44266, Ravenna, Ohio Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 44266, Ravenna, Ohio is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

60.64 percent of residents in 44266 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.41 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is University Hospitals Portage Medical Center with a distance of 1.73 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Ravenna, OH (ZIP Code 44266)

The quest for optimal healthcare, especially when facing a diagnosis like lung cancer, becomes intricately woven with the realities of transportation. This write-up analyzes the accessibility of lung cancer-related healthcare services for residents of Ravenna, Ohio (ZIP code 44266), considering various transportation options. It aims to provide a comprehensive ‘Lung Cancer Score’ reflecting the ease or difficulty of accessing crucial care, from initial diagnosis to treatment and follow-up. This information is particularly relevant for individuals contemplating moving to Ravenna, as it directly impacts their healthcare access.

Ravenna, a charming town nestled in Portage County, presents a unique transportation landscape. While it offers a degree of rural tranquility, its location necessitates careful consideration of how residents reach specialized medical facilities. The availability and efficiency of transportation are critical factors in determining the overall ‘Lung Cancer Score’ for this area.

The primary method of transportation for most Ravenna residents is by personal vehicle. The major thoroughfares impacting healthcare access include State Route 14, State Route 44, and Interstate 76. These roads provide the main arteries connecting Ravenna to larger cities like Akron and Cleveland, where advanced cancer treatment centers are located.

Driving times to these centers significantly influence the ‘Lung Cancer Score’. The drive to Akron, home to Summa Health System and Akron Children's Hospital, typically takes between 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic. The journey to Cleveland, encompassing the Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals, can range from 45 minutes to an hour and fifteen minutes, again contingent on traffic conditions. These drive times, while manageable, can be challenging for patients undergoing treatment, experiencing side effects, or requiring frequent appointments. The ease of navigating these routes, particularly during inclement weather, directly impacts the overall ‘Lung Cancer Score’.

Public transportation options in Ravenna are limited, which negatively affects the ‘Lung Cancer Score’. Portage Area Regional Transportation AuthorityRegional Transportation Authority (PARTA) provides bus services within Portage County. However, routes and schedules may not be optimized for frequent trips to specialized cancer centers located outside the immediate Ravenna area. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible buses is crucial, as many lung cancer patients experience mobility challenges. Confirming the availability and reliability of ADA-compliant transportation is essential for evaluating the ‘Lung Cancer Score’.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer another transportation alternative. While these services are available in Ravenna, their reliability and cost can be variable. The availability of drivers, particularly during off-peak hours or for longer distances to hospitals in Akron or Cleveland, might be limited. The financial burden of frequent ride-sharing trips can also strain a patient's resources. The dependability and affordability of ride-sharing services significantly impact the ‘Lung Cancer Score’.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a specialized solution. Companies like MedStar and American Medical Response (AMR) provide non-emergency medical transport. These services often accommodate patients with mobility issues and offer door-to-door assistance. While these services can be a valuable resource, their availability, cost, and insurance coverage are important considerations. The availability and affordability of medical transportation services directly influence the ‘Lung Cancer Score’.

Healthcare access extends beyond simply reaching a medical facility. The availability of support services within Ravenna is also critical. Local pharmacies, primary care physicians, and support groups can provide crucial assistance. The proximity of these resources, and the ease of accessing them, contributes to the overall ‘Lung Cancer Score’.

The ‘Lung Cancer Score’ for Ravenna, OH (44266) is moderately impacted by transportation challenges. While residents have access to quality healthcare facilities in nearby cities, the reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with limited public transportation options, presents potential obstacles. The drive times to specialized cancer centers, while not excessively long, require careful planning and can be taxing for patients. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services offers alternative solutions, but their cost and reliability must be considered.

Individuals contemplating moving to Ravenna should carefully evaluate their transportation needs and healthcare requirements. Researching the specific transportation options available to them, including the cost and availability of ride-sharing, medical transport, and the accessibility of PARTA services, is vital. They should also investigate the availability of support services within Ravenna, such as pharmacies, primary care physicians, and support groups.

The ‘Lung Cancer Score’ is not a static number; it is a dynamic assessment that should be updated regularly. Changes in public transportation routes, the availability of ride-sharing services, or the opening of new medical facilities can all impact the score. Regularly assessing these factors ensures that residents are well-informed about their healthcare access options.

In conclusion, the ‘Lung Cancer Score’ for Ravenna, OH (44266) reflects a landscape where access to lung cancer-related healthcare requires careful planning and consideration of transportation options. While the proximity to major medical centers in Akron and Cleveland offers advantages, the limitations of public transportation and the potential costs associated with ride-sharing and medical transport services necessitate a proactive approach to healthcare access. Individuals moving to Ravenna, and current residents alike, should actively research and plan their transportation strategies to ensure they can readily access the care they need. The journey to better healthcare access begins with understanding the transportation options available, and that understanding is critical to improving the ‘Lung Cancer Score’ for residents of Ravenna.