43412, Curtice, Ohio Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 43412, Curtice, Ohio is 74 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

64.58 percent of residents in 43412 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.03 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wood County Hospital with a distance of 23.71 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Curtice, Ohio (ZIP Code 43412) – A Transportation-Focused Assessment

The air hangs heavy with the scent of industry and the promise of open fields in Curtice, Ohio (ZIP Code 43412). Nestled in the heart of Lucas County, this small community offers a quiet life, but the realities of healthcare access, particularly for a disease as critical as lung cancer, demand a closer look. This analysis unveils the "Lung Cancer Score" for Curtice, focusing on the crucial element of transportation, a lifeline when facing diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. Understanding these pathways is paramount, especially for individuals **moving to Curtice** and needing to factor in healthcare accessibility.

The “Lung Cancer Score” is not a formal medical metric. Instead, it’s a qualitative assessment of the transportation landscape influencing a patient's ability to access vital lung cancer care. It considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services. The score aims to provide a realistic picture of the challenges and opportunities facing residents of Curtice when navigating the complexities of healthcare.

The primary healthcare hubs for lung cancer treatment in the region are concentrated in Toledo, a city approximately 15-20 miles west of Curtice. This proximity seems favorable, but the devil, as they say, is in the details. The primary artery connecting Curtice to Toledo is State Route 2 (SR-2), a major east-west thoroughfare. During peak traffic hours, especially weekday mornings and evenings, the drive can easily extend to 30-45 minutes, adding significant stress to patients already grappling with the emotional and physical toll of cancer. Another route is via State Route 579 (SR-579) to I-280.

For those without personal vehicles, the public transportation options are limited. The Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA) provides bus services, but service to Curtice is infrequent and may require transfers. Route 20, which travels along Navarre Avenue, is the closest route, but it does not directly serve Curtice. This necessitates a ride to the route. The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility of TARTA buses is a positive factor, offering ramps and other features to accommodate individuals with mobility challenges. However, the limited frequency and potential for multiple transfers make this option less than ideal for frequent medical appointments.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Toledo area. Their presence offers a more flexible transportation solution compared to public transit. However, their reliability and cost can fluctuate, particularly during peak demand or in inclement weather. Patients on fixed incomes or those requiring frequent transportation may find these services financially unsustainable. The availability of these services in Curtice itself is generally good, but it is important to consider that wait times can be longer than in the city center.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more specialized solution. Companies like CareRide and First Medical Transport provide non-emergency medical transportation. These services often cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those who cannot drive themselves. However, availability and cost vary depending on the specific insurance coverage and the patient's needs. It is essential for Curtice residents to research these options and understand their insurance coverage before relying on them.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Curtice, considering these factors, presents a mixed picture. The proximity to Toledo, the availability of ride-sharing services, and the presence of medical transportation options offer some advantages. However, the reliance on SR-2, the limited public transit options, and the potential cost of ride-sharing services create significant challenges. The score is significantly impacted by the lack of direct public transit access, potentially isolating those without personal vehicles.

The impact of these transportation limitations is amplified when considering the frequent appointments required for lung cancer treatment. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and follow-up appointments can necessitate weekly, or even daily, trips to healthcare facilities. The cumulative impact of long drive times, unreliable public transit, or the financial burden of ride-sharing can be substantial, adding to the stress and anxiety already associated with a cancer diagnosis.

For individuals **moving to Curtice**, a thorough assessment of their transportation needs is crucial. This includes evaluating their ability to drive, the availability of family or friends to provide transportation, and the affordability of ride-sharing or medical transport services. Researching TARTA routes and schedules, even if they require transfers, can be a valuable exercise.

Furthermore, individuals should investigate the specific healthcare facilities they plan to utilize. Understanding the parking situation, the availability of valet services, and the accessibility features of the facility can significantly improve the overall experience.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Curtice is not a static number; it is a dynamic assessment that can change based on individual circumstances and evolving transportation options. The future of healthcare access in Curtice hinges on continued investment in public transit, the expansion of medical transportation services, and the development of innovative solutions to bridge the gap between patients and the care they need. This includes the potential for telehealth services, which can reduce the need for in-person appointments for certain follow-up care.

In conclusion, while Curtice offers a peaceful lifestyle, the realities of **healthcare access** for lung cancer patients necessitate careful consideration of **transportation** options. The "Lung Cancer Score" highlights the need for proactive planning, research, and a willingness to navigate the available resources to ensure access to timely and effective care. The journey to healing begins with the first step, and in Curtice, that step often involves a thoughtful consideration of how one will get there.