24020, Roanoke, Virginia Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 24020, Roanoke, Virginia is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

53.79 percent of residents in 24020 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 7.51 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Salem Va Medical Center with a distance of 7.18 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in 24020

Considering a move to the Roanoke Valley, specifically ZIP Code 24020? Understanding healthcare access, particularly for a disease like lung cancer, is crucial. This analysis provides a "Lung Cancer Score" for 24020, assessing transportation options and their impact on timely healthcare delivery. This score isn't a formal medical assessment, but rather a practical guide to navigating the area's transportation landscape in relation to lung cancer treatment.

The 24020 ZIP Code encompasses a significant portion of Roanoke County, offering a blend of suburban and rural environments. This geographical diversity impacts transportation options, creating a unique set of challenges and opportunities for individuals needing specialized medical care. The "Lung Cancer Score" considers drive times to major medical facilities, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation options.

Driving remains the dominant mode of transportation in 24020. The primary artery for accessing healthcare is Interstate 81 (I-81), which offers relatively quick access to Roanoke City. From various points within 24020, a drive to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, a major cancer treatment center, typically ranges from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the specific location and traffic conditions. This drive often involves using US Route 220 (US-220), connecting seamlessly with I-81.

Another critical healthcare destination is LewisGale Medical Center in Salem, accessible via I-81 and US-11. Drive times to LewisGale from 24020 are generally shorter, often around 10 to 20 minutes, offering a potentially quicker option for certain treatments or consultations. However, traffic on I-81 can be unpredictable, especially during peak hours, potentially extending these drive times. Delays on US-220, especially near the intersection with I-581, are also a consideration.

Public transportation, while available, presents limitations. Valley MetroMetro, the Roanoke Valley's public transit system, operates several bus routes serving 24020. Route 30 provides access to downtown Roanoke, connecting to other routes that may lead to medical facilities. However, the frequency of these routes, especially during evenings and weekends, can be a significant barrier. ADA-accessible buses are available, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

The reliance on bus schedules and potential transfer times can significantly increase the overall travel time to medical appointments. This is a critical consideration for lung cancer patients, who often require frequent visits for treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy. The "Lung Cancer Score" reflects this challenge, assigning a lower score to public transit due to its limited reach and potential for extended travel times.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a more flexible transportation alternative. Availability in 24020 is generally good, and these services can provide door-to-door transportation, eliminating the need for transfers. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a significant factor, especially for frequent appointments. Additionally, ride availability can fluctuate, particularly during peak hours or in inclement weather.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance, offer a valuable option. Companies like First Call Medical Transportation and others provide non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services can be particularly beneficial for patients with mobility limitations or those unable to drive themselves. However, these services require advance booking and may have associated costs.

The "Lung Cancer Score" weighs the accessibility of each transportation option. Driving, with its relatively short travel times to major medical facilities, receives the highest score. Ride-sharing services offer a good alternative, but their cost and potential availability issues lower their score. Public transit, due to its limitations, receives a lower score, while medical transportation services are rated based on their availability and cost-effectiveness.

The overall "Lung Cancer Score" for 24020 is moderately favorable. While driving offers the most efficient access to healthcare, the limitations of public transit and the potential costs of ride-sharing and medical transportation need consideration. The score is influenced by the geographical layout of the area, the availability of transportation options, and the specific needs of lung cancer patients.

When considering a move to 24020, prospective residents, especially those with a history of lung cancer or other health concerns, should carefully evaluate their transportation needs and preferences. Proximity to major highways like I-81 and US-220 is advantageous, but the availability of alternative transportation options should also be a key factor.

The "Lung Cancer Score" is not a static measure. It can fluctuate based on individual circumstances, such as mobility limitations, financial constraints, and the availability of support networks. Planning and preparation are essential. Researching the specific routes and schedules of public transit, identifying reliable ride-sharing options, and exploring medical transportation services are all vital steps.

Ultimately, the goal is to ensure timely and reliable access to healthcare. For individuals battling lung cancer, this means minimizing travel time, reducing stress, and ensuring a seamless transition to and from medical appointments. Understanding the transportation landscape of 24020 is the first step towards achieving this goal.

The "Lung Cancer Score" encourages prospective residents to engage in proactive planning, ensuring that their transportation needs are met and that healthcare access is not a barrier to receiving the best possible care. This proactive approach is essential for anyone considering moving to Roanoke, particularly those with complex medical needs.

The final "Lung Cancer Score" is a personalized assessment. It is recommended that prospective residents of 24020 conduct their own research, considering their individual circumstances and preferences. This includes contacting local medical facilities, exploring public transit options, and obtaining quotes from ride-sharing and medical transportation services. This personalized approach will ensure that the "Lung Cancer Score" accurately reflects their individual needs and facilitates a smooth transition to the Roanoke Valley.