, nausea, and other side effects that can make driving or using public *transportation* challenging.

For individuals considering *moving to Jewett City* and those already residing there, it is essential to proactively assess their *transportation* needs and explore all available options. This includes researching the proximity of medical facilities, understanding the limitations of public transit, evaluating the cost and reliability of ride-sharing services, and exploring the availability of medical *transportation* providers.

The availability of family and friends to provide *transportation* support is a significant factor. However, relying solely on informal *transportation* can place a burden on caregivers and may not be sustainable in the long term. The presence of a strong social support network can significantly improve *healthcare access*.

The *Lung Cancer Score* for Jewett City (ZIP Code 06351) reflects the challenges and opportunities in *healthcare access*. While the town is relatively close to comprehensive cancer care centers, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transit options create potential barriers. The cost and availability of ride-sharing services and the availability of medical *transportation* providers are also critical factors.

The score would be lower for individuals without access to a personal vehicle, those with mobility limitations, or those with limited financial resources. Conversely, the score would be higher for those with access to a reliable vehicle, a strong social support network, and the financial means to utilize ride-sharing or medical *transportation* services.

The *Lung Cancer Score* is not just a number; it is a reflection of the lived experience of patients navigating the healthcare system. It is a call to action for the community to address the *transportation* challenges and ensure that all residents have equitable *healthcare access*, regardless of their individual circumstances. This score is a dynamic measure and should be continually re-evaluated.

The *transportation* options for *healthcare access* in Jewett City are a complex interplay of factors. The town's location necessitates the reliance on personal vehicles, with the drive times to cancer care centers in Norwich and New London being a key factor. Public transit is limited, and ride-sharing and medical *transportation* services present cost and availability challenges.

For anyone considering *moving to Jewett City*, a thorough assessment of their *transportation* needs and the available resources is crucial. The *Lung Cancer Score* is a reminder that the journey to healthcare is more than just medical treatment; it is about the ability to get there.