40350, Moorefield, Kentucky Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 40350, Moorefield, Kentucky is 22 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

100.00 percent of residents in 40350 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.37 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Saint Joseph Mount Sterling with a distance of 17.14 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Moorefield, KY (ZIP Code 40350)

The air hangs heavy with the scent of possibility in Moorefield, Kentucky (ZIP Code 40350). Nestled amidst rolling hills and the gentle flow of the Licking River, this community, like all others, faces the silent threat of lung cancer. Access to timely and effective healthcare is paramount in the fight against this disease. This write-up assesses the accessibility of lung cancer-related healthcare services, focusing on transportation options available to residents, painting a picture of the challenges and opportunities for those living in and considering **moving to Moorefield**.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Moorefield considers the ease with which residents can access crucial services: diagnostic imaging (CT scans, PET scans), pulmonologists, oncologists, radiation therapy centers, and surgical facilities. This score is intrinsically linked to **transportation** options, recognizing that the ability to reach these facilities is often the difference between early detection and delayed treatment. The score is not a static number but a fluid representation of the evolving landscape of **healthcare access** in the area.

**Drive Times: The Paved Pathways to Care**

For many Moorefield residents, the personal vehicle remains the primary mode of **transportation**. The journey to specialized lung cancer care often begins on the local roads, weaving through the scenic landscape. Traveling from Moorefield to Lexington, the nearest major city with comprehensive medical facilities, typically involves navigating the rural roads and then utilizing major highways.

The primary route to Lexington involves taking Kentucky Route 32 (KY-32) east, connecting to Interstate 64 (I-64) west. This route provides a relatively direct path, but traffic congestion on I-64, especially during peak hours, can significantly impact travel times. The drive to the University of Kentucky's Markey Cancer Center, a leading facility, can take anywhere from 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Another option involves taking KY-32 east to U.S. Route 60 (US-60) west, then connecting to I-75 south. This route is slightly longer in terms of distance, but may offer a less congested alternative, particularly during specific times of the day. This route will also lead you to Lexington and its various healthcare facilities.

The drive to Winchester, Kentucky, a smaller city offering some medical services, primarily involves KY-32 east to KY-1958 south. This drive is shorter, usually taking around 45 minutes, but the range of specialized lung cancer services is more limited.

The drive times can be a significant barrier for individuals undergoing treatment, requiring frequent appointments for chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or follow-up visits. This necessitates careful planning and consideration of the time commitment involved, particularly for those with mobility issues or limited access to reliable vehicles.

**Public Transit: A Limited Network**

Public **transportation** options in Moorefield and the surrounding area are limited. There is no dedicated public bus system that directly serves Moorefield. Residents must rely on alternative means of **transportation** to access healthcare.

The Lexington Transit Authority (Lextran) provides bus service within Lexington, but there is no direct route connecting Moorefield to Lexington. Residents would need to arrange for **transportation** to a location where they could connect to a Lextran route. This could involve a combination of ride-sharing services, taxis, or relying on family and friends.

The lack of a robust public transit system presents a significant challenge for individuals without access to a personal vehicle, particularly the elderly, those with disabilities, and low-income individuals. The absence of accessible public transit options also creates a barrier for those needing **healthcare access** and considering **moving to Moorefield**.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Lexington area and may provide a **transportation** option for residents of Moorefield. However, the availability of these services in Moorefield itself can be unpredictable, and the cost can be prohibitive for some individuals.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed for patients needing non-emergency medical **transportation**, offer another avenue. Companies like MedRide and First Medical Transportation, along with local ambulance services, operate in the area. These services provide door-to-door **transportation** for medical appointments, often accommodating individuals with mobility issues or those requiring assistance.

The cost of these services can vary depending on the distance, the level of assistance required, and the insurance coverage available. While medical **transportation** services offer a valuable resource, they may not be readily accessible or affordable for all residents.

**ADA Considerations: Ensuring Inclusivity**

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that public **transportation** systems and medical facilities are accessible to individuals with disabilities. While the lack of a robust public transit system in Moorefield presents a challenge, the medical facilities in Lexington are generally compliant with ADA standards, ensuring that individuals with mobility impairments can access the care they need.

The availability of accessible **transportation** options, such as wheelchair-accessible vehicles, is also crucial. Medical **transportation** services often provide these options, but the availability may vary depending on the specific company and the needs of the individual.

**The Score: A Complex Calculation**

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Moorefield is not a single number but a multifaceted assessment. It acknowledges the limitations of **transportation** options, the drive times to specialized care, and the reliance on personal vehicles, ride-sharing services, and medical **transportation**. The score also considers the ADA compliance of medical facilities and the overall **healthcare access** landscape.

The score for Moorefield would be considered moderate, with significant challenges related to **transportation**. The reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transit options create barriers for some residents. The availability of ride-sharing and medical **transportation** services offers some relief, but the cost and availability can be a concern.

**Moving to Moorefield** requires careful consideration of these **transportation** challenges, particularly for individuals with existing health conditions or those seeking specialized lung cancer care. Planning for **healthcare access** involves understanding the drive times, the availability of alternative **transportation** options, and the financial implications of these choices.

The ongoing evolution of healthcare and **transportation** technologies may offer future opportunities to improve the "Lung Cancer Score" for Moorefield. Telemedicine, for example, can reduce the need for frequent in-person visits. Increased availability of ride-sharing services and improved public transit options would also contribute to a higher score. The community's commitment to improving **healthcare access** and supporting individuals facing lung cancer is vital.