24843, Hensley, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 24843, Hensley, West Virginia is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

71.93 percent of residents in 24843 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.14 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Welch Community Hospital with a distance of 6.67 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 24843 for the Prospective Hensley Resident

The decision to relocate, especially when considering healthcare needs, is a significant one. For individuals contemplating a move to Hensley, West Virginia (ZIP Code 24843), understanding the accessibility of lung cancer care is paramount. This write-up provides a detailed analysis of transportation options, drive times, and healthcare access points, ultimately offering a "Lung Cancer Score" to aid in informed decision-making.

The geographical reality of 24843, nestled within the Appalachian Mountains, dictates the transportation landscape. Public transit is limited, and the rugged terrain influences drive times. Residents will primarily rely on personal vehicles for healthcare access. The nearest hospitals and specialized cancer centers are not immediately adjacent, making transportation a critical factor in the overall quality of care.

The primary artery for accessing healthcare from Hensley is US Route 52, a major north-south thoroughfare. Traveling north on US-52, the closest hospital with a dedicated oncology department is the Bluefield Regional Medical Center in Bluefield, West Virginia. The drive to Bluefield, a distance of approximately 25 miles, typically takes between 35 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions. This drive can be subject to delays, especially during inclement weather or rush hour, potentially impacting timely access to treatment.

Further north, approximately 70 miles from Hensley, is the Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC) in Charleston, West Virginia. This facility offers comprehensive cancer care, including advanced treatment options. The journey to Charleston involves navigating US-52 to US-119 and then I-64. Expect a drive time of around 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours, again contingent upon traffic and weather. This longer commute demands careful planning and consideration for the physical and emotional toll on a patient undergoing treatment.

To the south, the closest major medical center is the Bristol Regional Medical Center in Bristol, Tennessee. This hospital is approximately 80 miles from Hensley. The route involves US-52 South to US-58 East and then I-81 South. The drive time will take approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours. This route presents a viable alternative, but the Tennessee location requires consideration of state-specific healthcare regulations and insurance coverage.

Public transportation options are severely limited in 24843. The availability of public transit is a significant barrier to healthcare access. The lack of readily available public transit forces reliance on personal vehicles, ride-sharing services, or medical transportation. This absence of public transport is a major impediment to healthcare access, especially for those unable to drive or who have limited mobility.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are present in the area, though their availability can be inconsistent, particularly in rural areas like Hensley. The cost of ride-sharing, especially for longer distances to hospitals, can quickly accumulate, adding a significant financial burden to patients. The reliability of ride-sharing services, especially during off-peak hours or in adverse weather conditions, is also a concern.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients requiring non-emergency transport, are available. Companies like AMR (American Medical Response) and other local providers offer transportation to and from medical appointments. These services typically require pre-booking and can be more expensive than ride-sharing, but they offer a reliable option for patients who cannot drive or lack access to other transportation. However, the availability of these services in 24843 and the surrounding areas needs to be confirmed, as the presence of these services can vary.

The accessibility of healthcare facilities is a significant factor to consider when moving to Hensley. The drive times to the nearest hospitals, the limited public transit, and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services all contribute to a less-than-ideal healthcare access environment. The lack of readily available transportation options can create significant challenges for individuals requiring regular cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for 24843 is calculated based on several factors. These include the distance to the nearest hospitals with oncology departments, the drive times, the availability and reliability of public transit and ride-sharing services, and the presence of medical transportation options. A lower score indicates better access to care, while a higher score reflects greater challenges.

Considering the drive times, the limited public transit, and the potential for inconsistent ride-sharing, the "Lung Cancer Score" for 24843 is moderately high. The reliance on personal vehicles and the distance to specialized cancer centers create significant challenges for individuals with lung cancer. The lack of readily available public transportation and the potential for unreliable ride-sharing services exacerbate these challenges.

For individuals considering moving to Hensley and requiring lung cancer care, proactive planning is essential. This includes researching the availability of medical transportation services, establishing a reliable network of support for transportation, and factoring in the potential for longer travel times to and from medical appointments.

The decision to move to Hensley should involve a thorough assessment of healthcare needs and a realistic understanding of the transportation challenges. While the area offers a unique lifestyle, the limited healthcare access, particularly for specialized cancer care, must be carefully considered. This assessment is crucial for anyone considering moving to Hensley.

The "Lung Cancer Score" serves as a valuable tool for assessing healthcare access in 24843. It is essential to consider the score in conjunction with personal health needs and preferences when making a relocation decision. The score is not a definitive judgment but rather a guide for understanding the challenges and opportunities related to healthcare access in this area.

The move to Hensley requires careful planning. The prospective resident should contact local medical transportation services, investigate the availability of support networks for transportation, and create a detailed plan for managing healthcare appointments. This proactive approach will help mitigate the transportation challenges and ensure that healthcare needs are met effectively.