43137, Lockbourne, Ohio Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 43137, Lockbourne, Ohio is 56 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

63.23 percent of residents in 43137 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.86 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Diley Ridge Medical Center with a distance of 10.30 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Lockbourne, Ohio (ZIP Code 43137)

Considering a move to Lockbourne, Ohio (ZIP code 43137) and concerned about healthcare access, especially regarding lung cancer treatment? This report analyzes the transportation landscape, offering a "Lung Cancer Score" to help you understand the challenges and opportunities in accessing vital medical services. The score reflects the ease and efficiency of reaching key healthcare facilities from Lockbourne, factoring in drive times, public transit options, and alternative transportation methods.

Lockbourne, a charming village south of Columbus, offers a peaceful lifestyle. However, its location presents transportation hurdles when accessing specialized healthcare, particularly for a diagnosis like lung cancer, requiring frequent appointments for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. This analysis focuses on the practicalities of getting to and from essential medical centers, considering the impact of transportation on a patient's well-being and the overall quality of life.

**The Lung Cancer Score Methodology:**

The Lung Cancer Score is a composite metric, weighing factors like drive times, public transportation availability, and alternative transportation options. We assess the accessibility of key hospitals and cancer treatment centers within a reasonable radius, considering the specific needs of lung cancer patients, who often require frequent appointments, making reliable and convenient transportation crucial. The score considers the physical and emotional toll of travel, especially for those undergoing treatment.

**Drive Times: The Primary Transportation Mode**

For residents of Lockbourne, the car is the primary mode of transportation. The efficiency of this mode is critical to healthcare access. Driving times to major healthcare facilities are influenced by traffic conditions, particularly during peak hours. From Lockbourne, you'll likely utilize **US-23** and **I-270** to reach Columbus hospitals.

The **OhioHealth Grant Medical Center**, a major trauma center and provider of comprehensive cancer care, is approximately a 25-35 minute drive, depending on traffic. This route generally involves heading north on **US-23** and connecting to **I-70 East**. The commute, while manageable, can be stressful, especially for patients experiencing fatigue or other treatment side effects.

**The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute** at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, a leading cancer center, is roughly a 35-45 minute drive. This journey typically involves taking **US-23 North** to **I-270 East**, then to **US-315 North**. Traffic congestion around the university area can significantly impact travel time.

**Mount Carmel Hospital East**, another significant healthcare provider, is about a 30-40 minute drive. The route often involves **US-23 North** to **I-70 East**. These drive times highlight the dependence on personal vehicles for accessing specialized medical care.

**Public Transportation: Limited Options**

Public transportation options in Lockbourne are limited. The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) provides bus service throughout the Columbus area, but its routes and frequency may not be ideal for frequent medical appointments.

COTA route **#10** operates along **US-23**, offering a potential connection point. However, this route may require transfers to reach hospitals, adding travel time and complexity. The frequency of buses, especially during off-peak hours, can be a significant barrier.

ADA accessibility is a critical consideration. COTA strives to provide accessible services, including ramps and lifts on buses. However, the availability of accessible routes and the potential need for multiple transfers can still pose challenges for individuals with mobility limitations or those undergoing cancer treatment.

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

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer an alternative to driving, but their availability and cost can vary. Surge pricing during peak hours or periods of high demand can make these options expensive. For patients with limited financial resources, this can be a significant barrier.

Medical transportation services specialize in transporting patients to and from medical appointments. These services offer door-to-door assistance, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained drivers. While they provide a valuable service, they can be costly, and availability may be limited, requiring advance booking.

**The Lung Cancer Score for Lockbourne (43137):**

Considering the factors discussed, the Lung Cancer Score for Lockbourne is moderately challenging. The dependence on personal vehicles for accessing healthcare, coupled with limited public transportation options, creates a degree of difficulty.

**Strengths:**

* Relatively manageable drive times to major hospitals.
* Presence of ride-sharing services.
* Availability of medical transportation options.

**Weaknesses:**

* Reliance on personal vehicles, which can be problematic for those unable to drive.
* Limited public transportation options, particularly for direct routes to hospitals.
* Potential for traffic congestion, especially during peak hours.
* Cost of ride-sharing and medical transport services.

**Recommendations for Improving Healthcare Access:**

* **Explore the feasibility of extending COTA bus routes or creating a dedicated medical shuttle service** to connect Lockbourne with major hospitals.
* **Investigate programs that offer financial assistance for transportation** to cancer patients.
* **Promote awareness of available ride-sharing and medical transportation services** and their accessibility features.
* **Encourage the development of telehealth services** to reduce the need for in-person appointments.

**Conclusion: Navigating Healthcare in Lockbourne**

Moving to Lockbourne presents a trade-off. The village offers a tranquil lifestyle, but accessing specialized healthcare requires careful consideration of transportation challenges. While drive times to major hospitals are manageable, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transit options create obstacles. By understanding the transportation landscape and exploring available resources, residents can navigate the healthcare system and receive the care they need. This Lung Cancer Score aims to provide a clear picture of the transportation challenges, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare access in Lockbourne. The village's charm can be enjoyed while proactively planning for healthcare needs.