44609, Beloit, Ohio Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 44609, Beloit, Ohio is 51 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

65.81 percent of residents in 44609 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.97 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Alliance Community Hospital with a distance of 5.41 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 44609 (Beloit, Ohio)

Considering a move to Beloit, Ohio (ZIP code 44609)? This analysis delves into the critical aspect of healthcare access, specifically for individuals concerned about lung cancer, a disease demanding timely and specialized care. We’ll examine the transportation landscape, a pivotal factor determining the Lung Cancer Score, which reflects the ease of reaching essential medical services. This score, though not a formal medical assessment, provides a practical understanding of the challenges and opportunities in accessing lung cancer care within and around this community.

The geography of Beloit is primarily rural, influencing the available transportation options. The Lung Cancer Score in 44609 is significantly impacted by the limited public transit and the reliance on personal vehicles. Residents must often travel to larger towns and cities for specialized treatment, making efficient transportation a necessity.

The primary arteries for vehicular travel are crucial to consider. Ohio Route 180, running north-south, provides a direct route to Alliance, Ohio, approximately 15 minutes away. This is a vital connection, as Alliance boasts the University Hospitals Alliance Community Hospital, a critical healthcare resource. Heading west on Route 180 connects to US Route 62, which leads to Canton, a larger city with more comprehensive medical facilities, including Aultman Hospital and Mercy Medical Center. The drive to Canton averages around 40 minutes, a time that could be significantly impacted by traffic or weather conditions.

Eastward on Route 180 leads to Lisbon, Ohio, a smaller town with limited healthcare resources. The drive is shorter, about 20 minutes, but it is not a primary destination for specialized lung cancer care. The condition of these roads, particularly during winter months, can affect travel times and safety, directly influencing the Lung Cancer Score.

Public transportation options are sparse in 44609. The Stark Area Regional Transit Authority (SARTA) offers some services in the Canton area, but its reach into Beloit is limited. There are no direct bus routes serving the community. This absence of public transit significantly lowers the Lung Cancer Score for individuals who do not drive or have limited access to a vehicle. The lack of ADA-compliant public transit further restricts healthcare access for those with mobility challenges.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their reliability and cost can vary. While they offer a potential alternative to personal vehicles, their availability, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather, can be unpredictable. The cost of these services can also be a financial burden, further impacting the Lung Cancer Score, particularly for those with limited financial resources.

Specialized medical transportation services are another option, though their use often requires pre-arrangement and can be costly. Companies like CareRide and Medical Transport Services offer non-emergency medical transportation. These services provide door-to-door assistance, which is particularly beneficial for individuals with mobility issues or those undergoing treatment that may impair their ability to drive. However, the availability and cost of these services must be factored into the overall Lung Cancer Score.

The distance to healthcare facilities, and the mode of transportation used to reach them, are key determinants of the Lung Cancer Score. For individuals diagnosed with lung cancer, frequent appointments for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care are typical. These appointments can include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, and regular check-ups. The time and effort required to travel to these appointments can be physically and emotionally draining, especially when compounded by the effects of the disease and its treatments.

For those considering moving to Beloit, the Lung Cancer Score should be a significant consideration. The score is not a static number but rather a reflection of the challenges and opportunities in accessing timely and effective lung cancer care. It’s crucial to assess individual needs and capabilities when evaluating the healthcare landscape.

The Lung Cancer Score also accounts for the availability of support services. Access to support groups, counseling, and palliative care can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals battling lung cancer. The proximity of these services, as well as the ease of transportation to them, are essential factors.

The healthcare access picture in 44609 is not entirely bleak. The proximity to Alliance and Canton offers access to a range of medical specialists and treatment options. However, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transit options necessitate careful planning and consideration.

The Lung Cancer Score is not just about the distance to the hospital; it's about the entire healthcare journey. It considers the time it takes to get to appointments, the cost of transportation, the availability of support services, and the overall impact on the individual's well-being. For individuals considering a move to Beloit, a thorough evaluation of these factors is essential.

The Lung Cancer Score for 44609, therefore, reflects a landscape where access to specialized lung cancer care is possible but requires careful planning. The absence of robust public transit and the reliance on personal vehicles or ride-sharing services presents challenges. The drive times to major healthcare facilities in Alliance and Canton are manageable, but weather conditions and traffic can impact travel. The availability and cost of specialized medical transportation services offer alternative solutions, though their use often requires pre-arrangement.

The Lung Cancer Score is a reminder that healthcare access is multifaceted. It's about more than just the presence of hospitals; it's about the ability to reach them efficiently, affordably, and with dignity. The information presented here provides a starting point for understanding the transportation and healthcare landscape in Beloit, Ohio, and for making informed decisions about healthcare access. For individuals considering a move to Beloit, a comprehensive assessment of their individual needs and capabilities is essential to ensure access to timely and effective lung cancer care.