43558, Swanton, Ohio Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 43558, Swanton, Ohio is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

58.04 percent of residents in 43558 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.56 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is St Luke's Hospital with a distance of 10.55 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Swanton, Ohio (ZIP Code 43558)

Considering a move to Swanton, Ohio (ZIP Code 43558)? This assessment focuses on the critical aspect of healthcare access, specifically for individuals concerned about lung cancer diagnosis and treatment. We’ll explore the transportation landscape, evaluating drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing availability, all factors that significantly influence the Lung Cancer Score. This score provides a preliminary understanding of the ease with which residents can access potentially life-saving medical care.

Swanton, a charming village nestled in Fulton County, presents a unique challenge: its relative remoteness. While offering a peaceful lifestyle, this characteristic impacts the availability and accessibility of specialized medical services. The primary concern is the time it takes to reach facilities equipped to diagnose and treat lung cancer, like comprehensive cancer centers or hospitals with specialized pulmonology departments.

The cornerstone of transportation in Swanton is the automobile. The primary routes for accessing healthcare outside the immediate vicinity are US-20, US-24, and the Ohio Turnpike (I-80/I-90). Reaching major medical centers in Toledo, approximately 20 miles east, necessitates navigating these highways. During peak hours, congestion on US-20 and US-24 can extend travel times, impacting the Lung Cancer Score. The Ohio Turnpike offers a faster, toll-based alternative, but the cost must be factored into the overall assessment.

Drive times to the nearest hospitals capable of lung cancer care, such as ProMedica Toledo Hospital and University of Toledo Medical Center (UTMC), are crucial. Under ideal conditions, a drive to either facility takes approximately 30-45 minutes. However, this estimate doesn't account for traffic, weather conditions, or potential emergencies. The Lung Cancer Score is negatively impacted by the variability in these drive times.

Public transportation options in Swanton are limited. The Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA) provides some service, but its routes and frequency are restricted. Currently, TARTA doesn't directly serve Swanton with frequent or direct routes to major hospitals. Passengers would likely need to transfer, significantly increasing travel time and complexity. This lack of robust public transit presents a significant barrier for individuals who cannot drive or prefer not to drive, especially those undergoing treatment that may impact their ability to operate a vehicle. ADA accessibility on TARTA buses is available, but the limited service area is a major drawback.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Swanton area, but their reliability and cost can vary. Availability depends on driver presence, which is often lower in less populated areas. The cost of ride-sharing can quickly accumulate, especially for frequent appointments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy. This financial burden further complicates the Lung Cancer Score.

Medical transport services offer specialized transportation for patients with medical needs. Companies like MedTransport and CareRide provide non-emergency medical transportation. These services are particularly valuable for individuals who require assistance getting to and from appointments. However, these services are often more expensive than ride-sharing or public transit, and advance booking is generally required. The availability and cost of medical transport are essential considerations for the Lung Cancer Score.

Healthcare access extends beyond simply reaching a hospital. The availability of specialized physicians, such as pulmonologists, oncologists, and thoracic surgeons, is vital. While Toledo offers a wider range of specialists, the travel time to these providers influences the Lung Cancer Score. Delays in accessing specialized care can negatively impact outcomes, especially in the context of a time-sensitive disease like lung cancer.

Considering a move to Swanton, potential residents should research the specific hospitals and clinics in Toledo and surrounding areas. Contacting these facilities to inquire about appointment availability, insurance acceptance, and patient transportation assistance is crucial. Understanding the network of care and the support services available is essential for a comprehensive assessment.

The Lung Cancer Score is not just about distance; it’s about the ease and reliability of accessing care. Factors like traffic, weather, and personal mobility all contribute to the overall score. The more challenging the transportation landscape, the lower the score.

For individuals considering a move to Swanton, the Lung Cancer Score requires a thorough evaluation of transportation options. While the village offers a peaceful environment, its relative remoteness presents challenges to healthcare access. Careful planning, including assessing personal transportation capabilities, researching public transit options, and exploring ride-sharing or medical transport services, is essential.

The Ohio Turnpike offers a faster, toll-based alternative, but the cost must be factored into the overall assessment.

The Lung Cancer Score for Swanton, Ohio (ZIP Code 43558) is influenced by the limited public transportation, the reliance on personal vehicles, and the potential for increased travel times due to traffic. While ride-sharing and medical transport services offer alternatives, their cost and availability can be significant. The overall score reflects the need for careful planning and proactive measures to ensure timely access to specialized lung cancer care. The decision to move to Swanton should include a realistic assessment of these transportation challenges and the potential impact on healthcare access.