45807, Lima, Ohio Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 45807, Lima, Ohio is 71 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

80.43 percent of residents in 45807 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 7.98 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Mercy Health-St Rita's Medical Center with a distance of 3.97 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 45807

This report analyzes healthcare access for individuals residing in ZIP Code 45807 (Lima, Ohio), focusing on transportation options relevant to lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. The aim is to provide a "Lung Cancer Score," a subjective assessment of the ease with which residents can reach necessary medical facilities, considering the realities of transportation challenges. This score will be determined by evaluating drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options. This information is crucial for anyone considering moving to Lima, particularly those with or at risk of lung cancer, as transportation significantly impacts healthcare access and, consequently, patient outcomes.

The primary healthcare hub for 45807 residents is Mercy Health – St. Rita's Medical Center, located at 770 W. High St., Lima, OH 45801. This facility offers comprehensive oncology services, including diagnosis, treatment, and supportive care. Other relevant facilities include outpatient clinics, pulmonology specialists, and imaging centers. Understanding the journey to these locations is paramount for individuals navigating a lung cancer diagnosis.

**Drive Time Analysis:**

Driving remains the dominant mode of transportation in Lima. The efficiency of this mode hinges on traffic conditions and the condition of the roads. From various points within 45807, the journey to St. Rita's can vary. Residents in the eastern part of the ZIP code, near Elida Rd, may experience a drive time of approximately 10-15 minutes via Elida Rd and then West High St.

Those in the western sector, nearer to the intersections of N. Cable Rd and W. Elm St, will likely take 10-15 minutes, using N. Cable Rd and then West High St. Residents in the northern reaches, near the intersection of N. Dixie Hwy and W. Robb Ave, will find a 10-15 minute drive via N. Dixie Hwy and West High St.

The major thoroughfares, including Interstate 75 (I-75), which runs north-south, and US Route 30 (US-30), which traverses east-west, offer quick access to the hospital. However, these routes can experience congestion during peak hours, particularly around the I-75 exits. The speed of these routes is a major benefit for healthcare access, but can be a challenge for those with mobility issues.

**Public Transit Options:**

The Allen County Regional Transit Authority (ACRTA) provides public transportation services within Lima. The system operates fixed-route buses, offering a potentially affordable option for those without personal vehicles. However, the frequency and reach of these routes are limited, and it’s important to check for ADA accessibility, as this is a key factor for individuals with mobility issues, which can be a factor for lung cancer patients.

The ACRTA website provides detailed route maps and schedules. It's essential to determine if a bus route directly serves St. Rita's Medical Center or requires transfers, which can significantly increase travel time. The routes themselves may not be frequent enough to meet the needs of patients undergoing treatment, requiring frequent appointments. This is a major challenge in the realm of healthcare access.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Lima. These services offer a convenient alternative to driving, particularly for those unable to drive themselves. However, availability can fluctuate, and wait times might be longer than in larger metropolitan areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also accumulate, especially for frequent appointments.

Medical transportation services are designed to cater to the specific needs of patients requiring assistance. These services often provide door-to-door transport, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. Several medical transport companies operate in the Lima area, and researching their services, including insurance coverage, is crucial. These services are a critical part of healthcare access for individuals with lung cancer.

**Medical Facilities and Specialists:**

Beyond St. Rita's, access to specialists and ancillary services is crucial. The proximity of pulmonologists, oncologists, and radiation therapy centers impacts the overall Lung Cancer Score. The ability to quickly reach these facilities for appointments, tests, and treatments significantly affects the patient experience.

Consider the location of imaging centers for CT scans, PET scans, and other diagnostic procedures. The availability of these services, along with the speed and ease of access, directly influences the timeliness of diagnosis and treatment.

**Lung Cancer Score Assessment:**

Based on the analysis, a preliminary Lung Cancer Score for 45807 can be established. The score will be a subjective assessment, considering the following factors:

* **Drive Time:** The average drive time to St. Rita's Medical Center and other relevant facilities.
* **Public Transit:** The availability, frequency, and accessibility of public transit routes.
* **Ride-Sharing:** The availability and cost of ride-sharing services.
* **Medical Transport:** The availability and cost of medical transport services.
* **Specialist Access:** The proximity and accessibility of pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists.

The score will range from "Excellent" to "Poor," with each category reflecting the ease or difficulty of accessing healthcare. The score will be a helpful tool for anyone considering moving to Lima, particularly those with or at risk of lung cancer, as transportation is a critical factor in healthcare access and patient outcomes.

**Recommendations for Improving Healthcare Access:**

Several strategies can improve healthcare access for 45807 residents, particularly those with lung cancer:

* **Expand Public Transit:** Increase the frequency and reach of ACRTA routes, especially those serving medical facilities. Improve ADA accessibility across the entire system.
* **Promote Ride-Sharing:** Partner with ride-sharing companies to offer discounted rates for medical appointments.
* **Support Medical Transport:** Ensure adequate funding and resources for medical transport services, including accessible vehicles.
* **Centralized Information:** Create a centralized resource, perhaps a website or brochure, that provides comprehensive information on all transportation options and their associated costs.
* **Community Outreach:** Educate residents about available transportation resources and how to access them.

**Conclusion:**

The "Lung Cancer Score" for 45807 will be determined by a comprehensive evaluation of the factors discussed. This report highlights the importance of considering transportation when assessing healthcare access. While Lima offers a range of options, challenges remain, particularly for those without personal vehicles or with mobility limitations. Addressing these challenges through improved public transit, ride-sharing initiatives, and medical transport support is crucial to ensuring that all residents have equitable access to the healthcare they need. This is especially true for those facing the complexities of a lung cancer diagnosis and treatment.