24219, Big Stone Gap, Virginia Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 24219, Big Stone Gap, Virginia is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

75.42 percent of residents in 24219 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.52 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Lonesome Pine Hospital with a distance of 0.67 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 24219

The air hangs heavy with the promise of coal and the echoes of industry in Big Stone Gap, Virginia (ZIP Code 24219). While the mountains cradle this community, they also present a formidable challenge: accessing healthcare. This write-up explores the transportation landscape, crucial for those battling lung cancer, and assesses the accessibility of treatment options, offering a "Lung Cancer Score" for this specific location. The score considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, painting a picture of healthcare access for residents.

The journey to healthcare, especially for a lung cancer patient, is a complex equation. Time is of the essence, and the availability of reliable transportation can significantly impact treatment outcomes. This analysis considers the physical and logistical hurdles faced by residents of 24219, focusing on the most common destinations for lung cancer care: hospitals, oncology centers, and specialized clinics.

**Drive Time Dynamics:**

The primary artery for healthcare access in Big Stone Gap is **U.S. Route 58**. This highway, while scenic, can be a bottleneck, particularly during peak hours or inclement weather. The nearest major hospital, **Norton Community Hospital** in Norton, Virginia, is approximately a 30-45 minute drive, depending on traffic and the specific location within 24219. The route primarily utilizes Route 58, with some segments on local roads.

Further afield, **Bristol Regional Medical Center** in Bristol, Tennessee, offers more specialized cancer care. The drive to Bristol, a longer journey, takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes. This route involves navigating **U.S. Route 58**, then connecting to **Interstate 81**. The interstate offers faster speeds, but traffic congestion, especially near Bristol, can add significant time.

Beyond these, major cancer centers in Roanoke, Virginia, such as **Carilion Clinic**, are a considerable undertaking. The drive, primarily via **U.S. Route 58** and **Interstate 81**, can take upwards of 2.5 to 3 hours, representing a major time commitment and logistical challenge for patients undergoing treatment.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public transportation options in 24219 are severely limited. The primary provider is the **Cumberland Plateau Regional Transportation Authority (CPRTA)**. CPRTA operates several routes, but service frequency and coverage are restricted, especially for destinations outside of Big Stone Gap.

Specific route numbers and schedules are subject to change, but generally, routes are designed to serve local needs. Access to Norton or Bristol, using public transit, requires multiple transfers and extended travel times. ADA-accessible vehicles are available, but riders should confirm availability and book in advance. Public transit, while a lifeline for some, is not a practical solution for many lung cancer patients requiring frequent appointments.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: A Glimmer of Hope:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their availability is not guaranteed. The rural nature of 24219 can limit the number of drivers and increase wait times, especially during off-peak hours. This unreliability poses a significant challenge for patients needing scheduled appointments.

Medical transport services offer a more specialized solution. Companies like **CareRide** and **Medicaid Transportation** provide non-emergency medical transportation. These services, often covered by insurance, are essential for patients who cannot drive or lack other transportation options. However, availability, booking lead times, and coverage limitations can still pose challenges.

**The Lung Cancer Score:**

Considering the challenges of transportation and healthcare access, we can assign a "Lung Cancer Score" to 24219. The score is based on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 representing the most challenging access and 10 representing the easiest.

* **Drive Time:** The reliance on personal vehicles and the distances to treatment centers contribute to a lower score. Frequent appointments and the potential for fatigue and side effects from treatment make long drives particularly difficult.
* **Public Transit:** The limited availability and extended travel times of public transit significantly reduce its utility for lung cancer patients.
* **Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:** While ride-sharing offers some flexibility, its unreliability and the potential for high costs lower its score. Medical transport services provide a critical lifeline, but their availability and limitations impact the overall score.

Based on these factors, the Lung Cancer Score for 24219 is a **4 out of 10**. This score reflects the significant barriers to healthcare access faced by residents, particularly those battling lung cancer.

**Moving to Big Stone Gap: A Healthcare Consideration:**

For individuals considering moving to Big Stone Gap, the Lung Cancer Score highlights a critical factor: healthcare access. While the community offers a strong sense of place and the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains, the limitations of transportation and the distance to specialized medical care must be carefully considered.

Individuals with pre-existing conditions, or those at higher risk for lung cancer, should thoroughly research the availability of treatment options, transportation resources, and support networks before making a move. Proximity to family or friends who can provide transportation assistance is also a crucial factor.

**Conclusion:**

The residents of 24219 face significant challenges in accessing healthcare, particularly for lung cancer treatment. The limited public transit, the dependence on personal vehicles, and the distance to specialized centers create a complex landscape. While ride-sharing and medical transport services offer some relief, the overall Lung Cancer Score reflects the need for improved healthcare access in this community. Addressing these transportation challenges is essential to ensure that residents have the opportunity to receive timely and effective care. Increased investment in public transportation, expansion of ride-sharing services, and enhanced medical transport options would significantly improve the lives of those battling lung cancer in Big Stone Gap.