44278, Tallmadge, Ohio Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 44278, Tallmadge, Ohio is 68 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

72.03 percent of residents in 44278 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 4.69 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Summa Health System with a distance of 3.91 miles from the area.

**Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Tallmadge, Ohio (ZIP Code 44278)**

The insidious shadow of lung cancer looms, and in the quiet residential haven of Tallmadge, Ohio (ZIP Code 44278), the ability to swiftly and reliably reach healthcare providers becomes paramount. This write-up, a Lung Cancer Score assessment, analyzes the crucial element of transportation, dissecting the landscape of options available to residents, from the familiar hum of personal vehicles to the less-traveled paths of public transit and ride-sharing services. Understanding these avenues is essential for anyone considering *moving to Tallmadge* or already residing within its borders, especially those facing or at risk of this devastating disease.

The primary concern, of course, is *healthcare access*. Early detection and prompt treatment are critical in the fight against lung cancer. Delays in reaching medical professionals can significantly impact patient outcomes. This analysis considers the time and effort required to access specialized care, specifically focusing on oncology centers and pulmonology specialists in the surrounding areas.

**The Road Ahead: Drive Times and Highways**

For many Tallmadge residents, the personal vehicle remains the cornerstone of *transportation*. The city's location, conveniently nestled near major roadways, offers a degree of flexibility. However, traffic patterns, particularly during peak hours, can introduce unwelcome variables.

The primary arteries connecting Tallmadge to regional medical centers are the I-76 (the Ohio Turnpike) and I-77. Heading south on I-77 provides access to Akron, where the Cleveland Clinic Akron General Hospital and Summa Health System offer comprehensive cancer care. The drive, typically around 15 to 20 minutes in light traffic, can easily stretch to 30 minutes or more during rush hour.

Heading north on I-77 also leads to the Cleveland Clinic, with its main campus located approximately an hour's drive away. This longer journey necessitates careful planning, especially for patients undergoing frequent treatments or facing urgent medical needs.

State Route 224, a major east-west thoroughfare, offers an alternative route to Akron, though it often experiences heavy congestion, especially around shopping areas. This route, while potentially shorter in distance, can be slower than the interstate during peak times. Local roads like Tallmadge Road and East Market Street provide access to local medical offices and urgent care facilities.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public *transportation* options in Tallmadge are limited, presenting a significant challenge for those without personal vehicles. The Akron Metro Regional Transit Authority (Metro RTA) provides bus service, but routes within Tallmadge are infrequent, and connections to major medical centers are often indirect and time-consuming.

Route 106, for example, serves the Tallmadge area, but its frequency is limited, and it may not directly connect to hospitals. Transfers to other routes, such as those serving downtown Akron, are often necessary, adding considerable travel time. The Metro RTA does offer ADA-accessible buses, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can utilize the service. However, the inherent limitations of bus schedules and route coverage pose a significant barrier to timely *healthcare access*.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gap**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a more flexible *transportation* alternative. These services are readily available in Tallmadge, providing on-demand access to medical appointments. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a significant factor, particularly for frequent trips. Furthermore, the availability of drivers can vary, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather.

Medical transport services, such as those offered by private ambulance companies and non-emergency medical *transportation* providers, cater specifically to patients with medical needs. These services often provide door-to-door assistance, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. While offering a higher level of care and convenience, medical *transportation* services are typically more expensive than ride-sharing or public transit.

**Medical Transport Brands:**

* **ProCare Ambulance:** Provides non-emergency and emergency medical *transportation* services.
* **Med-Ride:** Offers non-emergency medical *transportation* for appointments and other medical needs.
* **American Medical Response (AMR):** A national provider of ambulance and medical *transportation* services.

**Assessing the Score: A Complex Equation**

The Lung Cancer Score for Tallmadge, Ohio, is not easily quantified with a single number. It's a multifaceted assessment that considers drive times, public transit limitations, and the availability and cost of ride-sharing and medical *transportation*.

While the proximity to major highways offers a degree of convenience for those with personal vehicles, the reliance on personal *transportation* creates a disparity for individuals who cannot drive or do not have access to a car. The limited public transit options exacerbate this inequality. The cost of ride-sharing and medical *transportation* further compounds the challenges, particularly for those with limited financial resources.

**The Impact of Moving to Tallmadge**

For individuals considering *moving to Tallmadge*, a careful evaluation of *transportation* options is crucial, especially if they have a history of lung cancer or are at high risk. The availability of reliable and affordable *healthcare access* is a critical factor in ensuring timely diagnosis and treatment.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Landscape**

In conclusion, Tallmadge, Ohio, presents a mixed bag regarding *healthcare access* for lung cancer patients. While the city's location offers relatively quick access to major medical centers via personal vehicle, the limitations of public *transportation* and the cost of ride-sharing and medical *transportation* pose significant challenges. Residents, and those considering *moving to Tallmadge*, must carefully weigh these factors when assessing their ability to access the crucial care required in the fight against lung cancer. Proactive planning, including identifying reliable *transportation* options and understanding the available resources, is essential for navigating this complex landscape.