46974, Roann, Indiana Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 46974, Roann, Indiana is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

55.47 percent of residents in 46974 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.60 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Parkview Wabash Hospital, Inc with a distance of 9.34 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Roann, Indiana (ZIP Code 46974)

The crisp air of Roann, Indiana, in ZIP code 46974, whispers promises of rural tranquility. But for those facing the daunting reality of a lung cancer diagnosis, the serenity can quickly transform into a complex landscape of healthcare access challenges. This write-up analyzes the transportation infrastructure and available resources, providing a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment for individuals considering or currently residing in this area. This score is designed to illuminate the practical difficulties of navigating the healthcare system, particularly for those requiring frequent appointments, treatments, and specialist consultations.

The Lung Cancer Score considers several key factors: drive times to oncology centers, availability of public transportation, ride-sharing options, and medical transport services. Each category is weighted based on its impact on a patient's ability to receive timely and consistent care. The ultimate goal is to offer a realistic view of the challenges and opportunities that patients and their families might encounter in their journey.

**Drive Times: The Asphalt Arteries of Care**

The primary method of transportation in Roann is, undoubtedly, the automobile. The success of healthcare access hinges on the ability to drive. For lung cancer patients, this is a critical factor. The nearest significant healthcare facilities with oncology services are located in surrounding cities, demanding travel across the Indiana landscape.

The most direct route to the Parkview Cancer Institute in Fort Wayne, a comprehensive cancer center, involves a drive of approximately 60-75 miles, translating to a drive time of roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic. The journey would primarily utilize Indiana State Road 16 (SR-16) east, connecting to US-24 east, and then merging onto I-69 north. This route is generally well-maintained, but inclement weather, particularly during winter months, can significantly impact travel times and safety.

Another option is to seek care at Lutheran Hospital of Indiana in Fort Wayne. The route would follow a similar path, utilizing SR-16 east to US-24 east, then taking I-69 north. The distance is comparable to Parkview, resulting in similar drive times.

For those preferring a closer option, the Dukes Memorial Hospital in Peru, Indiana, offers some oncology services. The drive to Peru is shorter, approximately 20-25 miles, taking about 30-40 minutes via SR-124 east. However, the scope of services offered at Dukes Memorial may be more limited compared to the larger facilities in Fort Wayne.

Finally, a trip to Indianapolis, the state's capital, and home to advanced cancer centers like the IU Health Simon Cancer Center, is a much more significant undertaking. The drive of approximately 100 miles would take around 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours, primarily via US-24 east to I-69 south. This option, while offering access to cutting-edge treatments, presents considerable logistical challenges due to the extended travel time.

**Public Transportation: A Limited Lifeline**

The public transportation infrastructure in Roann and the surrounding areas is severely limited. This presents a significant barrier to healthcare access for individuals who are unable to drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle.

The Wabash County Transit system provides some level of service, but it is primarily focused on serving the immediate needs of Wabash County. Service to Fort Wayne or Indianapolis is not available. The Wabash County Transit system does offer ADA-accessible vehicles, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can utilize the service. However, the routes and schedules are limited, often requiring advance booking and may not be suitable for frequent medical appointments.

The lack of robust public transportation highlights a critical vulnerability for lung cancer patients in Roann. The dependence on personal vehicles or alternative transportation methods places an additional burden on patients and their families, particularly those facing financial constraints or mobility limitations.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Fort Wayne and Indianapolis areas. However, their availability in Roann itself is often unreliable. Securing a ride to Fort Wayne or Indianapolis from Roann may require advance booking and could be subject to higher fares due to the distance and limited availability.

Medical transport services, such as those offered by private companies, provide a more specialized option for patients who require assistance with transportation. These services often offer door-to-door transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. However, medical transport services can be expensive, and the cost may not be covered by insurance.

Companies like MedTrans and First Medical Transportation operate in the area, offering services to transport patients to and from medical appointments. The availability and cost of these services should be carefully investigated, as they are a crucial component of healthcare access for many patients.

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

Based on the analysis of transportation options in ZIP code 46974, the Lung Cancer Score is assessed as **LOW**. The primary challenges stem from the long distances to comprehensive cancer centers, the limited public transportation options, and the potential unreliability and expense of ride-sharing and medical transport services.

The score is further impacted by the fact that Roann is a small, rural community. This means that there are fewer resources available to support cancer patients, such as support groups, patient navigators, and specialized medical equipment.

**Recommendations for Patients and Families**

For individuals considering moving to Roann or currently residing there and facing a lung cancer diagnosis, careful consideration of transportation logistics is paramount.

* **Assess Driving Capabilities:** Evaluate the patient's ability to drive or the availability of a reliable driver.
* **Explore Medical Transport Options:** Research and compare the costs and services offered by medical transport companies.
* **Plan for Extended Travel Times:** Factor in the time required for travel to and from appointments, including potential delays due to traffic or weather.
* **Investigate Support Services:** Explore local support groups, patient navigator programs, and other resources that can provide assistance with transportation and other needs.
* **Consider Proximity to Healthcare:** If possible, consider the proximity of healthcare facilities when making decisions about housing or relocation.

**Conclusion**

Navigating the healthcare landscape in Roann, Indiana, with a lung cancer diagnosis presents significant transportation challenges. While the rural setting offers a sense of peace, the lack of accessible transportation options can create a stressful and isolating experience for patients and their families. A proactive approach, involving careful planning, resourcefulness, and a willingness to advocate for their needs, is essential for ensuring access to timely and quality care. This write-up serves as a starting point, encouraging further investigation and informed decision-making for those facing this difficult journey.