19953, Hartly, Delaware Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 19953, Hartly, Delaware is 35 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

66.65 percent of residents in 19953 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.03 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Bayhealth Hospital, Kent Campus with a distance of 9.48 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Hartly, Delaware (ZIP Code 19953)

The crisp Delaware air, the sprawling farmland, the quiet charm of Hartly – these are the lures that draw people to this small, rural community. But for those considering a move, particularly individuals with a history of smoking or other risk factors for lung cancer, a crucial question arises: how accessible is quality healthcare? This "Lung Cancer Score" aims to provide a comprehensive overview of healthcare access in and around ZIP Code 19953, focusing on transportation options to crucial medical facilities. It considers the practicalities of reaching specialists, diagnostic services, and treatment centers, all vital for early detection and effective management of lung cancer.

The score will assess various transportation modalities, from personal vehicles to public transit and ride-sharing services. It will also consider the availability of medical transportation options, a critical lifeline for those with mobility limitations or undergoing treatment. The goal is to empower potential residents with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs, particularly if they're contemplating moving to Hartly. This will help them understand the realities of healthcare access in this area.

**Driving Times: The Road to Care**

For many residents, the primary mode of transportation will be their personal vehicle. The geographical isolation of Hartly necessitates reliance on roadways for healthcare access. The most direct route to larger medical centers in Dover and Milford involves navigating a network of state highways and local roads.

Traveling east towards Dover, the journey begins on **DE-44 (Hartly Road)**. This road offers a relatively straightforward path, but it's essential to factor in potential delays due to agricultural traffic, especially during planting and harvest seasons. The drive to Bayhealth Kent Campus in Dover, a major healthcare provider, is approximately a 20-30 minute journey, depending on traffic conditions. This drive is a crucial one for those seeking specialized care.

Alternatively, heading south on **DE-44** and then merging onto **DE-1 (Coastal Highway)** provides access to Milford. This route, while slightly longer, offers access to Bayhealth Sussex Campus in Milford, another significant healthcare facility. The drive to Milford is around 30-45 minutes, contingent on traffic on DE-1. This highway is a major thoroughfare, and congestion is not uncommon, especially during peak hours.

The presence of these two major hospitals, both offering comprehensive medical services, including oncology departments, is a significant advantage for residents of Hartly. However, the drive times highlight the importance of planning and preparedness, especially for those requiring regular appointments or facing a medical emergency.

**Public Transit: Navigating the Network**

Public transportation options in rural Delaware are limited. Kent County, where Hartly is located, offers a bus service, DART First State, but the routes and schedules are not always conducive to frequent healthcare appointments.

The primary DART route serving the Hartly area is likely the **Route 303**, which connects Dover and Harrington. This route provides access to some medical facilities in Dover, but the frequency of service is limited, typically running on an hourly schedule during weekdays. This means that residents may need to factor in significant wait times, potentially impacting their ability to attend appointments on time.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a crucial consideration for individuals with mobility challenges. DART First State buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and other features to accommodate passengers with disabilities. However, the availability of accessible routes and the proximity of bus stops to medical facilities should be carefully assessed.

For individuals relying on public transit, careful planning is essential. Reviewing the DART First State schedule, identifying the nearest bus stops, and allowing ample time for travel are crucial steps in ensuring reliable access to healthcare.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation: Bridging the Gap**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Hartly area, but their reliability and availability can vary. In a rural setting, the response times for ride-sharing services may be longer than in more urban areas, and the cost can be higher. This is a factor that needs to be considered when planning healthcare transportation.

Medical transportation services, specializing in transporting patients to and from medical appointments, offer a valuable alternative. These services often provide door-to-door service, assisting with mobility and offering a more comfortable and convenient experience. Several medical transport companies operate in Delaware, including those that service Hartly.

Researching the availability of medical transportation services in the area is essential. This involves identifying reputable providers, understanding their service areas, and inquiring about their fees and insurance coverage. Medical transportation can be particularly beneficial for individuals undergoing treatment, those with mobility limitations, or those who lack access to personal vehicles.

**The Lung Cancer Score: A Holistic Assessment**

The Lung Cancer Score is not a simple numerical value; it is a holistic assessment of healthcare access in ZIP Code 19953. It considers the drive times to major medical centers, the limitations of public transportation, the availability of ride-sharing services, and the presence of medical transportation options.

**Factors that improve the score:**

* Proximity to major hospitals with oncology departments.
* Reliable and accessible public transportation options.
* Availability of ride-sharing services with reasonable response times.
* Presence of medical transportation services catering to the needs of patients.

**Factors that decrease the score:**

* Long drive times to healthcare facilities.
* Limited public transportation options with infrequent service.
* Unreliable ride-sharing availability.
* Lack of medical transportation services.

The score is also influenced by the individual’s circumstances, including their mobility, their need for regular appointments, and their access to a personal vehicle. For individuals with lung cancer or at high risk, the score will be weighted towards ease of access to specialized care and the availability of support services.

**Moving to Hartly: A Considered Decision**

For individuals considering moving to Hartly, this Lung Cancer Score provides a framework for evaluating healthcare access. It highlights the importance of careful planning, considering all transportation options, and proactively researching available resources.

While Hartly offers the tranquility of rural living, it is essential to acknowledge the challenges of healthcare access. Individuals with a history of smoking or other risk factors for lung cancer should carefully assess their healthcare needs and ensure they have a viable plan for accessing the care they require. This involves understanding the drive times, researching public transit options, and identifying reliable transportation alternatives.

Moving to Hartly can be a rewarding experience, but it requires a realistic understanding of the healthcare landscape. By carefully evaluating the Lung Cancer Score and considering the transportation options available, potential residents can make informed decisions about their health and well-being. This will help them embrace the charm of Hartly while ensuring they have access to the care they need.