43511, Custar, Ohio Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 43511, Custar, Ohio is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

65.52 percent of residents in 43511 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.98 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wood County Hospital with a distance of 11.61 miles from the area.

Here's a Lung Cancer Score write-up tailored to your specifications, focusing on healthcare access in ZIP Code 43511 (Custar, Ohio), with an emphasis on transportation options.

**Lung Cancer Score: Custar, Ohio (ZIP Code 43511)**

Custar, Ohio, nestled in the heart of rural Wood County, presents a unique landscape for assessing lung cancer healthcare access. The Lung Cancer Score here considers the confluence of factors impacting a patient's ability to receive timely and effective care, with a strong emphasis on transportation. The score reflects the challenges and opportunities inherent in navigating the healthcare system from this specific geographic vantage point.

The most critical aspect of this assessment revolves around transportation. Custar's relative isolation necessitates a robust understanding of how residents can reach essential medical facilities. The primary mode of transportation for most residents is the personal vehicle. This underscores the importance of reliable roadways and manageable drive times to hospitals, oncology centers, and diagnostic facilities.

**Drive Times and Roadways**

The closest major healthcare hub is likely in Bowling Green, Ohio. Reaching the Wood County Hospital from Custar typically involves a drive of approximately 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific location within Custar. The primary route is via **State Route 65**, a well-maintained two-lane highway. This road offers a relatively smooth journey, but it is crucial to be mindful of potential delays due to agricultural traffic, especially during planting and harvesting seasons.

For specialized cancer care, such as radiation therapy or advanced surgical procedures, patients may need to travel to larger hospitals in Toledo, Ohio. This significantly increases the travel time. The journey usually entails taking **State Route 65** north to **U.S. Route 24** or **Interstate 75**. The drive to Toledo can range from 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the destination and traffic conditions, which can be particularly heavy during rush hour. **Interstate 75** is a major north-south thoroughfare, but it is known for congestion, especially around the city.

Accessing healthcare in Toledo necessitates careful planning. The increased travel time demands consideration of the patient's physical condition, potential side effects of treatment, and the need for frequent appointments. The availability of convenient and reliable transportation becomes even more critical.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Custar and the surrounding areas are severely limited. Wood County does have a public transit system, the Wood County Regional Transit Authority (WRTA). However, its services are primarily focused on providing transportation within Bowling Green and the immediate surrounding areas. Service to Custar is infrequent and may not align with the needs of a cancer patient requiring regular appointments.

The WRTA does offer ADA-accessible vehicles, which is a crucial consideration for patients with mobility limitations. However, the lack of frequent service and the potential for long wait times make public transit a less viable option for many individuals undergoing cancer treatment. The absence of direct routes to major medical centers in Toledo further compounds this challenge.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Bowling Green and Toledo areas. However, their availability in Custar itself can be inconsistent, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Relying on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments presents significant logistical challenges.

Medical transport services are available in the region, but they often come with a higher cost. Companies like First Call Medical Transport or CareRide specialize in transporting patients to and from medical appointments. These services offer door-to-door transportation and can accommodate patients with specific needs. However, the expense can be a barrier for some individuals, and pre-booking is essential.

**Healthcare Access and the Custar Context**

The Lung Cancer Score for Custar reflects the combined impact of these transportation factors on healthcare access. The score acknowledges the challenges posed by rural isolation, the reliance on personal vehicles, and the limited availability of public transit and ride-sharing services.

The healthcare access challenges in Custar are further complicated by the fact that many cancer patients require frequent appointments for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. These appointments can include chemotherapy sessions, radiation therapy, surgical consultations, and regular check-ups. The cumulative impact of travel time, distance, and transportation costs can significantly affect a patient's quality of life and their ability to adhere to their treatment plan.

**Moving to Custar: A Healthcare Consideration**

For individuals considering moving to Custar, the Lung Cancer Score highlights the importance of carefully evaluating healthcare access. Potential residents should consider their personal transportation needs, the availability of reliable transportation options, and the proximity of healthcare facilities.

Prospective residents with a history of cancer or a family history of the disease should pay particular attention to the transportation challenges. It is essential to research the availability of medical specialists, the drive times to hospitals and treatment centers, and the cost of transportation services.

Custar offers a tranquil and close-knit community. However, the Lung Cancer Score underscores the importance of proactively addressing healthcare access issues to ensure that residents can receive the care they need.

**Conclusion: A Call for Solutions**

The Lung Cancer Score for Custar is not merely a numerical assessment; it is a call to action. It highlights the need for innovative solutions to improve healthcare access for residents. This could include exploring partnerships with local organizations to provide transportation assistance, advocating for expanded public transit services, or promoting the use of telehealth options to reduce the need for frequent travel.

The goal is to ensure that all residents of Custar, regardless of their health status, have equitable access to high-quality cancer care. The score serves as a reminder that healthcare is not just about medical treatments; it is also about removing the barriers that prevent individuals from receiving the care they deserve.