24881, Roderfield, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 24881, Roderfield, West Virginia is 14 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

100.00 percent of residents in 24881 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.23 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Welch Community Hospital with a distance of 5.89 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Roderfield, WV (ZIP Code 24881)

The crisp mountain air of Roderfield, West Virginia (ZIP Code 24881), offers a certain charm, a quietude that beckons those seeking respite. Yet, for individuals facing a potential lung cancer diagnosis, the serene landscape presents a complex challenge: **healthcare access**. This write-up, a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, examines the transportation landscape surrounding Roderfield, crucial for timely diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. Considering the unique difficulties of **transportation** in this rural area, especially for those with mobility limitations, is paramount. If you are **moving to Roderfield**, this analysis is essential.

The score considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, painting a picture of the healthcare accessibility landscape. This information is vital for anyone needing to navigate the system, especially those battling a serious illness.

### Drive Times: The Road to Recovery

The primary means of accessing specialized medical care from Roderfield is by personal vehicle. The nearest comprehensive healthcare facilities, including those offering oncology services, are located in Bluefield, WV, and Beckley, WV.

Traveling to Bluefield, approximately 30 miles away, typically involves navigating **West Virginia Route 16** south, a winding two-lane highway that can be subject to delays due to weather or traffic. The drive, under ideal conditions, takes around 45 minutes to an hour. This time frame may increase significantly during inclement weather, a common occurrence in the Appalachian region.

Beckley, about 60 miles away, presents a longer journey. The most direct route involves **West Virginia Route 16** south to **U.S. Route 52**, then connecting to **Interstate 64** east. This drive, while primarily on interstate highways, can take upwards of 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. The mountainous terrain adds to the travel time and can be particularly challenging for those with limited mobility or experiencing treatment-related fatigue.

The condition of the roads, particularly during winter months, significantly impacts travel times and safety. The availability of reliable transportation is crucial, as delays can impact appointment adherence and potentially delay crucial treatment.

### Public Transit: A Limited Lifeline

Public transportation options in Roderfield are severely limited. The area is not served by a robust public transit system. The lack of readily available public transit poses a significant barrier to **healthcare access**, particularly for those without personal vehicles or who are unable to drive.

The closest public transit options might be found in larger towns, but they are not directly connected to Roderfield. These options are unlikely to be a viable solution for those seeking regular medical appointments.

Accessibility features, such as wheelchair lifts and designated seating, are critical for any public transit options. However, the absence of public transit in Roderfield means that these features are not available.

### Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are often unavailable in rural areas like Roderfield. This further exacerbates the **transportation** challenges for individuals needing medical care. The lack of ride-sharing options creates a significant barrier to accessing healthcare services.

Medical transport services, while available, are often costly and require pre-arrangement. These services are designed for non-emergency medical transportation and can be a lifeline for those unable to drive or utilize other means of **transportation**.

Several medical transport companies may service the area, including those offering wheelchair-accessible vehicles. However, the availability and cost of these services vary, and it is crucial to research and plan in advance.

### Medical Transport Brands: A Vital Resource

Several medical transport brands may offer services in the area, and it is essential to research the options.

**MedTrans Corporation:** This company offers non-emergency medical transportation services, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. They may be a viable option for those needing regular appointments.

**AmbuTrans:** This company offers similar services and may be another option for those needing transportation.

**Local Ambulance Services:** Local ambulance services may provide non-emergency transportation, but their availability and cost should be confirmed.

**Other Private Transportation Services:** Some private companies may offer transportation services. Researching local options is crucial.

### The Lung Cancer Score: A Multifaceted Assessment

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Roderfield reflects the challenges inherent in accessing healthcare. It considers several factors: drive times, public transit limitations, ride-sharing unavailability, and the reliance on medical transport services.

**Drive Time Score:** The drive time score is moderate. While the distances to Bluefield and Beckley are not excessive, the winding roads, potential for inclement weather, and the physical toll of travel on individuals undergoing treatment must be considered.

**Public Transit Score:** The public transit score is very low. The absence of public transit significantly limits **healthcare access** for those without personal vehicles.

**Ride-Sharing Score:** The ride-sharing score is very low. The lack of readily available ride-sharing services adds to the **transportation** challenges.

**Medical Transport Score:** The medical transport score is moderate. While medical transport services are available, they are often costly and require pre-arrangement.

**Overall Score:** The overall "Lung Cancer Score" for Roderfield is low. The combination of long drive times, the absence of public transit, and the limited availability of ride-sharing services creates significant barriers to accessing timely and consistent healthcare.

### Recommendations and Considerations

For individuals considering **moving to Roderfield** or currently residing there and facing a lung cancer diagnosis, careful planning is essential.

* **Early Planning:** Establish a reliable **transportation** plan well in advance of any medical appointments.
* **Medical Transport Research:** Research and pre-arrange medical transport services.
* **Support System:** Enlist the support of family and friends to provide transportation assistance.
* **Proactive Communication:** Communicate with healthcare providers about **transportation** challenges and explore options for telehealth appointments when appropriate.
* **Advocacy:** Advocate for improved public transit options and ride-sharing availability in the area.

The challenges of **healthcare access** in Roderfield highlight the importance of comprehensive planning and a strong support system for those battling lung cancer. The "Lung Cancer Score" serves as a critical assessment of the **transportation** landscape, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to ensure timely diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care.