24131, Paint Bank, Virginia Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 24131, Paint Bank, Virginia is 12 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

0.00 percent of residents in 24131 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 21.76 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Salem Va Medical Center with a distance of 22.67 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Paint Bank, Virginia (ZIP Code 24131)

The crisp mountain air of Paint Bank, Virginia (ZIP Code 24131), offers a picturesque escape, a haven for those seeking tranquility. However, when considering a move, particularly for individuals with or at risk of lung cancer, the reality of **healthcare access** becomes paramount. This write-up delves into the complexities of **transportation** to medical facilities, providing a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment for residents and prospective residents, focusing on the practicalities of reaching essential care.

Paint Bank, nestled within Craig County, presents a unique challenge. The nearest comprehensive medical centers are located in Roanoke, a city approximately 45-60 miles away, depending on the route chosen. This distance, coupled with the region's limited public **transportation**, necessitates a careful evaluation of available options. The "Lung Cancer Score" considers factors like drive times, public transit availability, accessibility for individuals with mobility limitations, and the presence of ride-sharing and medical transport services.

The primary route to Roanoke from Paint Bank involves navigating the winding roads of the Appalachian Mountains. The most direct path utilizes **Route 311** south, a two-lane highway that can be subject to delays due to traffic, weather conditions, and the occasional slow-moving vehicle. This leg of the journey typically takes 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic. Upon reaching the intersection with **US-460**, the journey continues east towards Roanoke.

US-460 is a major artery, offering a faster, more direct route. However, traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, can significantly extend travel times. From the intersection with Route 311, the drive to Roanoke via US-460 typically takes another 30-45 minutes, resulting in a total drive time of approximately one to one-and-a-half hours. The variability in drive times emphasizes the importance of planning and flexibility, especially for appointments or treatments requiring punctuality.

Alternative routes exist, although they generally add to the travel time. Residents could opt to take **Route 615** south, connecting to **Route 611** and eventually intersecting with US-460. This route, while offering a scenic drive, is often characterized by narrower roads and more curves, potentially increasing travel time to over two hours.

Public transit options are extremely limited in this rural area. The Roanoke Valley's public transit system, Valley MetroMetro, offers routes within the city and surrounding areas, but its reach doesn't extend to Paint Bank. This lack of public **transportation** significantly impacts individuals who do not drive or who are unable to drive due to medical conditions. The absence of readily available public transit necessitates a reliance on personal vehicles, ride-sharing services, or medical transport.

Valley Metro's services are primarily concentrated within the city of Roanoke and its immediate suburbs. While some routes, such as Route 10, offer connections to medical facilities like Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, the lack of direct service to Paint Bank underscores the limitations of public **transportation** for residents of this area. Furthermore, the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility of Valley Metro buses is a crucial consideration. All Valley Metro buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and other features to accommodate passengers with disabilities, but the lack of service to Paint Bank makes this feature moot for residents of the area.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Roanoke, but their presence in Paint Bank is sporadic and unreliable. Availability is heavily influenced by driver density and demand. Relying on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments would be risky, potentially leading to delays or cancellations. This further highlights the challenges faced by those without personal vehicles.

Medical transport services offer a specialized solution for individuals requiring assistance with **transportation** to medical appointments. Several companies operate in the Roanoke area, providing services ranging from basic transportation to stretcher-equipped vehicles with trained medical personnel. These services are generally more expensive than ride-sharing and often require advance booking. However, they provide a crucial lifeline for individuals unable to drive or who require medical assistance during transit.

Medical transport companies, such as First Call Medical Transportation and Med-Ride, offer services in the Roanoke area. These companies provide non-emergency medical **transportation**, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. The cost of these services varies depending on the distance, level of care required, and the specific provider. Advance booking is essential, particularly for appointments outside of regular business hours.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Paint Bank reflects the challenges associated with **healthcare access**. The score is negatively impacted by the long drive times to Roanoke, the limited public transit options, and the reliance on potentially unreliable ride-sharing services. The availability of medical transport services provides a crucial safety net, but the cost and need for advance booking must be factored into the overall assessment.

For individuals with lung cancer or at high risk, the "Lung Cancer Score" would be further adjusted based on the frequency of required medical appointments. Frequent visits for chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or follow-up appointments would significantly increase the burden of **transportation**. The score would also consider the individual's physical condition and ability to tolerate long car rides.

The best way to determine a personalized "Lung Cancer Score" is to consider the individual's medical needs, driving capabilities, and financial resources. For example, someone who is able to drive and has a reliable vehicle may have a higher score than someone who is reliant on others for **transportation**.

Individuals considering **moving to Paint Bank** should carefully weigh the benefits of the area's tranquility against the challenges of accessing **healthcare access**. A thorough understanding of the **transportation** options, the costs associated with each, and the potential for delays is crucial. Pre-planning and establishing a reliable **transportation** plan are essential for managing healthcare needs effectively.

The "Lung Cancer Score" is not a static number; it's a dynamic assessment that should be re-evaluated as an individual's medical needs and **transportation** options evolve. Proactive planning, exploring all available resources, and building a support network are key to navigating the healthcare landscape in Paint Bank. The beauty of the mountains is undeniable, but the reality of **healthcare access** demands careful consideration.