45162, Pleasant Plain, Ohio Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 45162, Pleasant Plain, Ohio is 60 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

40.29 percent of residents in 45162 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.11 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Bethesda North with a distance of 10.29 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Pleasant Plain, Ohio (ZIP Code 45162)

The air hangs heavy with the promise of rural tranquility in Pleasant Plain, Ohio, a community nestled within ZIP code 45162. But beneath the idyllic veneer lies a critical consideration for residents, particularly those concerned about their health: access to healthcare. This is especially pertinent for individuals at risk of, or diagnosed with, lung cancer. This write-up provides a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, focusing on transportation options to healthcare facilities capable of diagnosing and treating this devastating disease. We'll examine the realities of getting to essential medical appointments, considering drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport options.

The Lung Cancer Score, in this context, isn't a numerical value. Instead, it's a qualitative evaluation of the challenges and opportunities facing residents seeking prompt and effective lung cancer care. It considers the geographical constraints of the area, the availability of various transportation methods, and the potential impact these factors have on healthcare access. For someone considering moving to Pleasant Plain, this analysis is a crucial piece of the puzzle.

The primary determinant of healthcare access in 45162 is the reliance on personal vehicles. The winding roads and rolling hills that define the landscape necessitate a car for almost all transportation needs. The nearest major hospitals equipped to handle lung cancer diagnosis and treatment, such as Bethesda North Hospital in Montgomery and the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, are located outside the immediate vicinity.

Driving from Pleasant Plain to these hospitals is a significant undertaking. The journey to Bethesda North Hospital, a well-regarded facility, typically involves a drive of approximately 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic. The route primarily utilizes State Route 123, a two-lane highway that can experience congestion during peak hours, particularly near the intersection with Interstate 71. The final leg of the journey involves navigating through suburban streets to reach the hospital.

Reaching the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, a major academic medical center, requires a longer drive, usually taking between 50 minutes and an hour. This route involves traveling on State Route 123 to Interstate 71 South, then transitioning to Interstate 75 South. This route is subject to heavy traffic, especially during rush hour, potentially extending travel times significantly. The final approach involves navigating the urban core of Cincinnati, adding to the complexity of the journey.

Public transportation options in 45162 are extremely limited, a significant hurdle for individuals without personal vehicles. The Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA), the primary public transit provider for the Cincinnati metropolitan area, does not offer direct routes to Pleasant Plain. The nearest bus stops are located several miles away, requiring residents to drive to a park-and-ride facility. This severely restricts healthcare access for those unable to drive or who lack access to a personal vehicle.

Furthermore, the lack of frequent service and the potential for long travel times make public transit an impractical option for many medical appointments. ADA accessibility on the limited bus routes is available, but the overall system is not designed to cater to the specific needs of patients requiring frequent or urgent medical care. The absence of robust public transit is a major negative factor in the Lung Cancer Score for Pleasant Plain.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a potential alternative to personal vehicles, but their availability in rural areas can be inconsistent. While these services may be present in Pleasant Plain, the response times and pricing can vary significantly. Booking a ride for a medical appointment requires careful planning, and the cost can quickly become prohibitive for frequent trips. The reliability of ride-sharing is a significant concern, especially for patients requiring regular treatments or facing urgent medical situations.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients with mobility limitations or requiring specialized assistance, represent another avenue for healthcare access. Companies like MedTrans and CareRide offer non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. However, these services often require advance booking and can be expensive, particularly for long-distance trips. The availability of these services in Pleasant Plain is another factor in the Lung Cancer Score, as they can bridge the gap for those unable to drive or utilize public transit.

The Lung Cancer Score for Pleasant Plain, Ohio, 45162, is therefore, complex. While the area offers the appeal of a rural lifestyle, the lack of convenient transportation options presents significant challenges to healthcare access, particularly for individuals needing lung cancer care. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit, and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services all contribute to a less-than-ideal healthcare access environment.

For someone considering moving to Pleasant Plain, the implications are clear. Access to timely and effective lung cancer care requires careful consideration of transportation logistics. The drive times to hospitals, the potential costs of ride-sharing or medical transport, and the lack of public transit all impact the overall Lung Cancer Score. Residents must proactively plan for transportation needs, considering the possibility of relying on family, friends, or specialized medical transport services.

The Lung Cancer Score for Pleasant Plain is not meant to discourage individuals from residing in this community. Instead, it's intended to provide a realistic assessment of the challenges related to healthcare access. By understanding these challenges, residents can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs and proactively plan for their transportation requirements. This is particularly important for individuals at risk of, or diagnosed with, lung cancer, where timely access to diagnosis and treatment can be critical for survival and quality of life. The journey to healthcare in Pleasant Plain is a journey that requires careful planning and a proactive approach to ensure access to the care needed.