40484, Stanford, Kentucky Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 40484, Stanford, Kentucky is 66 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

65.40 percent of residents in 40484 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.07 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Ephraim Mcdowell Fort Logan Hospital with a distance of 1.99 miles from the area.

**Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Stanford, KY (ZIP Code 40484)**

The crisp air of Stanford, Kentucky, a town nestled in the heart of the Bluegrass State, offers a certain allure. Its rolling hills and close-knit community beckon, perhaps even for those considering a move. But for individuals facing a serious health concern like lung cancer, the practicalities of healthcare access become paramount. This analysis, a "Lung Cancer Score," examines the transportation landscape within and around ZIP Code 40484, specifically focusing on how residents can reach essential medical care. Understanding these nuances is crucial, especially for those contemplating moving to Stanford.

The primary factor influencing healthcare access in Stanford is transportation. The ability to reach oncologists, radiologists, and other specialists is a matter of life and death. This score delves into the available options, from personal vehicles to public transit, providing a comprehensive overview. It considers drive times, the availability of public transportation, and the presence of ride-sharing and medical transport services.

**Drive Times and Road Networks: The Asphalt Arteries**

For most residents, the automobile remains the primary mode of transportation. Stanford's location, while scenic, presents a challenge: the nearest comprehensive cancer care facilities are located in larger cities. The primary artery connecting Stanford to these centers is US-150, a two-lane highway that winds its way through the Kentucky countryside. Traveling east on US-150 will lead you to Danville, approximately a 20-minute drive, where Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center provides certain cancer treatment services.

Further afield, Lexington, a major healthcare hub, offers a wider range of specialized care. Reaching Lexington requires navigating US-150 east to US-27 north, then transitioning to the Bluegrass Parkway. This journey, covering approximately 60 miles, typically takes around an hour and fifteen minutes, depending on traffic. The Bluegrass Parkway, a toll road, provides a faster route, but the toll fees must be factored into the overall cost of healthcare access.

Westward, the drive to Somerset, another town with healthcare facilities, involves taking US-150 west to KY-80. This route, covering about 40 miles, can take roughly an hour. The condition of the roads and potential traffic delays can impact these times, especially during inclement weather. These drive times are crucial considerations for individuals undergoing treatment, as frequent appointments and potential emergencies demand reliable and timely transportation.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Stanford are limited. The primary provider, the Lincoln CountyLincoln County Transit, offers demand-response services. These services require advance booking and are primarily designed for essential trips, including medical appointments. The transit system operates within Lincoln County, making travel to Danville or Somerset more feasible. However, reaching Lexington via public transit is significantly more challenging.

The Lincoln County Transit does not have fixed routes, and the availability of ADA-accessible vehicles is limited. This lack of accessibility can pose a significant barrier for patients with mobility issues. For those reliant on public transit, planning and coordination are crucial, requiring booking appointments well in advance and accounting for potential delays. The reliance on demand-response services underscores the challenges of healthcare access for those without personal vehicles.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Stanford, but their reliability and availability may vary. While these services can provide a convenient option for shorter trips, their cost can quickly escalate, especially for frequent appointments to Lexington or other distant locations. Furthermore, the availability of drivers, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather, is not guaranteed.

Medical transport services offer a more specialized solution. Companies like CareRide or MedTrans provide non-emergency medical transportation, often with wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services are specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments. However, they can be expensive, and the availability of these services in Stanford may be limited, requiring advance booking and careful coordination.

**The "Lung Cancer Score" and the Decision to Move**

This analysis provides a framework for understanding healthcare access in Stanford, Kentucky. The "Lung Cancer Score" is not a numerical value but a qualitative assessment of the transportation landscape. It highlights the importance of personal vehicles, the limitations of public transit, and the potential role of ride-sharing and medical transport services.

For individuals considering a move to Stanford, particularly those with a history of or current diagnosis of lung cancer, this information is critical. The drive times to specialized care, the availability of public transit, and the cost of alternative transportation options must be carefully weighed. The proximity to healthcare facilities, the availability of support services, and the overall quality of life in Stanford should be considered.

Making an informed decision requires a thorough understanding of the healthcare access challenges. The "Lung Cancer Score" underscores the need for careful planning, proactive coordination, and a realistic assessment of transportation options. Moving to Stanford, while potentially appealing, demands a clear understanding of the healthcare landscape and the ability to navigate the complexities of transportation to ensure timely and effective medical care. The ability to access healthcare is a fundamental human right, and this analysis aims to shed light on the practicalities of achieving that right in the context of Stanford, Kentucky.