30058, Lithonia, Georgia Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 30058, Lithonia, Georgia is 68 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

30.39 percent of residents in 30058 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 7.64 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Emory Hillandale Hospital with a distance of 2.15 miles from the area.

**Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Lithonia, GA (ZIP Code 30058)**

Considering a move to Lithonia, Georgia (ZIP code 30058)? This assessment provides a "Lung Cancer Score" to evaluate the ease of accessing lung cancer-related healthcare within the area, focusing on transportation options. Access to timely diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care is paramount for individuals facing this disease. This score considers drive times, public transit availability, and ride-sharing services to paint a comprehensive picture of the transportation landscape impacting healthcare access. The score is a hypothetical construct, offering a framework for understanding the challenges and opportunities of healthcare access.

Lithonia, a vibrant community east of Atlanta, presents a unique blend of suburban and urban characteristics. The availability of transportation options significantly impacts residents' ability to access essential healthcare services, particularly for those battling lung cancer. This write-up explores the intricacies of navigating the healthcare system from a transportation perspective, offering insights for potential residents and current inhabitants alike.

**Drive Times: The Road to Care**

The primary arteries for transportation in and around Lithonia are Interstate 20 (I-20) and U.S. Route 278. I-20 serves as the major east-west corridor, connecting Lithonia to Atlanta and its surrounding suburbs. U.S. 278, also known as Stone Mountain Highway, runs north-south, providing access to various local destinations and connecting to other major roadways.

Drive times to healthcare facilities are a crucial factor in the Lung Cancer Score. The distance and traffic conditions on these highways and local roads significantly impact the time it takes to reach medical appointments.

* **Emory Hillandale Hospital:** Located in Decatur, approximately a 15-20 minute drive via I-20 West, this facility offers comprehensive cancer care. Peak traffic hours on I-20 can extend this commute considerably.
* **Atlanta Cancer Care (various locations):** Several Atlanta Cancer Care locations are within a 30-45 minute drive, depending on the specific location and traffic. Access is usually via I-20 West, but alternative routes like Memorial Drive may offer relief from congestion.
* **Wellstar Atlanta Medical Center:** Situated in downtown Atlanta, this hospital requires a drive of approximately 30-45 minutes, again primarily via I-20 West. Traffic congestion, particularly during rush hour, can significantly increase travel time.
* **Other Facilities:** The drive times to other specialized cancer centers or hospitals in the Atlanta area will vary depending on their location and the transportation route.

The Lung Cancer Score considers the average drive times to these and other relevant facilities, factoring in potential traffic delays. The score will reflect the impact of longer commute times on patients' ability to attend appointments, receive timely treatment, and manage their overall health.

**Public Transit: A Balancing Act**

The MetroMetropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) provides public transportation options in the Lithonia area. Bus routes are the primary mode of public transit, offering access to various destinations, including healthcare facilities.

* **Bus Route 86:** This route runs along Stone Mountain Highway (U.S. 278), providing access to local businesses and connecting to the MARTA rail system. It can be a viable option for those without personal vehicles, but travel times may be longer than driving.
* **Bus Route 114:** This route travels through Lithonia and connects to the MARTA rail system at Indian Creek Station, providing access to downtown Atlanta and other destinations.
* **MARTA Rail:** The nearest MARTA rail station is Indian Creek Station, which is accessible via bus routes or a short drive. The rail system offers a more direct route to downtown Atlanta and other areas with healthcare facilities, but transfers may be required.

The Lung Cancer Score evaluates the accessibility of public transit, considering factors such as frequency of service, route coverage, and the availability of ADA-accessible features. The score will reflect the challenges faced by individuals relying on public transit, including longer travel times, potential delays, and the need for multiple transfers.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer another transportation option for residents of Lithonia. These services can provide convenient access to healthcare facilities, particularly for those unable to drive or use public transit.

* **Uber and Lyft:** These services are readily available in the Lithonia area, providing on-demand transportation to various destinations, including hospitals and clinics.
* **Medical Transport:** Several medical transportation services specialize in transporting patients to and from medical appointments. These services often provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel to assist patients with their mobility needs.

The Lung Cancer Score assesses the availability and affordability of ride-sharing and medical transport services. The score considers the potential cost of these services, the availability of wheelchair-accessible vehicles, and the overall reliability of these transportation options.

**Healthcare Access: A Holistic View**

The Lung Cancer Score is not just about drive times and transportation options; it's about the broader impact on healthcare access. It considers the availability of specialized cancer care, the proximity of support services, and the overall quality of healthcare in the Lithonia area.

The score also considers the impact of transportation challenges on patients' ability to adhere to treatment plans, attend follow-up appointments, and manage their overall health. The score is a dynamic measure, reflecting the ever-changing transportation landscape and the evolving needs of individuals facing lung cancer.

**Moving to Lithonia: A Transportation Perspective**

For individuals considering moving to Lithonia, understanding the transportation landscape is crucial. The Lung Cancer Score provides a framework for evaluating the ease of accessing healthcare services.

Potential residents should consider their transportation needs, the availability of public transit, and the affordability of ride-sharing services. They should also research the proximity of healthcare facilities and the availability of specialized cancer care.

The Lung Cancer Score is a valuable tool for making informed decisions about healthcare access in Lithonia. It highlights the importance of transportation in the fight against lung cancer and empowers individuals to navigate the healthcare system with greater confidence.