45820, Cairo, Ohio Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 45820, Cairo, Ohio is 76 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

87.07 percent of residents in 45820 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 7.92 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Mercy Health-St Rita's Medical Center with a distance of 6.65 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Cairo, Ohio (ZIP Code 45820)

The air hangs heavy with the scent of fertile soil in Cairo, Ohio (ZIP Code 45820), a small community nestled in Allen County. For residents, the beauty of rural life is often tempered by the challenges of accessing essential services, particularly healthcare. A diagnosis of lung cancer throws this into stark relief, demanding swift and reliable transportation to specialized care. This write-up explores the "Lung Cancer Score" for Cairo, evaluating the accessibility of lung cancer treatment facilities, focusing on transportation options and their impact on healthcare access.

The score considers factors like drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options. It paints a picture of the challenges and opportunities facing those in Cairo navigating the complexities of lung cancer treatment, illuminating the crucial role of transportation in their journey. Understanding these factors is paramount for anyone considering moving to Cairo or for current residents seeking to optimize their access to care.

### The Geography of Healthcare Access: Drive Times and Roadways

The primary healthcare hub for residents of Cairo is Lima, Ohio, a city approximately 15 miles to the southeast. This proximity is a significant advantage, but the journey is not without its considerations. The most direct route typically involves traveling along State Route 117, a two-lane highway that can experience moderate traffic, especially during peak hours. The drive, under normal conditions, takes around 20 to 25 minutes.

For more specialized care, including comprehensive lung cancer treatment, residents may need to travel further. OhioHealth Lima Memorial Hospital offers oncology services, and the drive from Cairo is generally straightforward. However, for advanced treatments like radiation therapy or access to clinical trials, patients may need to travel to larger medical centers in Toledo or Columbus.

Traveling to Toledo, approximately 80 miles north, involves a drive of about 1 hour and 30 minutes, primarily via Interstate 75. Columbus, roughly 90 miles east, requires a journey of around 1 hour and 45 minutes, often utilizing Interstate 75 and US Route 30. These longer distances significantly impact the "Lung Cancer Score," as they increase the time commitment, potential for fatigue, and the costs associated with transportation. These long journeys can be particularly challenging for patients undergoing treatment who may experience fatigue, nausea, and other side effects.

### Public Transit: A Limited Option

Public transportation options in Allen County are limited, posing a significant challenge for individuals in Cairo. The Allen County Regional Transit Authority (ACRTA) provides bus services, but their routes and schedules are not designed to serve the needs of patients needing regular trips to healthcare facilities. The ACRTA primarily focuses on routes within the city of Lima, with limited service to more rural areas like Cairo.

While the ACRTA does offer ADA-accessible vehicles, the lack of frequent service and the potential for lengthy travel times make public transit an impractical option for most lung cancer patients. The limited availability of public transportation underscores the critical importance of alternative transportation solutions for healthcare access in this community. This is a major factor impacting the "Lung Cancer Score" for those relying on public transportation.

### Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Lima and may be accessible in Cairo, although their availability can be variable, especially during off-peak hours. The cost of these services can also be a significant barrier, particularly for patients requiring frequent trips for treatment. The reliability of ride-sharing, especially during inclement weather or for appointments scheduled at specific times, can also be a concern.

Medical transportation services offer a more specialized solution for patients needing assistance getting to and from appointments. Several companies provide non-emergency medical transportation in the area, including First Transit and Medical Transportation Management (MTM). These services typically offer door-to-door transportation and can accommodate individuals with mobility limitations. However, the cost of medical transportation can be substantial, and it may not be covered by all insurance plans.

The availability and affordability of ride-sharing and medical transport services are crucial components of the "Lung Cancer Score." They offer vital alternatives to driving or relying on public transit, but their limitations highlight the need for further support and resources.

### The "Lung Cancer Score" and Its Implications

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Cairo, Ohio, reflects the interplay of these transportation factors. While the proximity to Lima provides relatively easy access to basic healthcare services, the need for specialized lung cancer treatment often necessitates travel to larger medical centers further afield. The limited public transit options, coupled with the variable availability and cost of ride-sharing and medical transport, create significant challenges for patients.

The score would be negatively impacted by the long drive times to specialized treatment centers in Toledo and Columbus. The lack of reliable public transit and the potential financial burden of ride-sharing and medical transport further diminish the score. This situation underscores the importance of community initiatives to support patients with transportation needs.

### Supporting Healthcare Access: Recommendations and Considerations

Improving healthcare access for lung cancer patients in Cairo requires a multi-faceted approach. Enhancing the availability and affordability of medical transportation services is crucial. This could involve partnerships between healthcare providers, local government, and non-profit organizations to provide subsidized transportation options.

Expanding the ACRTA's service area to include more frequent routes to and from Cairo would also significantly improve healthcare access. Furthermore, promoting telehealth services could reduce the need for in-person appointments, particularly for follow-up consultations and medication management.

For those considering moving to Cairo, it is essential to carefully evaluate the availability of transportation options and their impact on healthcare access. Prospective residents should research the availability and cost of ride-sharing and medical transport services, and factor these costs into their budget.

### Conclusion: Navigating the Journey

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Cairo, Ohio (ZIP Code 45820), highlights the critical link between transportation and healthcare access. While the community benefits from its proximity to Lima, the need for specialized lung cancer treatment often necessitates longer journeys, presenting challenges for patients. The limited public transit options and the potential financial burdens of ride-sharing and medical transport underscore the need for community-based solutions.

By understanding these factors, residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers can work together to improve healthcare access for those facing the challenges of lung cancer. This requires a commitment to expanding transportation options, supporting patients with financial assistance, and promoting innovative solutions like telehealth. The journey through lung cancer is challenging enough; ensuring reliable and affordable transportation is a vital step in supporting patients and improving their quality of life. This will ultimately improve the "Lung Cancer Score" and help build a healthier community for those moving to Cairo.