44443, New Springfield, Ohio Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 44443, New Springfield, Ohio is 67 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

80.41 percent of residents in 44443 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.70 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Salem Regional Medical Center with a distance of 12.39 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in 44443

Considering a move to New Springfield, Ohio, ZIP code 44443? This analysis provides a "Lung Cancer Score" – a personalized assessment of healthcare access, specifically focusing on transportation options for individuals diagnosed with lung cancer. This score considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-share services, and medical transport options. The goal is to offer a comprehensive understanding of how easily residents of 44443 can reach essential healthcare services.

The "Lung Cancer Score" isn't a definitive medical prediction; it's a practical tool for understanding the logistical challenges and advantages of accessing care. It reflects the realities of transportation within and around 44443, a crucial element in the ongoing treatment journey for those facing lung cancer.

**Drive Times and Road Networks:**

The backbone of transportation in 44443 is the network of roads and highways. Accessing healthcare facilities often begins with a personal vehicle. The primary arteries are **U.S. Route 62** and **State Route 45**. These roads provide direct access to neighboring towns and cities where specialized medical care is available.

Driving to the closest major hospital, **St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital**, located in Youngstown, typically takes around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic. The journey involves navigating **U.S. Route 62** east, connecting to **Interstate 680** northbound. This route is generally straightforward, but potential bottlenecks can occur during rush hour.

Another crucial facility, **Akron General Hospital**, is further afield, requiring a drive of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. This route involves traveling on **U.S. Route 62** east to **State Route 14** east, then connecting to **Interstate 76** west. This longer journey necessitates careful planning, considering potential fatigue and the physical demands of lung cancer treatment.

Smaller, local clinics and urgent care centers within a 15-20 minute drive offer immediate care for less critical situations. These facilities are usually accessible via **U.S. Route 62** and local roads like **Springfield Road** and **Beaver Creek Road**.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transportation in 44443 is limited. The **Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA)** provides bus service, but routes serving 44443 are infrequent and may not directly reach major medical centers. The WRTA primarily focuses on routes within Youngstown and surrounding areas.

To utilize public transit for healthcare appointments, residents would likely need to travel to a central hub, such as the WRTA's downtown Youngstown terminal. From there, connections to various hospitals and clinics are possible, but the journey would involve multiple transfers and extended travel times.

The WRTA does offer ADA-accessible buses, ensuring that individuals with mobility limitations can utilize the service. However, the limited frequency of routes and the potential for long travel times make public transit a less-than-ideal option for many lung cancer patients, especially those undergoing chemotherapy or radiation.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transportation Services:**

Ride-share services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the 44443 area. However, their availability can fluctuate depending on the time of day and demand. Relying solely on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments may prove unreliable, especially for early-morning or late-evening appointments.

Medical transportation services offer a more specialized solution for patients with mobility challenges. Companies like **Medicaid Transportation** and **CareRide** provide non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services typically require advance booking and may involve specific eligibility requirements.

**Medical Transport Considerations:**

Choosing medical transportation requires careful consideration of the patient's physical condition, insurance coverage, and the distance to the healthcare facility. Coordinating these services requires planning and communication with the medical team and the transportation provider.

**The "Lung Cancer Score" Components:**

The "Lung Cancer Score" considers these factors:

* **Drive Time:** The average time to reach key healthcare facilities.
* **Public Transit Accessibility:** The availability, frequency, and accessibility of public transit routes.
* **Ride-Share Reliability:** The availability and cost of ride-share services.
* **Medical Transport Options:** The availability, cost, and suitability of medical transportation services.

**Interpreting the "Lung Cancer Score" for 44443:**

Based on this analysis, the "Lung Cancer Score" for 44443 would likely reflect a moderate level of healthcare access. While drive times to major hospitals are manageable, the limited public transit options and the potential unreliability of ride-share services pose challenges.

Medical transportation services offer a viable alternative, but their availability and cost must be factored in. For individuals with lung cancer, the reliance on personal vehicles or pre-arranged transportation is significant.

**Moving to New Springfield: A Holistic Perspective:**

When considering a move to New Springfield (44443), it's crucial to integrate the "Lung Cancer Score" into a broader assessment. This includes evaluating the proximity of primary care physicians, oncologists, pulmonologists, and other specialists.

Understanding the local healthcare landscape is paramount. Researching the quality of care provided by local hospitals and clinics is essential. Inquiring about the availability of support groups, patient navigators, and other resources for lung cancer patients is also important.

**Conclusion:**

The "Lung Cancer Score" provides a framework for understanding healthcare access in 44443. While the area offers access to medical facilities, the transportation infrastructure presents challenges. For individuals with lung cancer, careful planning and reliance on personal vehicles or pre-arranged transportation are critical.

Moving to New Springfield requires a comprehensive assessment of healthcare access, incorporating the "Lung Cancer Score" into a broader evaluation of the community's resources and support systems. This ensures informed decision-making and a smoother transition for those facing the complexities of lung cancer treatment. This detailed analysis aims to empower individuals with the knowledge needed to navigate the healthcare landscape and make informed decisions about their healthcare needs in 44443.