24077, Cloverdale, Virginia Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 24077, Cloverdale, Virginia is 53 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

93.05 percent of residents in 24077 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.07 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Carilion Medical Center with a distance of 8.09 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 24077

The picturesque landscape surrounding Cloverdale, Virginia (ZIP Code 24077), offers a tranquil setting for those seeking respite and a slower pace of life. However, when considering a move, particularly for individuals with health concerns, understanding the intricacies of **transportation** and **healthcare access** becomes paramount. This write-up assesses the "Lung Cancer Score" for 24077, evaluating the ease with which residents can reach essential medical services, specifically those related to lung cancer diagnosis and treatment. The goal is to provide a clear picture for anyone contemplating **moving to Cloverdale**, ensuring informed decisions regarding their health needs.

The foundation of our assessment lies in drive times. For residents of 24077, the primary route to significant medical centers is via US-220 North, a well-maintained highway offering relatively smooth travel. The Roanoke Memorial Hospital, a major healthcare provider, is approximately a 25-30 minute drive, depending on traffic. This drive, while manageable, can be impacted by rush hour congestion, especially during weekday commutes. Further, the route presents challenges during inclement weather, potentially extending travel times and impacting **healthcare access**.

For specialized lung cancer care, including oncologists and radiation therapy, individuals in 24077 often travel to Carilion Clinic’s Cancer Center in Roanoke. This facility, offering comprehensive cancer services, is accessible via US-220 North. The drive time mirrors the Roanoke Memorial Hospital route, typically taking 25-30 minutes. However, patients undergoing frequent treatments, such as radiation therapy, will experience this drive multiple times per week, making proximity and ease of access critical.

Alternative routes exist, though they add to the travel time. State Route 685 and State Route 606 can be used as secondary roads, but these are often more winding and less direct, potentially increasing travel time to 40-45 minutes. Therefore, the reliance on US-220 North underscores the importance of reliable vehicle **transportation** for residents of 24077.

Public **transportation** options in 24077 are limited. The Roanoke Valley MetroMetro operates a bus system, but service in this area is infrequent and primarily focused on connecting to larger towns. The availability of routes directly serving medical facilities is sparse, and schedules are often not conducive to timely appointments. Furthermore, ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility features on these buses vary, and may not be suitable for patients with mobility issues or those undergoing treatment.

Specifically, the Metro's Route 30 (Cloverdale) does provide service within the ZIP code, but its route and frequency are not designed to provide reliable access to the medical facilities in Roanoke. This means patients reliant on public **transportation** face significant challenges in accessing timely and consistent medical care. The lack of robust public **transportation** significantly impacts the Lung Cancer Score for 24077, particularly for individuals without personal vehicles.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Roanoke Valley, including 24077. However, the reliability and cost of these services can be a concern. Availability fluctuates depending on demand, and surge pricing during peak hours or inclement weather can significantly increase the cost of **transportation**. For patients needing regular appointments, the financial burden of relying on ride-sharing can become substantial, potentially impacting their ability to adhere to treatment plans.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed for patients with medical needs, are another option. Several companies operate in the Roanoke Valley, offering non-emergency medical **transportation**. These services typically involve scheduled pick-up and drop-off, providing a more reliable option than ride-sharing. However, these services often require advance booking and can be more expensive than other **transportation** methods. The availability of these services and their cost must be considered when evaluating the Lung Cancer Score.

The Lung Cancer Score also considers the availability of support services. Access to support groups, patient navigators, and other resources can greatly improve the patient experience. Roanoke Memorial Hospital and Carilion Clinic offer various support services, but access to these resources is still dependent on reliable **transportation**. The ability to attend support group meetings, counseling sessions, and other appointments can be crucial for patients dealing with a lung cancer diagnosis.

The distance to pharmacies and the ease of prescription refills are also relevant. While pharmacies are available in Cloverdale, the proximity to pharmacies offering specialized medications or services, such as compounding pharmacies, is a factor. The need to travel to pick up prescriptions, especially if those prescriptions are vital for treatment, further highlights the importance of reliable **transportation**.

Emergency medical services are another key consideration. The response time of emergency services, including ambulance **transportation**, can be crucial in a medical emergency. The proximity of 24077 to emergency medical facilities, and the efficiency of the emergency **transportation** system, are vital aspects of the Lung Cancer Score.

In conclusion, the Lung Cancer Score for 24077 reflects a mixed picture. While the drive times to major medical facilities are relatively manageable, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limitations of public **transportation** pose significant challenges. The availability of ride-sharing and medical **transportation** services offers alternative options, but cost and reliability remain concerns. The overall score for 24077 is therefore moderate, with a need for careful consideration of **transportation** needs when assessing the suitability of **moving to Cloverdale**, especially for individuals with lung cancer or other health concerns. Residents should proactively research and plan for their **healthcare access** needs, ensuring they have reliable **transportation** options to attend appointments and access support services.