30747, Summerville, Georgia Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 30747, Summerville, Georgia is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

57.20 percent of residents in 30747 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.69 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Hamilton Medical Center with a distance of 28.83 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Summerville, GA (ZIP Code 30747)

The crisp mountain air of Summerville, Georgia, beckons with its small-town charm. But before trading city lights for the tranquility of Chattooga County, prospective residents must consider a crucial factor: healthcare access, particularly for a diagnosis as serious as lung cancer. This write-up provides a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, focusing on transportation options from ZIP code 30747 to facilities offering lung cancer diagnosis and treatment. This score isn't a definitive medical judgment, but a practical guide to navigating the healthcare landscape.

The primary concern for residents of 30747 is the relative isolation. Summerville is a rural community, and the nearest comprehensive healthcare resources are located outside the immediate vicinity. Therefore, the cornerstone of our assessment revolves around transportation. The ability to reach these facilities quickly and reliably is paramount, especially for individuals facing the urgency of a potential lung cancer diagnosis.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The most common mode of transportation will undoubtedly be personal vehicles. From Summerville, the primary artery is US-27, a well-maintained but often congested highway. Traveling south on US-27 provides the most direct route to Rome, Georgia, home to Redmond Regional Medical Center, a facility with a comprehensive cancer center. The drive, under ideal conditions, is approximately 30 to 45 minutes. However, traffic, especially during peak hours or due to accidents, can significantly extend this time.

Another option involves utilizing GA-100 East, which eventually connects with US-27 in Cedartown. This route might offer a slightly less congested alternative, but it also adds distance and travel time, potentially increasing the overall journey to Rome to over an hour. The condition of GA-100, a two-lane road, can also be a factor, particularly during inclement weather.

Further afield, Chattanooga, Tennessee, offers additional healthcare options, including Erlanger Health System, known for its specialized cancer care. The journey to Chattanooga involves taking US-27 North, a drive that can take upwards of 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and the specific destination within the city. This longer commute necessitates careful planning and consideration of potential delays.

**Public Transit: A Limited Reality:**

Public transportation options in Summerville and the surrounding areas are severely limited. Chattooga County does not have a robust public transit system. There is no established bus route connecting Summerville to Rome or Chattanooga. This absence represents a significant barrier to healthcare access for individuals without personal vehicles, particularly those with mobility limitations or those unable to drive.

For individuals with disabilities, the lack of accessible public transit is even more concerning. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates accessibility in public transportation, but the absence of a functioning system in the first place eliminates this crucial support. Consequently, individuals reliant on public transit face significant challenges in accessing timely and consistent medical care.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport: A Costly Alternative:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, operate in the Summerville area, but their availability can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in remote locations. Relying on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments, especially for cancer treatment, can be prohibitively expensive. The cost of a round trip to Rome or Chattanooga could easily exceed $100 or more, placing a significant financial burden on patients.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for transporting patients to medical appointments, offer a more specialized alternative. Companies like American Medical Response (AMR) and other private ambulance services provide non-emergency medical transport. However, these services are often more expensive than ride-sharing, and their availability must be arranged in advance. Furthermore, they might not be covered by all insurance plans, adding to the financial strain.

**The "Lung Cancer Score" and Implications for Moving to Summerville:**

Considering the transportation challenges, the "Lung Cancer Score" for ZIP code 30747 is, regrettably, not high. The reliance on personal vehicles, the absence of public transit, and the cost and potential unreliability of ride-sharing and medical transport create significant hurdles for individuals needing prompt and consistent healthcare access.

This assessment highlights the importance of careful consideration for anyone contemplating moving to Summerville, especially those with a history of lung cancer or other serious health conditions. While the town offers a peaceful lifestyle, the limitations in healthcare access necessitate a proactive approach. Prospective residents should thoroughly research the availability of healthcare services, including oncology specialists, and evaluate their transportation options.

**Recommendations for Prospective Residents:**

Before making a move, potential residents should:

* **Verify Insurance Coverage:** Confirm that their health insurance plan covers treatment at facilities within a reasonable driving distance, such as Redmond Regional Medical Center in Rome or Erlanger Health System in Chattanooga.
* **Assess Transportation Needs:** Evaluate their ability to drive or access reliable transportation. Consider the cost and availability of ride-sharing services and medical transport.
* **Establish a Healthcare Network:** Prior to the move, connect with primary care physicians and specialists in the area to ensure continuity of care.
* **Explore Community Resources:** Research any local programs or resources that might provide transportation assistance for medical appointments.

**Conclusion:**

Summerville offers a unique charm, but its relative isolation and limited healthcare access pose a significant challenge, particularly for individuals facing a lung cancer diagnosis. The "Lung Cancer Score" reflects the importance of carefully evaluating transportation options and healthcare resources before making a move. The journey to healthcare access in 30747 requires careful planning, proactive research, and a realistic assessment of the transportation landscape. The decision to move to Summerville should be made with a clear understanding of these realities.