25024, Bloomingrose, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 25024, Bloomingrose, West Virginia is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

30.83 percent of residents in 25024 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.75 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Charleston Area Medical Center with a distance of 12.38 miles from the area.

**Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Bloomingrose, WV (ZIP Code 25024)**

The shadow of a lung cancer diagnosis falls heavily, and the ability to quickly and reliably access healthcare becomes paramount. For residents of Bloomingrose, West Virginia (ZIP Code 25024), this access is shaped by the unique topography of the region, the availability of public transportation, and the evolving landscape of ride-sharing and medical transport. This write-up provides a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, considering the practical challenges of *transportation* in the context of a potential diagnosis. It's designed to aid residents, and those *moving to Bloomingrose*, in understanding the realities of *healthcare access* and planning accordingly.

The primary consideration is the distance and accessibility of medical facilities. The nearest hospitals equipped to handle lung cancer diagnoses and treatment are located in Charleston, West Virginia, approximately 45 miles away. This distance translates into a significant *transportation* burden, especially for individuals experiencing symptoms like shortness of breath or fatigue.

The most direct route to Charleston from Bloomingrose is via **US Route 119 South**, a winding two-lane highway that can experience heavy traffic, particularly during peak commuting hours. The drive, under ideal conditions, takes approximately one hour. However, factors like weather, construction, and accidents can significantly extend this travel time, potentially jeopardizing time-sensitive appointments or emergency care. **West Virginia Route 10** offers an alternative, but it is also a winding road, often with limited shoulders and potentially slower travel times.

Public *transportation* options in Bloomingrose are limited. The Kanawha Valley Regional Transportation AuthorityRegional Transportation Authority (KRT) provides some service in the Charleston area, but its reach rarely extends into the Bloomingrose area. Even if available, the KRT routes would necessitate a multi-leg journey, involving transfers and extended travel times. This lack of reliable public *transportation* presents a significant challenge for individuals without personal vehicles, especially those with mobility limitations. The absence of ADA-accessible features on all KRT routes further exacerbates the situation.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, operate in the Charleston area. However, their availability in Bloomingrose itself is often sporadic, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Relying on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments is therefore risky, and the cost can quickly accumulate, adding a financial strain on top of the emotional and physical burdens of a lung cancer diagnosis.

Medical transport services offer a dedicated solution for patients requiring assistance. Companies like MedStar and American Medical Response (AMR) provide ambulance and non-emergency medical transport. However, these services can be expensive, and their availability depends on factors such as insurance coverage and the severity of the patient's condition. Furthermore, the response time for an ambulance in a rural area like Bloomingrose can be longer than in a city, potentially delaying critical care.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Bloomingrose, therefore, is influenced by the limited *transportation* options. The reliance on personal vehicles, the challenges of public *transportation*, and the potential unreliability and cost of ride-sharing and medical transport all contribute to a lower score. This means that residents of Bloomingrose face significant hurdles in *healthcare access*, which can impact the timeliness of diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care.

The impact of this limited *transportation* infrastructure extends beyond the initial diagnosis and treatment. Patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy require frequent appointments, often several times a week. The cumulative travel time and associated fatigue can significantly affect their quality of life and ability to adhere to treatment plans. The lack of convenient *transportation* also limits access to support groups, counseling, and other resources that can be crucial for managing the emotional and psychological aspects of a lung cancer diagnosis.

For individuals *moving to Bloomingrose* with a pre-existing lung condition or a family history of lung cancer, a thorough assessment of the *transportation* landscape is essential. They should consider the following: the reliability of their personal vehicle, the availability of family or friends to assist with *transportation*, the cost of ride-sharing services, and the potential need for medical transport.

Furthermore, the availability of telemedicine services can partially mitigate the challenges of *healthcare access*. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for in-person visits for certain types of appointments. However, telemedicine is not a substitute for in-person examinations, diagnostic tests, and treatments.

The development of improved *transportation* infrastructure in Bloomingrose is crucial to enhance *healthcare access* for all residents. This could involve expanding public *transportation* routes, improving road conditions, and incentivizing ride-sharing services to operate more frequently in the area. The establishment of a local medical clinic with basic diagnostic capabilities would also significantly improve access to care.

In conclusion, the "Lung Cancer Score" for Bloomingrose, WV (ZIP Code 25024) reflects the realities of *transportation* limitations and their impact on *healthcare access*. While the area offers a peaceful and rural setting, the challenges of traveling to medical facilities in Charleston, combined with the scarcity of public *transportation* and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing, create significant hurdles for individuals facing a lung cancer diagnosis. Residents, and those *moving to Bloomingrose*, must carefully consider these factors and develop a comprehensive plan to ensure timely access to the care they need. The score underscores the importance of advocating for improved *transportation* options and supporting initiatives that enhance *healthcare access* for all residents of this community.