45174, Terrace Park, Ohio Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 45174, Terrace Park, Ohio is 77 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

59.24 percent of residents in 45174 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 5.39 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is The Jewish Hospital-Mercy Health with a distance of 4.46 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 45174 (Terrace Park, OH)

The air hangs heavy with the promise of spring in Terrace Park, Ohio (ZIP Code 45174), a village nestled amidst rolling hills and the gentle flow of the Little Miami River. But for those facing a lung cancer diagnosis, the beauty of this landscape can be overshadowed by the complexities of accessing timely and effective healthcare. This write-up aims to illuminate the landscape of healthcare access, specifically focusing on transportation options, a critical component in the fight against lung cancer. We'll dissect the commute to medical facilities, from the reliable hum of the automobile to the potential of public transit, ride-sharing, and specialized medical transport. The goal is to provide a clear picture for residents and those considering moving to Terrace Park, empowering informed decisions about their health and well-being.

The "Lung Cancer Score" isn't a numerical metric, but rather a qualitative assessment of the challenges and opportunities presented by the transportation landscape. It considers the distance to treatment centers, the availability of different modes of transport, and the potential barriers faced by patients, particularly those with mobility limitations or financial constraints. This score is not intended to replace professional medical advice but to serve as a valuable resource for understanding the realities of healthcare access in this specific community.

**The Road Ahead: Driving to Care**

For many residents of Terrace Park, the automobile remains the primary mode of transportation. The village's location, while offering a sense of tranquility, also necessitates travel to access specialized medical care. The primary route to Cincinnati, the major hub for advanced lung cancer treatment, involves navigating the familiar arteries of the region.

The most direct route often begins on **OH-126 (Plainfield Road)**, a road that winds its way through the heart of Terrace Park, providing a scenic prelude to the journey. This road then merges onto **I-275**, the outer loop that encircles Cincinnati. This highway, while generally efficient, can be subject to traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours. The drive to major hospitals like the University of Cincinnati Medical Center or The Christ Hospital can range from 20 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Alternatively, residents can utilize **OH-32 (Eastgate Blvd)**, a busy thoroughfare that offers another route to I-275. This option might be preferable for those residing in the southern portion of Terrace Park. The journey time, however, is often comparable to the OH-126 route, with the same potential for delays due to traffic.

For those seeking care in the eastern suburbs, **OH-125 (Beechmont Ave)** provides access to hospitals like Mercy Health – Anderson Hospital. The drive time to these facilities is typically shorter, around 15 to 25 minutes, but the availability of specialized lung cancer treatment options might be more limited compared to downtown Cincinnati hospitals.

The quality of this "Lung Cancer Score" is directly affected by the reliability of these roads and the individual's ability to drive. Factors like weather conditions, road closures, and personal health can significantly impact the feasibility of driving to appointments. The need for frequent treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, can place a considerable burden on patients and their caregivers, highlighting the importance of exploring alternative transportation options.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

The public transportation landscape in Terrace Park presents a more complex picture. The Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA), operating under the brand name Metro, provides limited service in this area. The primary bus route serving Terrace Park is the **Route 24 (Xenia Ave)**, which connects the village to downtown Cincinnati.

However, this route operates with limited frequency, particularly during evenings and weekends. The travel time to downtown can be lengthy, often exceeding an hour, making it less ideal for urgent medical appointments. Furthermore, the route may not directly serve all the major hospitals, requiring transfers and additional walking.

The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility of the Metro buses is generally good, with features like ramps and priority seating. However, the limited frequency and potential for long travel times can still pose significant challenges for lung cancer patients, especially those experiencing fatigue, shortness of breath, or other mobility issues. The lack of a direct route to many specialized cancer centers further complicates the use of public transportation.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gap**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer a more flexible alternative to public transit. These services are readily available in Terrace Park, providing on-demand transportation to various destinations, including hospitals and medical facilities. The convenience of ride-sharing, with its door-to-door service, can be particularly beneficial for patients who have difficulty driving or navigating public transportation.

However, ride-sharing can be expensive, especially for frequent trips. The cost of transportation can become a significant financial burden, particularly for patients facing high medical bills. Furthermore, the availability of ride-sharing services can be affected by factors like driver availability and surge pricing during peak hours.

Specialized medical transport services offer a crucial lifeline for patients with significant mobility limitations or those requiring medical assistance during transport. These services, such as CareRide or MedTrans, provide transportation in vehicles equipped with medical equipment and staffed by trained personnel. They cater to patients who need stretcher transportation, wheelchair assistance, or other forms of medical support.

These services are often more expensive than ride-sharing, but they provide a vital service for those who cannot travel independently. However, the availability of these services can vary, and pre-booking is often required. The distance from Terrace Park to major treatment centers can also impact the cost and availability of medical transport.

**Moving to Terrace Park: Considering Healthcare Access**

For those considering moving to Terrace Park, the accessibility of healthcare should be a paramount consideration, especially for individuals with pre-existing health conditions or those at risk for lung cancer. The village's location, while offering a desirable quality of life, presents challenges in terms of transportation to specialized medical facilities.

Potential residents should carefully evaluate their transportation needs and assess the availability of different options. This includes considering the proximity to major hospitals, the frequency of public transit routes, the cost of ride-sharing services, and the availability of medical transport.

The "Lung Cancer Score" highlights the importance of proactive planning. Understanding the transportation landscape is crucial for ensuring timely access to diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care. This knowledge can empower residents to make informed decisions about their health and well-being, allowing them to navigate the complexities of healthcare access with greater confidence. The decision to move to Terrace Park must include a thorough assessment of these factors to ensure that healthcare needs can be met effectively. The beauty of Terrace Park is not worth the sacrifice of access to life-saving care.