43074, Sunbury, Ohio Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 43074, Sunbury, Ohio is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

55.15 percent of residents in 43074 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.09 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Mount Carmel St Ann's with a distance of 11.18 miles from the area.

**Lung Cancer Score: Assessing Healthcare Access in Sunbury, Ohio (ZIP Code 43074)**

The decision to relocate, particularly to a new community like Sunbury, Ohio (ZIP code 43074), is often driven by factors like job opportunities, quality of life, and, crucially, access to essential healthcare. This analysis, a "Lung Cancer Score," delves into the critical aspect of healthcare accessibility for residents of Sunbury, specifically focusing on the availability and efficiency of transportation to specialized medical services, including those crucial for lung cancer diagnosis and treatment. This is vital for anyone considering moving to Sunbury.

Our assessment prioritizes the realities of transportation within and around Sunbury, a rapidly growing community. We will examine drive times, public transit options, and ride-share availability to determine how easily residents can reach essential healthcare facilities. The focus is on lung cancer care, a field demanding timely and specialized attention. The "Lung Cancer Score" serves as a practical guide, offering insights into the challenges and opportunities for healthcare access within the context of Sunbury’s transportation infrastructure.

**Driving to Healthcare: Navigating the Roads of Sunbury**

The primary mode of transportation for many Sunbury residents is the personal vehicle. The efficiency of this mode hinges on the road network and the distances to healthcare facilities. Several major roadways dictate the ease of access.

Traveling south on US-23, a significant artery, connects Sunbury to Columbus, the regional hub for advanced medical care. The drive to major hospitals like The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, known for its comprehensive cancer care, typically takes between 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. During peak hours, congestion on US-23 can significantly extend this commute.

Another crucial route is State Route 37, running east and west through Sunbury. This road provides access to local medical offices and connects to Interstate 71, offering another pathway to Columbus. However, I-71, like US-23, is subject to heavy traffic, particularly during rush hour. The drive on I-71 to Columbus can be as short as 30 minutes, but easily stretches to an hour.

Local roads, such as Cheshire Road and Africa Road, provide access to local medical facilities and pharmacies. These routes, while generally less congested, are limited in their direct connections to major hospitals. The time to reach these local facilities is generally short, but the availability of specialized care may be limited.

The efficiency of driving is also influenced by the location of healthcare facilities relative to the resident’s home. Someone living on the outskirts of Sunbury may face longer drive times, particularly to Columbus. The "Lung Cancer Score" will consider these geographical variations.

**Public Transit: Navigating the Limitations**

Public transportation options in Sunbury are limited, presenting a significant challenge for those without access to a personal vehicle. The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) provides some service, but its reach into Sunbury is not extensive.

COTA's route 102, which runs from Columbus to Delaware, does offer service to a stop near Sunbury. However, this route operates with limited frequency, and the travel time from Sunbury to Columbus via this route can be lengthy, often exceeding an hour and a half, including transfers. The frequency of service is also a major consideration, with buses typically running less frequently on weekends and evenings.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a crucial factor for public transit. COTA strives to provide accessible buses and facilities, but the limited route coverage in Sunbury may still pose challenges for individuals with mobility limitations.

The lack of robust public transit options in Sunbury is a significant factor influencing the "Lung Cancer Score." The reliance on personal vehicles or alternative transportation methods is a major consideration for healthcare access.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative to driving or public transit. These services are available in Sunbury, providing on-demand transportation to healthcare facilities. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a barrier, particularly for frequent appointments. The availability of drivers can also fluctuate, potentially causing delays.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to medical appointments, are also available. These services often cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those who cannot drive. Companies like CareRide and MedStar offer specialized transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. While these services provide a valuable resource, they often require advance booking and can be more expensive than ride-sharing.

The availability and cost of ride-sharing and medical transport services are incorporated into the "Lung Cancer Score," recognizing their role in mitigating the limitations of public transit and the challenges of driving.

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

The "Lung Cancer Score" is more than a simple calculation of drive times. It considers a range of factors, including the distance to major hospitals with specialized cancer care, the availability and frequency of public transit, the cost and reliability of ride-sharing and medical transport services, and the overall accessibility of local medical facilities.

The score will reflect the challenges faced by residents of Sunbury in accessing timely and efficient healthcare, particularly for lung cancer. It will highlight the dependence on personal vehicles, the limitations of public transit, and the potential role of ride-sharing and medical transport.

The "Lung Cancer Score" will be presented as a numerical value, with a corresponding qualitative assessment. A higher score indicates better access to healthcare, while a lower score reflects greater challenges. The score will provide a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Sunbury, offering valuable insights for residents and those considering moving to the area.

**Conclusion: Healthcare Access and the Future of Sunbury**

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Sunbury, Ohio, reveals a complex picture of healthcare access. While the proximity to Columbus offers access to advanced medical facilities, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limitations of public transit pose challenges. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services provides alternative solutions, but cost and availability remain factors.

For individuals considering moving to Sunbury, understanding these factors is crucial. The "Lung Cancer Score" serves as a tool for informed decision-making, highlighting the importance of transportation infrastructure and its impact on healthcare access. As Sunbury continues to grow, the development of robust public transit options and the expansion of accessible healthcare services will be essential to ensure that all residents have timely access to the care they need. The continued growth of Sunbury, and the need for improved transportation, is something that should be considered by anyone moving to the area.