44251, Westfield Center, Ohio Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 44251, Westfield Center, Ohio is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

70.02 percent of residents in 44251 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.23 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Lodi Community Hospital with a distance of 4.31 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Westfield Center (ZIP Code 44251)

This report assesses healthcare access, specifically for lung cancer treatment, within the Westfield Center ZIP code of 44251. It considers various transportation options, a critical factor impacting healthcare access, and ultimately provides a "Lung Cancer Score" reflecting the ease or difficulty of reaching necessary medical services. Understanding these transportation realities is crucial for residents, especially those facing a lung cancer diagnosis, and for individuals considering moving to Westfield Center.

The ability to efficiently and reliably access healthcare is paramount, particularly when dealing with a serious illness like lung cancer. Treatment often involves frequent appointments for diagnosis, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and follow-up care. Delays or difficulties in transportation can significantly impact a patient's well-being and the effectiveness of their treatment plan. This analysis explores the landscape of transportation options available to residents of 44251, examining drive times, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation, to determine the overall "Lung Cancer Score."

**Driving: The Dominant Mode**

For residents of 44251, personal vehicles are the most common mode of transportation. Accessing specialized lung cancer care typically involves driving to larger medical centers located outside of Westfield Center. The primary roadways serving the area are US-224 and State Route 303. These roads provide access to nearby cities like Medina and Akron, where comprehensive cancer treatment facilities are located.

Driving times to these facilities vary depending on traffic and the specific destination. The Cleveland Clinic Medina Hospital, offering comprehensive cancer services, is approximately a 20-30 minute drive via I-71 North and SR-18. The drive to Akron General Hospital, a major healthcare provider with oncology services, takes about 30-45 minutes, typically involving travel on US-224 East and I-76 East. The Akron Children's Hospital, with pediatric oncology, is also accessible within a similar timeframe.

Traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, can significantly extend these drive times. Weather conditions, particularly during winter months, can also pose challenges, adding to the complexity of transportation. The reliance on personal vehicles highlights the importance of car ownership and the potential challenges for individuals without access to a car.

**Public Transit: Limited Options**

Public transportation options in 44251 are limited. The primary provider is the Medina County Transit (MCT). However, MCT's services are primarily demand-response, meaning riders must schedule rides in advance. While MCT offers ADA-compliant vehicles, providing accessibility for individuals with disabilities, the limited service area and scheduling requirements can make it challenging to access healthcare appointments, especially for those needing frequent treatment.

The MCT route system may not directly connect to major cancer treatment centers. Riders would likely need to transfer between MCT and other transportation options, such as ride-sharing or taxis, to reach their destinations. This adds complexity and potential delays to the journey, increasing the stress on patients. The lack of readily available public transit significantly impacts healthcare access, particularly for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation: Supplementary Solutions**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Westfield Center area. These services offer a more flexible transportation option compared to public transit. However, availability can vary depending on the time of day and the demand for rides. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, particularly for frequent appointments.

Medical transportation services, such as medical taxis and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), are also available. These services are specifically designed to transport individuals to and from medical appointments. They often provide door-to-door service and may offer assistance with mobility. While these services can be a valuable resource, they typically require advance booking and can be more expensive than other transportation options.

**The "Lung Cancer Score" and Its Implications**

Considering the transportation landscape in 44251, the "Lung Cancer Score" reflects a moderate level of healthcare access. While residents have access to cancer treatment facilities within a reasonable driving distance, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limitations of public transit pose challenges.

The score is influenced by the following factors:

* **Drive Times:** The average drive times to major cancer treatment centers are manageable, but traffic and weather conditions can create delays.
* **Public Transit:** The limited availability and scheduling requirements of public transit significantly restrict healthcare access for those without personal vehicles.
* **Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:** These services offer supplementary solutions, but their cost and availability can be barriers for some individuals.

**Recommendations and Conclusion**

For residents of 44251, particularly those facing a lung cancer diagnosis, it is crucial to carefully consider transportation options when planning healthcare appointments. Explore all available resources, including family, friends, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation providers.

Individuals considering moving to Westfield Center should also factor in transportation when assessing healthcare access. While the area offers a relatively good quality of life, the transportation challenges can impact the ability to receive timely and convenient medical care.

Improving healthcare access in 44251 could involve expanding public transit services, increasing the availability of ride-sharing, and promoting awareness of medical transportation options. These measures would help ensure that all residents, regardless of their mobility or access to a vehicle, can receive the care they need. The "Lung Cancer Score" serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing these transportation challenges to promote the well-being of the community. The score is a composite of factors, and the actual score is dependent on the individual’s needs.