24266, Lebanon, Virginia Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 24266, Lebanon, Virginia is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

57.66 percent of residents in 24266 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.86 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Russell County Hospital with a distance of 0.47 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Lebanon, VA (ZIP Code 24266)

The shadow of a lung cancer diagnosis falls heavily, demanding swift and reliable access to specialized care. For residents of Lebanon, Virginia (ZIP Code 24266), the journey to vital medical services becomes a critical component of their overall well-being. This analysis, a “Lung Cancer Score” assessment, examines the transportation landscape, focusing on commute times, public transit, and alternative options, painting a picture of healthcare access for those facing this formidable disease.

The primary driver of healthcare access in Lebanon is the automobile. The town’s relative isolation, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, necessitates reliance on personal vehicles for most residents. This reliance presents a unique set of challenges, especially for individuals undergoing treatment who may experience fatigue, mobility limitations, or require frequent follow-up appointments.

The nearest comprehensive oncology services are located in larger regional centers, primarily in Johnson City, Tennessee, or Roanoke, Virginia. The drive to Johnson City typically involves navigating **US-19** South, a major artery connecting Lebanon to the Tri-Cities region. Expect a drive time of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on traffic and specific destination within the city. This journey includes rural stretches, potentially impacting the ability to quickly seek urgent care.

Roanoke, a larger metropolitan hub, offers a wider array of specialized medical facilities, including those focused on lung cancer treatment. The route to Roanoke involves a longer drive, primarily via **US-19** North, connecting to **I-81** North. This trip typically takes between 2 hours and 30 minutes and 3 hours, again dependent on traffic conditions. The **I-81** corridor can experience significant congestion, particularly during peak travel times, potentially delaying critical appointments.

Within Lebanon itself, local roads, including **State Route 82** and **State Route 600**, provide access to primary care physicians and local medical facilities. These facilities are crucial for initial diagnosis, symptom management, and supportive care, but may lack the specialized resources required for advanced lung cancer treatment. The ease of access to these local resources is generally good, with travel times within the town typically under 15 minutes. However, the limitations of these facilities underscore the importance of efficient transportation to regional cancer centers.

Public transportation options within ZIP Code 24266 are limited. The absence of a robust public transit system significantly impacts healthcare access, particularly for individuals who cannot drive or lack access to a personal vehicle. This deficiency creates a significant barrier for those facing lung cancer, who may need frequent transportation for treatments, appointments, and supportive care.

While there is no formal public bus system operating directly within Lebanon, the availability of intercity bus services may offer a limited alternative. These services, however, are infrequent, with routes and schedules that may not align with the needs of cancer patients. Furthermore, the lack of ADA-compliant features on some of these buses could pose accessibility challenges for individuals with mobility impairments, adding another layer of complexity to their healthcare journey.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are present in the region, though their availability and reliability can vary. The relatively low population density of Lebanon may result in longer wait times and higher fares compared to more urban areas. This potential cost barrier and the uncertainty of service availability can be a significant concern for patients relying on these services for transportation to and from medical appointments.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more specialized solution. Several companies operate in the region, providing non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services. These services often cater to individuals with mobility limitations, offering door-to-door transportation and assistance.

The availability of medical transportation services is a critical factor in the Lung Cancer Score for Lebanon. However, the cost of these services can be a significant financial burden, particularly for individuals with limited incomes or those without adequate insurance coverage. The accessibility and affordability of these services are essential to ensure that all patients, regardless of their financial circumstances, can access the care they need.

For those considering moving to Lebanon, the availability of healthcare access should be a central consideration. The distance to specialized cancer centers and the limited public transportation options necessitate careful planning. Prospective residents should thoroughly investigate the availability of medical transportation services, assess their insurance coverage, and consider the financial implications of frequent travel for medical care.

The Lung Cancer Score for Lebanon, therefore, reflects the challenges and opportunities inherent in the local transportation landscape. While the town offers a peaceful setting and a strong sense of community, the geographical isolation and limited public transit options create significant hurdles for individuals battling lung cancer. The reliance on personal vehicles, the potential for long drive times, and the limited availability of affordable and reliable transportation services contribute to a lower score.

The score highlights the importance of proactive planning, including securing reliable transportation options, understanding insurance coverage, and establishing a strong support network. For individuals diagnosed with lung cancer, the ability to navigate the transportation landscape effectively is crucial to receiving timely and comprehensive care.

The community's ability to support patients, including providing volunteer drivers, offering financial assistance for transportation costs, and advocating for improved public transit options, is essential to improving the Lung Cancer Score and ensuring that all residents have equal access to the healthcare they deserve. The future of healthcare access in Lebanon hinges on addressing these transportation challenges, fostering a community that prioritizes the well-being of its most vulnerable members.