19966, Millsboro, Delaware Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 19966, Millsboro, Delaware is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

59.55 percent of residents in 19966 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.96 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Beebe Medical Center with a distance of 12.70 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Millsboro, DE (ZIP Code 19966)

The air in Millsboro, Delaware, whispers of salt marsh and coastal breezes, a siren song for those seeking a tranquil life. But for individuals facing a lung cancer diagnosis, the serenity of this Sussex County haven is tempered by the realities of healthcare access. This write-up analyzes the transportation landscape surrounding ZIP code 19966, providing a "Lung Cancer Score" to illuminate the challenges and opportunities inherent in accessing vital medical care. This score considers the time and ease of **transportation** to oncology services, crucial for patients undergoing treatment.

The score is a composite, factoring in drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services. Each element is weighted based on its practical relevance to a lung cancer patient's needs, considering factors like frequency of appointments, the physical demands of treatment, and the potential for urgent care requirements. This analysis is designed to aid individuals considering **moving to Millsboro**, or those already residing here, in understanding the healthcare landscape they will encounter.

**The Driving Dilemma:**

For many residents of 19966, personal vehicles are the primary mode of **transportation**. The closest major medical centers with comprehensive oncology services are located in Salisbury, Maryland, and Wilmington, Delaware.

Driving to Salisbury, home to TidalHealth Peninsula Regional, involves navigating a combination of routes. The most direct path typically utilizes Delaware Route 24 (also known as Millsboro Highway) east to US Route 113 south. This segment can be relatively smooth, but traffic can build up, especially during peak hours. From there, drivers proceed south on US 113, crossing into Maryland and continuing onto US Route 50 east. The final stretch takes drivers to the hospital. The total drive time, under ideal conditions, is approximately one hour. However, this can easily extend to 1 hour and 15 minutes or more, especially if encountering traffic on US 50.

Alternatively, the journey to Wilmington, home to ChristianaCare, involves a longer drive. The most common route involves taking Delaware Route 24 west to US Route 113 north. Then, drivers proceed north on US 113, merging onto Delaware Route 1, a major north-south artery. From Route 1, drivers can connect to I-95 north, which leads directly into Wilmington. This route is approximately 90 miles and can take between 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions, particularly around the I-95 corridor.

The reliability of these drive times is a significant concern for lung cancer patients. Treatment schedules are often rigid, requiring frequent appointments for chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and follow-up care. Unexpected delays due to traffic, road closures, or mechanical issues can create immense stress and disrupt treatment plans.

**Public Transit: A Limited Lifeline:**

Public **transportation** options in Sussex County are limited, posing a significant challenge for those without access to a personal vehicle. The Delaware Transit Corporation (DTC), known as DART First State, provides bus service throughout the state. However, the routes serving Millsboro and the surrounding areas are infrequent and primarily focused on local travel.

The most relevant routes for accessing healthcare would likely involve transferring to routes that connect to larger population centers. For example, a patient might need to take a local route to Georgetown, the county seat, and then transfer to a bus heading towards Wilmington or Dover. These transfers add significant travel time and increase the risk of missed appointments.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features on DART buses are generally available, including ramps or lifts for wheelchair users and designated seating. However, the limited frequency of service and the necessity of transfers can still pose difficulties for patients with mobility issues or those undergoing treatment that causes fatigue or nausea.

The lack of readily available and convenient public transit significantly impacts the **healthcare access** for lung cancer patients in 19966. The reliance on a limited bus system, coupled with long travel times, can be a major barrier to receiving timely and consistent care.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Millsboro area. However, their reliability and affordability can vary. Availability might be limited, especially during off-peak hours or in areas outside of the town center. The cost of ride-sharing can also quickly become prohibitive, particularly for frequent appointments.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more specialized solution. Companies like MedTrans and First Medical Transportation operate in the region, providing wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained drivers. These services can be a valuable resource for patients who are unable to drive or utilize public transit. However, these services often require advance booking and can also be costly, depending on the distance and the level of care required.

**The Lung Cancer Score for 19966:**

Considering the factors discussed, the Lung Cancer Score for ZIP code 19966 is moderately challenging. The reliance on personal vehicles for accessing oncology services, coupled with the limitations of public transit and the potential cost and availability issues of ride-sharing and medical transport, creates a significant burden for lung cancer patients.

**Components of the Score:**

* **Drive Time:** Moderate to high, depending on destination and traffic.
* **Public Transit:** Low, with limited routes and frequency.
* **Ride-Sharing:** Moderate, with potential for availability and cost concerns.
* **Medical Transport:** Moderate, offering specialized services but with potential cost and booking requirements.

**Recommendations:**

Individuals **moving to Millsboro** or those residing in 19966 who are facing a lung cancer diagnosis should carefully consider their **transportation** options and develop a comprehensive plan for accessing healthcare. This plan should include:

* Identifying the closest oncology centers and understanding the travel times and routes.
* Exploring the availability and cost of ride-sharing services.
* Investigating medical transport options and determining eligibility and coverage.
* Understanding the DART First State bus routes and schedules.
* Considering the potential need for assistance from family, friends, or community organizations.

The challenges in accessing healthcare in 19966 underscore the importance of proactive planning and resourcefulness for lung cancer patients. While the area offers a peaceful environment, the **healthcare access** landscape necessitates careful navigation to ensure timely and effective treatment.