45120, Felicity, Ohio Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 45120, Felicity, Ohio is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

33.84 percent of residents in 45120 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.04 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Mercy Health - Clermont Hospital with a distance of 17.69 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Felicity, Ohio (ZIP Code 45120)

The insidious nature of lung cancer demands swift and reliable access to healthcare. For residents of Felicity, Ohio (ZIP code 45120), the journey to diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care presents a unique challenge, intricately woven with the fabric of transportation infrastructure. This "Lung Cancer Score" aims to illuminate the realities of healthcare access, specifically focusing on the crucial role of transportation. Considering a move to Felicity? Understanding these complexities is paramount.

Felicity, a charming village nestled in Clermont County, offers a slower pace of life. However, its relative isolation necessitates careful consideration of how residents will navigate the healthcare landscape. The nearest comprehensive medical facilities, equipped to handle the complexities of lung cancer, are located in Cincinnati, approximately 40 miles away. This distance translates into potential delays, anxieties, and financial burdens, all of which can significantly impact a patient's prognosis and quality of life.

The primary mode of transportation for most residents is the personal vehicle. The drive to Cincinnati involves navigating a network of highways and local roads. The journey typically begins on State Route 133, a winding rural road that eventually intersects with US Route 50. This route, while scenic, can be subject to traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours. Further along, US Route 50 merges onto Interstate 275, a major beltway that circles Cincinnati. The final destination, depending on the specific healthcare facility, will involve navigating city streets.

Drive times can vary significantly. Under ideal conditions, the trip to Cincinnati takes approximately one hour. However, factors like traffic, weather, and construction can easily extend this travel time. During rush hour, the commute could stretch to an hour and a half or even longer. This variability underscores the importance of planning and flexibility, especially for patients undergoing treatment that requires regular appointments. The impact of these transportation challenges on healthcare access is undeniable.

Public transit options are limited in Felicity and the surrounding areas. The primary provider, the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA), operates a network of bus routes throughout the Cincinnati metropolitan area. However, these routes primarily serve the city and its immediate suburbs. Access to SORTA from Felicity is extremely limited. The nearest bus stops are located in neighboring towns, requiring a significant drive or the use of ride-sharing services to connect with the public transit system.

Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible public transit is a critical consideration for patients with mobility limitations. While SORTA strives to provide accessible services, the reliance on connecting routes and the potential for delays can create significant challenges for individuals requiring assistance. The lack of convenient and accessible public transportation poses a significant barrier to healthcare access for many residents of Felicity.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative transportation option. However, the availability of these services in Felicity can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, especially for frequent trips to and from medical appointments. While ride-sharing provides a degree of flexibility, it's not a guaranteed solution for reliable transportation.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a specialized solution. Companies like CareRide and First Transit Medical Transportation provide non-emergency medical transportation services. These services often offer door-to-door transportation, ensuring patients can travel safely and comfortably. However, the availability of these services and the associated costs must be carefully considered.

The financial implications of transportation are substantial. The cost of gasoline, vehicle maintenance, parking fees, and tolls can quickly accumulate, adding to the already significant financial burden of a lung cancer diagnosis. The cost of ride-sharing or medical transportation services further exacerbates these expenses. For individuals with limited financial resources, these transportation costs can become a significant barrier to accessing timely and appropriate healthcare.

The emotional toll of navigating transportation challenges should not be underestimated. The stress of long commutes, traffic delays, and the uncertainty of transportation availability can contribute to anxiety and emotional distress. This can negatively impact a patient's overall well-being and potentially interfere with their treatment adherence. Healthcare access is about more than just physical proximity; it encompasses the emotional and psychological aspects of the journey.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Felicity, Ohio, is therefore significantly impacted by the transportation landscape. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, the variability of ride-sharing services, and the cost of medical transportation all contribute to a complex and potentially challenging healthcare access environment. The healthcare access challenges are a significant factor to consider when moving to Felicity.

For individuals considering a move to Felicity, a thorough assessment of their transportation needs and healthcare access requirements is crucial. Researching local transportation options, exploring the availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services, and understanding the financial implications of transportation costs are essential steps. Proactive planning and a clear understanding of the transportation landscape can help mitigate the challenges and ensure timely access to the vital healthcare services needed to combat lung cancer. Healthcare access is a critical component of the quality of life in any community, and in Felicity, it is inextricably linked to the transportation infrastructure.