32724, Deland, Florida Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 32724, Deland, Florida is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

58.43 percent of residents in 32724 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 5.38 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Adventhealth Deland with a distance of 2.18 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Deland, Florida (ZIP Code 32724)

The specter of a lung cancer diagnosis casts a long shadow, demanding swift and effective healthcare access. For residents of Deland, Florida (ZIP code 32724), the journey to quality medical care is a critical consideration. This write-up assesses the transportation landscape, providing a "Lung Cancer Score" based on the ease and efficiency of accessing essential services, specifically targeting oncology care. Understanding these factors is crucial for anyone considering moving to Deland or currently residing here, especially when facing the complexities of a lung cancer diagnosis.

The Lung Cancer Score, in this context, is a qualitative assessment of the available **transportation** options and their impact on **healthcare access**. It considers drive times, public transit reliability, ride-sharing availability, and specialized medical transport services. The lower the score, the better the access. This analysis is not a definitive medical evaluation but a practical guide to navigating the healthcare system in Deland.

**Drive Times and Roadways: The Asphalt Arteries**

Deland's primary arteries are Interstate 4 (I-4), U.S. Highway 92 (International Speedway Boulevard), and State Road 44. These roadways are the lifelines for **transportation**, connecting residents to vital healthcare facilities. However, the traffic patterns, especially on I-4, can significantly impact travel times.

For residents in the central part of 32724, the drive to AdventHealth Deland, a local hospital with cancer care services, is generally manageable, typically under 10 minutes via North Spring Garden Avenue or East New York Avenue. However, for more specialized oncology care, patients may need to travel to Orlando, approximately 30-45 minutes away, depending on traffic conditions on I-4. This journey can be stressful for patients undergoing treatment. The variability in traffic, particularly during peak hours, can add significant time and anxiety to the commute.

For those residing in the more northern or southern reaches of 32724, the drive times to Orlando may be slightly longer, emphasizing the importance of planning and considering alternative routes during periods of heavy congestion. Understanding these nuances is critical for anyone considering **moving to Deland** and prioritizing healthcare access.

**Public Transit: Navigating the Volusia County System**

The Volusia County Council operates the Votran public transit system, offering bus routes throughout the county. However, **healthcare access** via public transit in Deland presents some challenges. While Votran provides routes that serve the area, the frequency and coverage may not be ideal for patients requiring frequent medical appointments.

Route 20, for example, travels along New York Avenue, connecting Deland to Daytona Beach. Route 21 serves the downtown area and provides connections to other routes. However, the wait times between buses and the limited service on weekends can pose difficulties for patients.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a crucial consideration. Votran buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and other features to accommodate passengers with disabilities. However, the overall travel time on public transit is often significantly longer than driving, potentially adding to the physical and emotional strain on patients.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Modern Solutions**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a convenient alternative to driving or relying on public transit. Their availability in Deland is generally good, providing on-demand **transportation** to medical appointments. However, the cost can accumulate, especially for frequent trips.

Medical transport services, such as Care Ride and Firstat Nursing Services, specialize in transporting patients to and from medical appointments. These services often provide door-to-door service, including assistance with mobility and medical equipment. They are particularly valuable for patients with limited mobility or those who require specialized care during transport. However, these services can be expensive, and availability may be limited, especially during peak hours.

**Assessing the Lung Cancer Score**

Considering the factors above, the Lung Cancer Score for Deland (32724) is moderate. While local healthcare facilities are accessible via short drives, accessing specialized oncology care in Orlando requires longer travel times, potentially impacted by traffic. Public transit offers an alternative, but its limitations in frequency and coverage pose challenges. Ride-sharing and medical transport services provide viable options, but their cost and availability must be considered.

For a newly diagnosed lung cancer patient, the initial score would be higher, reflecting the need for frequent appointments and the potential impact of **transportation** delays. As treatment progresses and the patient's condition stabilizes, the score may improve, but the underlying challenges remain.

**Recommendations for Improving Healthcare Access**

Several strategies can improve **healthcare access** for lung cancer patients in Deland. Firstly, expanding the availability of specialized oncology services within the local community would significantly reduce travel times and stress. Secondly, improving the frequency and coverage of Votran routes, particularly those serving medical facilities, would benefit patients relying on public transit.

Thirdly, exploring partnerships between healthcare providers and ride-sharing services to offer subsidized **transportation** options could alleviate the financial burden on patients. Finally, raising awareness of medical transport services and ensuring their availability to all patients in need is crucial.

**Conclusion: A Call for Action**

The journey through a lung cancer diagnosis is challenging, and easy access to healthcare is paramount. For residents of Deland (32724), understanding the **transportation** landscape is essential. While the area offers a range of options, from personal vehicles to ride-sharing services, the challenges of travel times, traffic, and public transit limitations must be acknowledged.

This Lung Cancer Score write-up provides a starting point for navigating the healthcare system in Deland. By understanding the available resources and advocating for improvements, the community can work towards ensuring that all residents have timely and convenient access to the care they need, especially those considering **moving to Deland** and prioritizing healthcare. The ultimate goal is to reduce the stress and improve the quality of life for those battling this devastating disease.