45166, Reesville, Ohio Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 45166, Reesville, Ohio is 56 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

100.00 percent of residents in 45166 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.75 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Greenfield Area Medical Center with a distance of 17.99 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Reesville, Ohio (ZIP Code 45166)

The quaint village of Reesville, nestled within the rolling hills of Ohio (ZIP code 45166), offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. However, the serene environment presents a unique challenge when it comes to healthcare access, particularly for individuals facing a potential lung cancer diagnosis. This write-up delves into the complexities of navigating transportation options to access essential medical services, ultimately contributing to a "Lung Cancer Score" that reflects the ease or difficulty of receiving timely care.

The primary concern for Reesville residents is the distance to specialized healthcare facilities. While the community enjoys a sense of rural charm, it is geographically isolated from comprehensive medical centers. For those suspected of having lung cancer, prompt diagnosis and treatment are paramount. This necessitates a thorough understanding of transportation options and their limitations.

**The Drive to Care: Navigating the Roads**

The most common mode of transportation for Reesville residents is personal vehicles. The journey to healthcare, however, is not always straightforward. The closest major hospitals with oncology departments are located in Wilmington and Dayton, Ohio. The drive to Wilmington, the nearest city with a hospital, usually involves taking State Route 350. This route, while scenic, is a two-lane road that can experience traffic, particularly during peak hours. The drive typically takes around 25 to 35 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions.

For more specialized care, such as advanced radiation therapy or complex surgical procedures, patients may need to travel to Dayton. This journey involves navigating State Route 350 to Interstate 71 (I-71) North, then taking I-675 South to reach Dayton hospitals. The total drive time to Dayton can range from 45 minutes to an hour and fifteen minutes, depending on traffic congestion. This longer travel time can significantly impact the timely delivery of care, especially in emergency situations.

The condition of the roads also plays a crucial role. Winter weather, with its snow and ice, can make travel treacherous, potentially delaying or even preventing access to vital appointments. Regular maintenance and updates on road conditions are essential for ensuring safe and reliable transportation.

**Public Transit's Role: Limited Options**

Public transportation options in Reesville are extremely limited. The area lacks a comprehensive public transit system, making it challenging for individuals without personal vehicles to access healthcare. There are no dedicated bus routes serving Reesville, and the nearest public transit hubs are located in Wilmington and Dayton.

Even if a bus route were available, the travel time would be considerably longer than driving, adding to the burden on patients. Additionally, the availability of accessible public transportation for individuals with disabilities, including those undergoing cancer treatment, is a major concern. ADA-compliant buses, equipped with ramps and other features, are essential for ensuring equitable access to care. However, the lack of public transit in Reesville presents a significant barrier to healthcare access for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a vehicle.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: A Costly Alternative**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their reliability and cost can be a significant factor. The availability of drivers in Reesville may be limited, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of a ride-share to Wilmington or Dayton can be substantial, particularly for frequent appointments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Medical transportation services, which specialize in transporting patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more reliable option. Companies like CareRide and FirstLight Home Care provide transportation services, but their fees can be even higher than ride-sharing services. These services often require advance booking, which may not be feasible in emergency situations.

**Healthcare Access and the "Lung Cancer Score"**

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Reesville reflects the combined impact of these transportation challenges on healthcare access. The score considers factors such as drive times, the availability of public transit, the cost and reliability of ride-sharing and medical transport, and the accessibility of these options for individuals with disabilities.

Given the limited transportation options and the distances to specialized medical facilities, the "Lung Cancer Score" for Reesville is likely to be low. This indicates a significant challenge for residents in accessing timely and convenient healthcare services, particularly for those facing a lung cancer diagnosis. The lack of readily available transportation can lead to delays in diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care, potentially impacting patient outcomes.

**Moving to Reesville: Considerations for Healthcare**

For individuals considering moving to Reesville, the availability of healthcare services and transportation options should be a primary consideration. Potential residents should carefully assess their healthcare needs and the feasibility of accessing care in the area. This includes evaluating the distance to hospitals and specialists, the availability of transportation options, and the associated costs.

Before making the move, prospective residents should research local healthcare providers, including primary care physicians, specialists, and hospitals. They should also explore the availability of transportation assistance programs, such as those offered by local charities or government agencies.

**Conclusion: A Call for Improvement**

Improving healthcare access in Reesville requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes exploring options for enhancing public transportation, such as establishing a demand-response transit system or partnering with neighboring communities to create shared transportation services. Encouraging the expansion of ride-sharing and medical transport services in the area can also help bridge the transportation gap.

Furthermore, community initiatives aimed at promoting health awareness and early detection of lung cancer are crucial. This includes educating residents about risk factors, symptoms, and screening options. By addressing the transportation challenges and promoting preventive care, the community can improve the "Lung Cancer Score" and ensure that all residents have access to the healthcare they need. The journey to Reesville, while offering a peaceful lifestyle, demands careful planning to ensure that healthcare access is not compromised.