24874, Pineville, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 24874, Pineville, West Virginia is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

93.04 percent of residents in 24874 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.54 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Welch Community Hospital with a distance of 11.17 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Pineville, WV (ZIP Code 24874)

Moving to a new community, especially when considering healthcare needs, demands a thorough understanding of accessibility. This analysis, focusing on ZIP Code 24874 (Pineville, West Virginia), provides a "Lung Cancer Score" framework, assessing the challenges and opportunities concerning transportation to healthcare facilities, particularly those equipped to diagnose and treat lung cancer. This score considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing options, and medical transport services, offering a practical guide for residents and prospective movers.

The Lung Cancer Score, in this context, is not a medical diagnosis but a composite measure of transportation difficulty. It reflects the time, cost, and convenience associated with reaching healthcare providers. A higher score indicates greater challenges, while a lower score signifies better accessibility. This analysis is crucial for individuals with existing lung cancer diagnoses, those at high risk, and anyone prioritizing healthcare access when considering a move to Pineville.

**Drive Time Dynamics:**

Pineville, nestled in Wyoming County, presents a unique transportation landscape. The primary artery is **US Route 10**, which acts as the main thoroughfare connecting Pineville to larger towns and healthcare hubs. Traveling eastward on US-10, the drive to Beckley, approximately 35 miles, is a key consideration. This journey, typically taking around an hour, provides access to the **Beckley Appalachian Regional Hospital**, a significant healthcare provider.

Westward, US-10 leads to the **Wyoming County Memorial Hospital** in Pineville, offering local healthcare options. However, specialized oncology services might necessitate travel to Beckley. Navigating these roads, particularly during inclement weather, can significantly impact drive times. Road conditions, especially in winter, can extend travel times, increasing the Lung Cancer Score.

Beyond US-10, **West Virginia Route 16** provides alternative routes, though these are often winding and can add travel time. Secondary roads, while offering scenic routes, are generally not recommended for urgent healthcare needs due to their slower speeds and potential for delays. The Lung Cancer Score is influenced by the reliability of these routes, considering potential traffic and road closures.

**Public Transit: A Limited Solution:**

Public transportation options in Pineville are limited. The **Wyoming County Public Transit Authority** provides some services, but routes and schedules are infrequent, and coverage is not comprehensive. This severely impacts the Lung Cancer Score.

The lack of readily available public transit presents a significant challenge for individuals without personal vehicles or those unable to drive. ADA-compliant features, such as wheelchair accessibility, are essential, but the limited service frequency and route availability diminish the utility of public transit for healthcare access.

Specific route numbers and schedules are subject to change, emphasizing the need for up-to-date information. However, the overall impact of public transit on the Lung Cancer Score remains substantial, primarily due to its limited availability and the reliance on individual planning.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gap:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their reliability and availability are variable. The presence of ride-sharing services offers an alternative to personal vehicles or public transit, especially for shorter trips. However, the potential for surge pricing and the limited number of drivers in a rural area can significantly impact the Lung Cancer Score.

Medical transport services, including ambulances and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), play a crucial role in healthcare access. These services are particularly important for individuals with mobility issues or those requiring specialized care. The availability and cost of these services directly influence the Lung Cancer Score.

The efficiency of medical transport is paramount. Delays in reaching healthcare facilities can have severe consequences, especially for lung cancer patients. The Lung Cancer Score must reflect the responsiveness and reliability of these services.

**Medical Facilities and Specialized Care:**

The availability of specialized oncology services is a critical factor. While Wyoming County Memorial Hospital offers local healthcare, specialized treatments, such as radiation therapy and complex surgeries, often necessitate travel to larger medical centers, primarily in Beckley. This underscores the importance of assessing drive times and transportation options.

The **Beckley Appalachian Regional Hospital** is the primary destination for specialized lung cancer care. The Lung Cancer Score must consider the availability of these services and the transportation challenges associated with accessing them.

**Impact on the Lung Cancer Score:**

The Lung Cancer Score for Pineville, WV (24874) is significantly influenced by the following factors:

* **Drive Times:** The distance to Beckley and the reliability of US-10 are critical.
* **Public Transit:** The limited availability of public transportation significantly elevates the score.
* **Ride-Sharing:** Variable availability and potential surge pricing impact the score.
* **Medical Transport:** The responsiveness and cost of medical transport services are crucial.
* **Specialized Care:** The need to travel for specialized treatments increases the score.

Considering these factors, the Lung Cancer Score for Pineville is moderately high, reflecting the challenges associated with accessing healthcare, especially specialized lung cancer care. While local healthcare options exist, the need for travel to larger medical centers significantly impacts the overall score.

**Recommendations for Prospective Movers:**

Individuals considering a move to Pineville, especially those with lung cancer or at high risk, should carefully assess their transportation needs. Prioritize a reliable personal vehicle or consider the costs and availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services. Investigate the specific oncology services available at Beckley Appalachian Regional Hospital and factor in the travel time and potential for delays.

The Lung Cancer Score provides a valuable framework for understanding the healthcare access landscape in Pineville. It underscores the importance of proactive planning and the need to prioritize transportation solutions to ensure timely access to essential medical care. This information is critical for making informed decisions about moving to Pineville and ensuring adequate healthcare access.