45845, Fort Loramie, Ohio Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 45845, Fort Loramie, Ohio is 53 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

82.51 percent of residents in 45845 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.86 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wilson Memorial Hospital with a distance of 11.38 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Fort Loramie (ZIP Code 45845)

The specter of a lung cancer diagnosis casts a long shadow, demanding swift and efficient access to specialized medical care. For residents of Fort Loramie, Ohio (ZIP Code 45845), the journey to healthcare, particularly for complex treatments, necessitates careful consideration of transportation options. This 'Lung Cancer Score' assesses the accessibility of lung cancer-related healthcare, focusing on transportation challenges and opportunities within the context of this rural community. This is a critical consideration for anyone moving to Fort Loramie.

The primary challenge in 45845 is its rural setting. This translates to longer travel times and limited public transportation options. The nearest comprehensive cancer centers are located in larger cities, demanding reliance on personal vehicles or alternative transportation methods.

**Drive Times and Highway Navigation:**

The most common route for accessing specialized lung cancer care from Fort Loramie involves driving. The primary arteries for this journey are State Route 66, providing a north-south connection, and State Route 29, offering an east-west passage. These roads connect to the larger highway system.

Driving to the Dayton region, home to significant healthcare facilities, necessitates navigating State Route 29 east to Interstate 75. This route, while generally well-maintained, can experience traffic congestion, especially during peak hours. The drive to Dayton can take approximately one hour and fifteen minutes to one hour and forty-five minutes, depending on traffic.

Alternatively, residents might seek care in Lima, Ohio. This journey involves traveling north on State Route 66 to U.S. Route 33. The drive to Lima is shorter, around forty-five minutes to an hour. However, the scope of specialized cancer care in Lima may be less extensive than in Dayton.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public transportation options in Fort Loramie are extremely limited. There is no established bus system within the village itself. Residents seeking public transit would need to travel to larger cities like Dayton or Lima to access bus routes. This adds significant time and logistical complexity to the journey.

The Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority (RTA) operates a network of bus routes in the Dayton area. However, the RTA's reach into rural areas is minimal. Even if a resident could reach a RTA stop, the travel time to a cancer center would likely be considerable, involving multiple transfers and long wait times. The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility of the RTA routes is a positive factor, but the overall impracticality of the system in this context remains.

Similarly, the Lima area has limited public transit options. The Allen County Regional Transit Authority (ACRTA) provides bus services within the city of Lima, but its routes do not extend to Fort Loramie.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Dayton and Lima areas, but their presence in Fort Loramie itself is less reliable. Availability depends on driver density, which is lower in rural areas. Relying on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments could be challenging.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more viable option. Several companies operate in the region, including:

* **CareRide:** This company provides non-emergency medical transportation, offering door-to-door service.
* **Medicaid Transportation Providers:** Individuals eligible for Medicaid may have access to transportation services through their health insurance plan.

These services typically require advance booking and may involve specific eligibility requirements. They can be a valuable resource for patients who cannot drive or do not have access to other forms of transportation.

**Healthcare Access Considerations:**

Beyond transportation, several other factors impact healthcare access for lung cancer patients in Fort Loramie. These include:

* **Insurance Coverage:** The type of health insurance a patient has will determine which hospitals and specialists are covered.
* **Specialist Availability:** The availability of pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists in the Dayton and Lima areas.
* **Treatment Costs:** The cost of treatment, including diagnostic tests, medications, and therapies.
* **Support Services:** The availability of support services, such as support groups, counseling, and financial assistance.

**Lung Cancer Score Assessment:**

Considering the factors discussed, the 'Lung Cancer Score' for residents of Fort Loramie, Ohio (ZIP Code 45845), is moderate. While the drive times to major healthcare centers are manageable, the lack of public transportation options and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services pose significant challenges. Medical transportation services offer a valuable alternative, but their availability and eligibility requirements must be considered.

**Recommendations:**

* **Prioritize Personal Vehicle Maintenance:** Ensure that your personal vehicle is well-maintained and reliable.
* **Explore Medical Transportation Services:** Investigate the availability and eligibility requirements for medical transportation services in your area.
* **Coordinate with Healthcare Providers:** Work closely with your healthcare providers to schedule appointments and coordinate transportation.
* **Consider Relocation:** If access to healthcare is a critical concern, consider the proximity to major medical centers when making decisions about moving to Fort Loramie.
* **Advocate for Improved Transportation:** Support initiatives that aim to improve transportation options for rural communities.

The 'Lung Cancer Score' is not just a numerical assessment; it is a call to action. It highlights the need for proactive planning, resourcefulness, and advocacy to ensure that residents of Fort Loramie have timely and efficient access to the life-saving care they need. Understanding the transportation landscape is paramount for anyone navigating a lung cancer diagnosis. The journey to healthcare access is a critical element for those moving to Fort Loramie.