44830, Fostoria, Ohio Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 44830, Fostoria, Ohio is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

71.83 percent of residents in 44830 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.58 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Mercy Health - Tiffin Hospital with a distance of 11.14 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Fostoria, Ohio (ZIP Code 44830)

The specter of a lung cancer diagnosis casts a long shadow, demanding swift and efficient access to specialized healthcare. For residents of Fostoria, Ohio (ZIP code 44830), understanding the complexities of transportation becomes paramount. This Lung Cancer Score write-up assesses the accessibility of diagnostic and treatment facilities, considering drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services. This information is crucial for anyone facing a potential diagnosis or considering moving to Fostoria, offering a clearer picture of healthcare access.

The primary healthcare hub for Fostoria residents is ProMedica Fostoria Hospital, a critical access hospital offering basic services. However, for advanced lung cancer care, including specialized diagnostics, surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, patients typically need to travel to larger medical centers in surrounding cities. The distance and mode of transportation significantly impact the patient's experience and the timeliness of their care.

Driving remains the most common transportation method for residents of 44830. The primary artery connecting Fostoria to larger cities is US-23, a major north-south highway. Traveling south on US-23 provides access to the healthcare facilities in Findlay, approximately a 30-minute drive. This includes Blanchard Valley Health System, which offers a range of specialized medical services. Further south, the drive extends to Lima, Ohio, approximately an hour away, where Lima Memorial Health System and Mercy Health-St. Rita's Medical Center provide comprehensive cancer care.

Heading north on US-23 leads to Toledo, Ohio, a drive of approximately one hour and fifteen minutes. The University of Toledo Medical Center and ProMedica Toledo Hospital offer advanced cancer treatment options, including specialized oncology centers and research programs. These facilities are crucial for patients requiring complex procedures or participating in clinical trials. Another option north is the drive on US-23 to I-80/90 (the Ohio Turnpike), which can provide access to the Cleveland Clinic, a world-renowned medical center, within a two-hour drive.

Alternatively, State Route 12 offers an east-west route, connecting Fostoria to various healthcare facilities. Traveling east on State Route 12 leads to Tiffin, Ohio, a drive of roughly 20 minutes, where Mercy Health-Tiffin Hospital provides some medical services. Traveling west on State Route 12, patients can reach Findlay, Ohio, where Blanchard Valley Health System is located.

Public transportation options in Fostoria are limited. The Seneca County Transportation Service (SCTS) offers demand-response transportation within Seneca County. However, service areas and hours of operation are restricted, and it may not be a reliable option for frequent trips to distant medical centers. The SCTS does offer ADA-accessible vehicles, catering to individuals with disabilities. The lack of readily available public transit significantly impacts healthcare access, especially for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, may be available in Fostoria, but their availability and reliability can fluctuate. The presence of ride-sharing services depends on driver availability, which may be limited, particularly during off-peak hours or in rural areas. Patients should not solely rely on ride-sharing, as it may not be a dependable mode of transportation for scheduled medical appointments or urgent needs.

Medical transport services, such as non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), provide a crucial link for patients who cannot drive or utilize public transit. These services offer door-to-door transportation to medical appointments. Several NEMT providers operate in the region, but their availability and coverage areas vary. Patients should research and pre-arrange medical transport, as scheduling can be complex and require advance notice.

The Lung Cancer Score for Fostoria (44830) reflects a mixed picture of healthcare access. While drive times to neighboring cities with advanced cancer care are manageable, the reliance on personal vehicles or pre-arranged transportation creates challenges. The limited public transit and the fluctuating availability of ride-sharing services exacerbate these challenges.

For individuals considering moving to Fostoria, a thorough assessment of their transportation needs and healthcare requirements is crucial. Understanding the drive times to specialized medical centers and pre-arranging reliable transportation options is paramount. The ability to drive or access a dependable vehicle is a significant advantage.

The Lung Cancer Score is not a definitive rating but rather a guide to understanding the complexities of transportation and healthcare access. It highlights the importance of proactive planning and the need to consider all available options, including driving, public transit (if available), ride-sharing, and medical transport services. Early diagnosis and timely treatment are crucial for lung cancer patients, and efficient transportation plays a vital role in achieving these goals.