25003, Alum Creek, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 25003, Alum Creek, West Virginia is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

59.29 percent of residents in 25003 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.71 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Thomas Memorial Hospital with a distance of 7.09 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in ZIP Code 25003

The air hangs heavy with the scent of coal dust and the promise of a new day in Alum Creek, West Virginia, ZIP code 25003. For residents facing a lung cancer diagnosis, the journey to quality healthcare is a critical battle, a fight that extends beyond the walls of the clinic and into the complex landscape of **transportation** options. This 'Lung Cancer Score' assesses the challenges and opportunities for accessing care, considering factors like drive times, public transit, and the availability of ride-sharing services. It's a crucial evaluation for anyone **moving to Alum Creek**, or already residing here, and needing to navigate the healthcare system.

The primary hospital serving the area is CAMC (Charleston Area Medical Center) General Hospital, located in Charleston, roughly 25 miles away. The most direct route involves a drive along **US Route 119** South, a winding two-lane highway that can become congested during peak hours. Expect a drive time of approximately 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic and weather conditions. This is the most common route, but the unpredictable nature of the road, especially during winter, presents a significant challenge for patients undergoing treatment.

Alternative routes exist, but they often add to the travel time. Taking **West Virginia Route 10** South, then connecting to **I-64** East, offers a slightly longer but potentially less stressful option. However, this route adds mileage and could increase travel time to over an hour. This is especially true if a patient is experiencing pain or fatigue, common side effects of cancer treatment.

Public **transportation** options are limited. The Kanawha Valley Regional Transportation AuthorityRegional Transportation Authority (KRT) provides bus service, but routes are infrequent and primarily serve the Charleston metropolitan area. There are no direct bus routes from Alum Creek to CAMC General Hospital. This severely limits **healthcare access** for those without personal vehicles or the ability to drive. The closest KRT route might be accessed by driving to a park and ride, adding to the overall travel time.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance on KRT buses is a significant consideration. All KRT buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and other accessibility features. However, the limited frequency of service and the lack of direct routes to the hospital remain major obstacles. Patients with mobility issues, a frequent consequence of lung cancer and its treatment, face a daunting challenge in accessing care via public transit.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Charleston area, but their reliability and cost can vary significantly, especially in rural areas like Alum Creek. Availability may be limited, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The expense of frequent rides can quickly become a financial burden for patients already facing the high costs of cancer treatment. Furthermore, the ride-sharing apps can be unreliable, leaving patients stranded if a driver cancels at the last minute.

Medical **transportation** services offer a specialized solution for patients who cannot drive themselves. These services typically provide non-emergency medical transport, often with trained personnel and vehicles equipped to accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility aids. Companies like MedStar and American Medical Response (AMR) operate in the region, offering services to transport patients to and from medical appointments. However, these services can be costly and require advance booking, which may not always be feasible for urgent needs.

The **healthcare access** landscape in Alum Creek, for lung cancer patients, is complex. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the fluctuating availability of ride-sharing services create significant barriers to care. The unpredictable nature of the **transportation** infrastructure in this rural area can exacerbate the challenges faced by patients.

Consider the impact of chemotherapy or radiation therapy, which often leaves patients fatigued, nauseous, and vulnerable to infections. The prospect of a long drive, even with a companion, can be daunting. The stress of navigating traffic, finding parking, and managing the physical demands of the journey can further compromise a patient's well-being. This is a crucial consideration for those **moving to Alum Creek**.

The absence of readily available and affordable **transportation** options can lead to delayed diagnoses, missed appointments, and reduced adherence to treatment plans. This can have a direct impact on patient outcomes and overall quality of life. Early detection and consistent treatment are critical in the fight against lung cancer. Barriers to accessing care can undermine these efforts.

The financial implications of **transportation** costs are another crucial factor. The expense of gas, vehicle maintenance, ride-sharing fees, or medical transport can quickly deplete a patient's resources, especially when combined with the costs of medical treatment, medications, and other living expenses. This can lead to financial hardship and further exacerbate the stress and anxiety associated with a cancer diagnosis.

The 'Lung Cancer Score' for Alum Creek, therefore, is not simply about drive times. It's a multifaceted assessment that considers the overall accessibility of healthcare, the reliability of **transportation** options, the financial burden on patients, and the impact on their quality of life. The score highlights the need for improved public transit, increased availability of affordable ride-sharing services, and enhanced support for medical **transportation**.

For those **moving to Alum Creek**, understanding these challenges is essential. Prioritizing proximity to healthcare facilities or access to reliable **transportation** may be a crucial factor in choosing a place to live. Researching local resources, such as patient advocacy groups or financial assistance programs, can also help mitigate the impact of **transportation** barriers.

The journey to healthcare in ZIP code 25003 is a long and arduous one for lung cancer patients. It requires careful planning, resourcefulness, and a strong support system. Improving **healthcare access** in this community demands a collaborative effort involving healthcare providers, **transportation** agencies, and community organizations. Only then can residents of Alum Creek receive the timely and comprehensive care they deserve.