23936, Dillwyn, Virginia Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 23936, Dillwyn, Virginia is 18 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

40.96 percent of residents in 23936 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 28.13 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Centra Southside Community Hospital, Inc with a distance of 16.62 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in 23936

The specter of a lung cancer diagnosis casts a long shadow, demanding swift and effective healthcare access. For residents of ZIP Code 23936, Dillwyn, Virginia, the journey to potentially life-saving treatment is inextricably linked to the complexities of transportation. This write-up assesses the "Lung Cancer Score" for this area, considering the available transportation options and their impact on healthcare access, an essential factor for anyone considering moving to Dillwyn or currently residing within its borders.

Dillwyn, a rural community nestled in Buckingham County, presents unique challenges to healthcare access. The town itself boasts a small population, and the nearest comprehensive medical facilities are located in neighboring towns and cities. This geographic reality makes transportation a critical determinant of a patient's ability to receive timely diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. The Lung Cancer Score, therefore, hinges on the efficiency and availability of transportation options.

The primary mode of transportation for most Dillwyn residents is personal vehicles. The drive times to key healthcare providers are heavily influenced by the local road network. The primary arteries serving the area include US-60, a major east-west route, and US-15, a north-south thoroughfare. These highways are generally well-maintained, but traffic flow can vary, particularly during peak hours or in inclement weather.

The closest major medical center, Centra Southside Community Hospital in Farmville, is approximately a 30-minute drive via US-15 North. This drive time can be considered reasonable, but it's crucial to factor in potential delays. For more specialized care, residents often travel to Lynchburg, approximately an hour's drive via US-60 East and US-29 South. The University of Virginia Health System in Charlottesville, a regional referral center, is roughly a 1 hour and 45-minute drive, also via US-60 East and I-64 East. These longer distances underscore the importance of reliable transportation.

Public transportation options are limited in 23936. The availability of bus services is minimal, with infrequent routes and schedules. The absence of a robust public transit system presents a significant barrier to healthcare access for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle. The lack of accessibility features on available routes, such as wheelchair lifts, further exacerbates the problem for individuals with disabilities. This is a critical consideration when evaluating the Lung Cancer Score.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their reliability and cost-effectiveness can be variable. Service availability may be limited, particularly during off-peak hours or in more remote areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant burden for patients, especially those requiring frequent trips for treatment or follow-up appointments. This factor influences the Lung Cancer Score negatively.

Medical transportation services, designed specifically for patients with healthcare needs, offer a more specialized solution. Companies such as MedTrans and American Medical Response (AMR) provide non-emergency medical transportation, including transport to and from medical appointments. These services can be invaluable for patients who require assistance with mobility or who are unable to drive themselves. However, the availability and cost of these services can vary, and they may not always be readily accessible in Dillwyn.

The Lung Cancer Score for 23936 is therefore influenced by a confluence of factors. While the proximity of Centra Southside Community Hospital offers a degree of convenience, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limitations of public transit and ride-sharing services present challenges. The longer travel times to more specialized facilities in Lynchburg and Charlottesville further complicate the picture. The availability of medical transportation services provides a crucial safety net, but their accessibility and affordability remain key considerations.

For individuals considering moving to Dillwyn, or for current residents facing a potential lung cancer diagnosis, a thorough understanding of these transportation realities is essential. Planning for healthcare access requires careful consideration of the available options and their potential limitations. The Lung Cancer Score is not just about the availability of medical facilities; it's about the ability to reach them in a timely and efficient manner.

The overall Lung Cancer Score for 23936, therefore, is moderate. While the presence of a nearby hospital and the availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services offer some degree of healthcare access, the limitations of public transit, the reliance on personal vehicles, and the longer travel times to specialized facilities create significant challenges. The score emphasizes the importance of proactive planning and the need for individuals to explore all available transportation options to ensure timely access to vital healthcare services.