19950, Greenwood, Delaware Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 19950, Greenwood, Delaware is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

61.64 percent of residents in 19950 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.92 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Tidalhealth Nanticoke, Inc. with a distance of 11.52 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Greenwood, Delaware (ZIP Code 19950)

Considering a move to Greenwood, Delaware (ZIP Code 19950)? This analysis provides a "Lung Cancer Score" focusing on transportation accessibility to healthcare, particularly for lung cancer treatment. This score considers drive times, public transit options, and alternative transportation services. Understanding these factors is crucial for anyone considering moving to Greenwood, especially those with existing or potential health concerns. This write-up aims to illuminate the challenges and opportunities of navigating healthcare within this specific ZIP code.

Greenwood, a small town nestled in Sussex County, presents a unique set of transportation challenges. The primary mode of transportation is the personal vehicle. Public transit options are limited, and ride-sharing services may be less readily available than in more urban areas. This reality significantly impacts healthcare access, particularly for individuals requiring frequent medical appointments, such as those undergoing lung cancer treatment. The Lung Cancer Score, therefore, weighs these factors heavily.

The core of our analysis revolves around the accessibility of specialized healthcare facilities. For lung cancer treatment, this typically means access to oncologists, radiation therapy centers, and comprehensive cancer care. The nearest comprehensive cancer center is the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute at ChristianaCare in Newark, Delaware, approximately 60 miles north. This distance becomes a significant factor in the Lung Cancer Score.

Driving to Newark from Greenwood primarily involves using Delaware Route 1 (DE-1), a major north-south highway. The journey, under ideal traffic conditions, takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. However, traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, can significantly extend this drive time. Accidents or construction on DE-1 can cause substantial delays, making timely access to treatment a potential concern. Alternative routes, such as US-13, offer an option but often involve slower speeds and increased travel time.

Closer options exist. Beebe Healthcare in Lewes, Delaware, is approximately 30 miles east. While closer, Beebe may not offer the same breadth of specialized services as the ChristianaCare center. The drive to Lewes involves navigating smaller roads, including DE-9 and DE-1, and typically takes around 45 minutes, again, contingent on traffic. This shorter drive time contributes positively to the Lung Cancer Score.

Public transportation options are limited in Greenwood. DART First State, Delaware's public transit system, provides bus service. However, routes within Greenwood are infrequent and primarily serve local destinations. The primary route serving Greenwood is Route 301, which connects to Dover and Georgetown. This route, however, does not directly connect to major healthcare facilities. Transferring to other routes would be necessary, adding significant travel time and complexity, and potentially reducing the Lung Cancer Score. ADA-accessible buses are available, offering some accommodation for individuals with mobility limitations.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Greenwood, but their availability may be less reliable than in more populated areas. Wait times could be longer, and surge pricing during peak demand could increase transportation costs. This uncertainty further impacts the Lung Cancer Score, especially for individuals needing consistent and predictable transportation.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients, offer another avenue. These services, such as Medical Transportation Management (MTM) and Logisticare, often contract with insurance providers. They provide non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. Availability and scheduling requirements vary, and pre-booking is often necessary. The reliability of these services becomes a critical consideration for the Lung Cancer Score.

The Lung Cancer Score also considers the availability of local primary care physicians in Greenwood. Early diagnosis and ongoing support from a primary care provider are crucial in managing lung cancer. Access to a local physician who can coordinate care and provide referrals is essential. The proximity of Greenwood to larger towns like Milford and Seaford, which offer a wider range of healthcare services, is also a positive factor.

When evaluating the Lung Cancer Score, the overall picture reveals a mixed bag. While Greenwood offers a peaceful environment, its location presents challenges for healthcare access, especially for specialized treatments like lung cancer care. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services all contribute to a lower score. The longer drive times to comprehensive cancer centers, and the dependence on DE-1, introduce significant variables.

However, the proximity to Beebe Healthcare and the availability of medical transportation services offer some mitigation. The presence of local primary care physicians and the access to healthcare in nearby towns also provide some comfort.

For individuals considering moving to Greenwood with a history of lung cancer, or at risk of developing it, a careful evaluation of these factors is crucial. The Lung Cancer Score emphasizes the importance of planning for transportation needs, considering the potential for extended travel times, and exploring all available transportation options. It is essential to research the availability of medical transportation services and to establish a relationship with a local primary care physician.

Ultimately, the decision to move to Greenwood is personal. However, understanding the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access is vital. This Lung Cancer Score aims to provide a clear and comprehensive assessment of the challenges and opportunities, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs and their future in Greenwood. The ability to navigate the transportation challenges and secure reliable access to healthcare services is paramount to maintaining quality of life.