44288, Windham, Ohio Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 44288, Windham, Ohio is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

55.93 percent of residents in 44288 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.91 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is University Hospitals Portage Medical Center with a distance of 10.78 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Windham, Ohio (ZIP Code 44288)

Considering a move to Windham, Ohio (ZIP Code 44288)? This analysis provides a "Lung Cancer Score," a hypothetical metric gauging the ease and efficiency of accessing lung cancer-related healthcare in the area. The score considers transportation options, drive times, and the availability of treatment facilities, particularly relevant for individuals with or at risk of lung cancer. It’s a snapshot, not a definitive medical assessment, but a helpful guide for understanding healthcare access within the context of *transportation* challenges.

Windham, a rural community in Portage County, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and proximity to larger urban centers. This duality significantly impacts *healthcare access*, creating both advantages and disadvantages when it comes to specialized medical care. The Lung Cancer Score aims to illuminate these complexities.

The primary factor influencing the Lung Cancer Score is *transportation*. Residents of Windham rely heavily on personal vehicles. The major thoroughfare, State Route 82, provides the main artery for travel. Heading west, it connects to State Route 5, offering access to Warren and the Ohio Turnpike (I-80). Eastward, Route 82 leads towards Garrettsville and ultimately, the more populated areas of Cleveland. These routes are essential for accessing hospitals and specialists.

Drive times are crucial. For comprehensive lung cancer care, including diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up, residents often need to travel to larger medical centers. University Hospitals (UH) Portage Medical Center in Ravenna is a local option, but for specialized oncology services, Cleveland Clinic or UH Cleveland Medical Center are often preferred.

Driving to UH Portage Medical Center from Windham typically takes around 15-20 minutes via State Route 82. This is a relatively short commute, offering quick access to a local hospital. However, the availability of specialized oncology services may be limited compared to larger institutions.

The journey to Cleveland Clinic, a nationally recognized cancer center, presents a different challenge. Expect a drive of approximately 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic, primarily utilizing State Route 82 to the Ohio Turnpike (I-80) and then heading east. This longer drive time necessitates careful planning, especially for frequent appointments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy. The Ohio Turnpike, though a toll road, provides a faster, more direct route.

Reaching UH Cleveland Medical Center also requires a similar commute, utilizing State Route 82 and the Ohio Turnpike (I-80), with a travel time comparable to the Cleveland Clinic. Traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, can significantly extend these drive times, adding stress and potentially impacting the patient's well-being.

Public *transportation* options in Windham are limited. Portage Area Regional Transportation AuthorityRegional Transportation Authority (PARTA) provides some bus services in Portage County, but routes and frequency are limited, particularly in rural areas like Windham. There is no direct public transit route from Windham to major hospitals in Cleveland. This lack of reliable public *transportation* significantly impacts the Lung Cancer Score, particularly for individuals who cannot drive or who prefer not to drive.

ADA accessibility on PARTA buses varies. While PARTA strives to provide accessible services, the limited route options and the need for transfers can pose challenges for individuals with mobility issues. This is an important consideration for anyone with lung cancer, as treatment and its side effects can impact mobility.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their reliability and cost can be unpredictable, especially in a rural setting. Availability might be limited, and surge pricing during peak hours or for longer distances could make these options financially burdensome. For regular medical appointments, relying solely on ride-sharing might not be feasible.

Medical *transportation* services, such as those offered by private companies, provide a dedicated option for patients needing assistance. These services offer door-to-door *transportation* and can be particularly helpful for individuals with mobility limitations or those undergoing treatment that affects their ability to drive. However, these services can be expensive and may require advance booking. Researching the availability and cost of these services is crucial for anyone *moving to Windham* with pre-existing health conditions.

The availability of specialized lung cancer care in the immediate vicinity of Windham is limited. While UH Portage Medical Center offers some services, residents may need to travel to Cleveland for comprehensive treatment, including advanced imaging, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. The proximity to these larger medical centers is a significant advantage, but the *transportation* challenges cannot be overlooked.

The Lung Cancer Score for Windham, Ohio (ZIP Code 44288) is moderately positive. While the community's location offers access to excellent medical facilities, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public *transportation* options create barriers. The longer drive times to Cleveland-area hospitals require careful planning and can add stress to an already challenging situation. The availability of ride-sharing and medical *transportation* services offers alternative solutions, but these come with their own considerations.

The score emphasizes the importance of pre-planning and considering *transportation* needs when making healthcare decisions. Individuals *moving to Windham* should thoroughly research their insurance coverage, identify preferred healthcare providers, and assess the feasibility of accessing those providers given their *transportation* capabilities.

Ultimately, the Lung Cancer Score for Windham highlights the need for a proactive approach to healthcare. While the community offers a peaceful environment, accessing specialized medical care requires careful consideration of *transportation* options and the potential challenges they present. This is a crucial factor for individuals with or at risk of lung cancer.