Lung Cancer Score

24250, Fort Blackmore, Virginia Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

Average Rating: 0.0 / 5 stars

0 Reviews

Health Scores

Travel Score in 24250, Fort Blackmore, Virginia

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 24250, Fort Blackmore, Virginia is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

31.27 percent of residents in 24250 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.48 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Lonesome Pine Hospital with a distance of 12.73 miles from the area.

Health Scores in 24250, Fort Blackmore, Virginia

Lung Cancer Score 67
People Score 54
Provider Score 75
Hospital Score 51
Travel Score 36

Closest Hospital - LONESOME PINE HOSPITAL

Estimated Cars

Housholds with Cars (%) 24250 Fort Blackmore Virginia
No Cars 0.00 0.00 2.76
1 Car 10.10 10.10 18.70
2 Cars 18.24 18.24 40.01
3 or More Cars 71.66 71.66 38.53

Vehicular Access in 24250, Fort Blackmore, Virginia

Travel Score Review of 24250, Fort Blackmore, Virginia

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Fort Blackmore, Virginia (ZIP Code 24250)

The air hangs heavy with the scent of pine and coal dust in Fort Blackmore, Virginia, a community nestled in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. For residents of ZIP code 24250, the beauty of the landscape is often juxtaposed with the challenge of accessing essential healthcare, particularly for a disease as serious as lung cancer. This analysis, a "Lung Cancer Score," assesses the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access for those seeking diagnosis, treatment, and support. It is designed to help potential residents understand the realities of moving to Fort Blackmore, and how they might navigate the complexities of healthcare.

The primary concern for anyone facing a lung cancer diagnosis in Fort Blackmore is the distance to specialized medical care. The nearest comprehensive cancer centers are located in larger cities, necessitating travel. This immediately introduces a significant hurdle, as transportation becomes a critical factor in determining the quality of care and the overall prognosis.

The primary arteries for transportation in and out of Fort Blackmore are Virginia State Route 72 and U.S. Route 23. Route 72, a winding two-lane road, connects Fort Blackmore to the larger towns of Gate City and Weber City. Route 23, a more substantial highway, provides access to Kingsport, Tennessee, and further afield to Bristol, Virginia. These highways are the lifelines for residents needing to access healthcare facilities.

Driving times are crucial. To reach the closest hospitals offering oncology services, such as Holston Valley Medical Center in Kingsport, the drive can take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic and weather conditions. This journey, while manageable, requires careful planning, especially for patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatments that often require frequent visits. For those requiring more specialized care, such as advanced surgical procedures or clinical trials, travel to larger centers like the University of Virginia Health System in Charlottesville, which is approximately a four-hour drive, becomes a significant undertaking.

Public transportation options in the region are limited. The availability of public transit in ZIP code 24250 is virtually non-existent, and this lack of infrastructure presents a significant barrier to healthcare access. This absence of a reliable public transit system exacerbates the challenges faced by individuals without personal vehicles, the elderly, and those with mobility limitations.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the larger cities surrounding Fort Blackmore, but their presence in the immediate vicinity is often sporadic and unreliable. This means that patients cannot depend on ride-sharing for regular appointments or emergency situations. The limited availability of ride-sharing further compounds the transportation challenges for those seeking healthcare.

Medical transportation services offer a potential solution, but their availability and cost must be carefully considered. Companies specializing in non-emergency medical transportation, such as First Transit or MedTrans, may operate in the area, but their services are often subject to prior booking and may be limited in terms of availability and geographic coverage. The cost of these services can also be a significant burden for patients, especially those on fixed incomes.

The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility of transportation options is a critical factor. While medical transport providers are mandated to comply with ADA regulations, the lack of public transit and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services pose significant challenges for individuals with disabilities. This lack of accessible transportation can hinder their ability to attend appointments, access treatments, and participate in support groups.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Fort Blackmore, Virginia, is therefore heavily influenced by the transportation limitations. The lack of public transit, the potential unreliability of ride-sharing, and the limited availability of medical transportation services all contribute to a challenging landscape for patients. This is especially true for those requiring frequent treatments, follow-up appointments, or emergency care.

The implications of these transportation challenges extend beyond the physical act of getting to appointments. They can impact the overall quality of care, patient outcomes, and the emotional well-being of individuals and their families. The stress of arranging transportation, the financial burden of travel, and the isolation caused by limited mobility can all negatively affect a patient's ability to cope with their illness and adhere to their treatment plan.

For individuals considering moving to Fort Blackmore, a thorough understanding of the transportation landscape is essential. Before making such a decision, prospective residents should carefully evaluate their healthcare needs and their ability to navigate the transportation challenges. This includes assessing their access to a reliable vehicle, their financial resources for transportation costs, and their ability to plan and coordinate travel for appointments and treatments.

The healthcare landscape in Fort Blackmore is not without its strengths. The community is known for its close-knit nature and the support offered by local organizations. However, the lack of accessible transportation remains a significant barrier to healthcare access, particularly for those facing a lung cancer diagnosis.

In conclusion, the "Lung Cancer Score" for ZIP code 24250 is impacted by the limited transportation options. While the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains and the charm of Fort Blackmore are undeniable, the challenges of accessing healthcare, particularly for lung cancer patients, must be carefully considered. Prospective residents should thoroughly research the available transportation resources, plan for potential travel costs, and explore all available options to ensure that they can access the care they need. The journey through a lung cancer diagnosis is challenging enough, and the transportation hurdles can significantly compound the difficulties faced by patients and their families.

Reviews

Recent Reviews

No reviews yet.

Leave a review
Health Scores Near 24250, Fort Blackmore, Virginia

You may also like

24251, Gate City, Virginia
Lung Cancer Score
Lung Cancer Score

Distance from 24250: 7.94 Miles

Total Population: 7,786

24290, Weber City, Virginia
Lung Cancer Score
Lung Cancer Score

Distance from 24250: 8.84 Miles

Total Population: 2,280

24245, Dungannon, Virginia
Lung Cancer Score
Lung Cancer Score

Distance from 24250: 8.87 Miles

Total Population: 802

24271, Nickelsville, Virginia
Lung Cancer Score
Lung Cancer Score

Distance from 24250: 10.32 Miles

Total Population: 2,516

24246, East Stone Gap, Virginia
Lung Cancer Score
Lung Cancer Score

Distance from 24250: 11.61 Miles

Total Population: 263

24244, Duffield, Virginia
Lung Cancer Score
Lung Cancer Score

Distance from 24250: 12.17 Miles

Total Population: 5,880

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

Distance from 24250: 12.36 Miles

Total Population: 11,218

24273, Norton, Virginia
Lung Cancer Score
Lung Cancer Score

Distance from 24250: 14.03 Miles

Total Population: 5,898

24230, Coeburn, Virginia
Lung Cancer Score
Lung Cancer Score

Distance from 24250: 14.92 Miles

Total Population: 7,615

Health Scores in 24250, Fort Blackmore, Virginia