44285, Wayland, Ohio Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 44285, Wayland, Ohio is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

55.00 percent of residents in 44285 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.40 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is University Hospitals Portage Medical Center with a distance of 9.18 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Wayland, Ohio (ZIP Code 44285)

The insidious nature of lung cancer demands swift and reliable healthcare access. This write-up, tailored for residents of Wayland, Ohio (ZIP Code 44285), assesses the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access, providing a "Lung Cancer Score" to help navigate the complexities of diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care. Understanding the practical realities of moving to Wayland, and how you'll get to vital appointments, is crucial.

The Lung Cancer Score considers factors like drive times to major medical facilities, public transportation options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services. Each element contributes to a comprehensive picture of healthcare accessibility, a vital consideration for anyone facing a lung cancer diagnosis. This analysis focuses on the practicalities of transportation, recognizing that timely access to care can significantly impact patient outcomes.

**The Geographic Landscape and Healthcare Proximity**

Wayland, a rural community, is situated in Portage County, Ohio. Its location presents both challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. The nearest major medical centers are in surrounding cities, necessitating travel via roadways and potentially public transit. The Lung Cancer Score takes these distances into account, evaluating the feasibility of reaching essential healthcare services.

The primary roadways serving Wayland are State Route 14, a vital east-west artery, and State Route 700, providing north-south connectivity. These routes are the lifelines connecting Wayland to larger communities with advanced medical facilities. The condition of these roads, traffic patterns, and seasonal weather conditions significantly influence drive times, directly impacting the Lung Cancer Score.

**Drive Times and Roadway Navigation**

The primary destinations for lung cancer care in this region include University Hospitals Portage Medical Center in Ravenna (approximately 20-30 minutes via SR-14 and SR-44), and Cleveland Clinic Akron General in Akron (approximately 45-60 minutes via SR-14, I-76, and SR-8). These drive times are estimates, subject to traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours.

Navigating these routes requires careful planning. Rush hour on SR-14 and the I-76 corridor can add considerable time to the commute. Weather conditions, especially during winter, can further complicate travel, potentially delaying or canceling appointments. The Lung Cancer Score considers these variables, acknowledging the potential impact on healthcare access.

The journey to Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, offering specialized lung cancer treatment, is significantly longer, typically taking 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes via I-76 and I-77. This extended travel time underscores the importance of meticulous planning and the consideration of alternative transportation options.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Wayland are limited. The Portage Area Regional Transportation AuthorityRegional Transportation Authority (PARTA) provides bus service within Portage County, but its routes and schedules may not directly serve Wayland or offer frequent connections to major medical centers.

PARTA's Route 10, which travels through Ravenna, could be considered as a potential link, requiring transfers to other routes or alternative transportation for those living in Wayland. However, the frequency and coverage of these routes may not adequately meet the needs of individuals requiring frequent medical appointments. ADA accessibility features are available on PARTA buses, ensuring that those with mobility limitations can utilize the service.

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

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Wayland area, providing a potential alternative to personal vehicles. However, their availability and cost can vary, particularly during off-peak hours or in rural areas. The Lung Cancer Score factors in the reliability and affordability of these services, recognizing their potential as a supplementary transportation option.

Medical transport services, such as MedTrans or other specialized providers, offer dedicated transportation for medical appointments. These services are designed to accommodate individuals with mobility limitations or those who require assistance during travel. The Lung Cancer Score evaluates the availability, cost, and coverage area of these services, recognizing their critical role in ensuring healthcare access.

**The Lung Cancer Score: A Holistic Assessment**

The Lung Cancer Score for Wayland, Ohio, is a composite assessment based on the following factors:

* **Drive Times:** The time required to reach major medical centers, considering traffic and weather conditions.
* **Public Transit:** The availability, frequency, and accessibility of public transportation options.
* **Ride-Sharing:** The reliability and affordability of ride-sharing services.
* **Medical Transport:** The availability, cost, and coverage area of medical transport services.
* **Road Infrastructure:** The condition of roadways and their impact on travel times.

Based on this analysis, the Lung Cancer Score for Wayland, Ohio (ZIP Code 44285), is moderate. While the area benefits from proximity to major medical centers, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limitations of public transportation present challenges. Ride-sharing and medical transport services offer supplementary options, but their availability and cost must be carefully considered.

**Recommendations and Considerations**

Individuals considering moving to Wayland, or those already residing there, should prioritize the following:

* **Personal Vehicle:** Maintaining a reliable personal vehicle is crucial for accessing healthcare services.
* **Transportation Planning:** Develop a detailed transportation plan, including backup options, for all medical appointments.
* **Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:** Research and familiarize yourself with the availability and cost of ride-sharing and medical transport services.
* **Support Network:** Build a strong support network of family, friends, or community members who can assist with transportation needs.
* **Local Resources:** Contact local healthcare providers and community organizations for information on transportation assistance programs.

**Conclusion**

The Lung Cancer Score for Wayland, Ohio, highlights the importance of proactive transportation planning for individuals facing a lung cancer diagnosis. While the area offers access to quality healthcare, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limitations of public transportation necessitate careful consideration of all available options. By understanding the transportation landscape and proactively planning for healthcare access, residents of Wayland can navigate the challenges of lung cancer treatment and improve their chances of a positive outcome.