25125, Lizemores, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 25125, Lizemores, West Virginia is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

50.00 percent of residents in 25125 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.28 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Montgomery General Hospital, Inc with a distance of 12.05 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in ZIP Code 25125

The crisp mountain air and the quietude of Lizemores, West Virginia, ZIP code 25125, offer a certain charm. But for residents facing a lung cancer diagnosis, the serenity can quickly transform into a challenge. This write-up explores the complexities of healthcare access in this rural community, focusing on the critical element of transportation. We'll assess the "Lung Cancer Score" for 25125, considering drive times, public transit options, and ride-share availability, all vital factors influencing a patient's ability to receive timely and effective treatment.

The diagnosis of lung cancer is a life-altering event. It demands prompt medical attention, including diagnostic imaging, consultations with specialists, and potentially, chemotherapy or radiation therapy. The ability to navigate the healthcare system, particularly the physical act of getting to appointments, becomes paramount. In 25125, where the nearest comprehensive cancer care centers are located in Charleston and Beckley, the journey to healthcare is often long and arduous.

Driving is the primary mode of transportation for most residents. The main thoroughfare connecting Lizemores to the outside world is **US Route 119**, a winding two-lane highway that meanders through the rugged terrain. Heading east towards Charleston, the drive is approximately 50 miles. This journey, depending on traffic and weather conditions, can take anywhere from one hour and fifteen minutes to two hours.

The route is often hampered by the mountainous terrain, which presents challenges during inclement weather. Snow, ice, and fog can significantly extend travel times and increase the risk of accidents. Further, the lack of reliable cell service in many areas along Route 119 can hinder communication in case of emergencies.

Alternatively, residents might consider traveling south on **US Route 119** and then connecting to **Interstate 64** to reach Beckley, a drive of roughly 75 miles. This route, while potentially faster due to the interstate, still involves navigating winding roads and dealing with traffic, particularly around the Beckley area. The drive time to Beckley is usually around one hour and thirty minutes to two hours, depending on traffic.

Public transportation options in 25125 are extremely limited. The Kanawha Valley Regional Transportation AuthorityRegional Transportation Authority (KVRTA) provides some bus service in the Charleston area, but its reach is severely restricted in the rural areas. There is no direct public transit route from Lizemores to Charleston or Beckley.

The lack of public transportation severely limits healthcare access for those without personal vehicles. This is especially true for individuals who are elderly, disabled, or unable to drive due to their illness or treatment side effects. The absence of accessible public transit significantly contributes to a lower Lung Cancer Score for 25125.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Charleston and Beckley areas, but their presence in Lizemores is sporadic at best. Availability is heavily dependent on driver density, which is typically low in rural areas. Even if a ride-share is available, the cost of a long-distance trip to Charleston or Beckley can be prohibitive for many residents, further exacerbating the challenges of healthcare access.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a potential solution. Several companies operate in the region, including MedStar Ambulance and Priority Ambulance. However, the availability of these services in 25125 and their associated costs can vary widely.

Patients often need to schedule these services well in advance, and the cost can be substantial, especially for frequent appointments. Furthermore, the availability of medical transportation can be limited, particularly during peak hours or in emergencies. The reliance on medical transportation, while essential for some, highlights the systemic transportation barriers faced by residents of 25125.

The Lung Cancer Score for 25125 is significantly impacted by the challenges of transportation. The long drive times, the lack of public transit, and the limited availability and cost of ride-sharing and medical transportation all contribute to a lower score. This means that residents of Lizemores face considerable obstacles in accessing timely and comprehensive cancer care.

The impact of these transportation challenges extends beyond the physical act of getting to appointments. It can also affect a patient's mental and emotional well-being. The stress of long drives, the financial burden of transportation costs, and the isolation caused by limited mobility can all contribute to anxiety and depression, further hindering the recovery process.

The situation underscores the need for innovative solutions to improve healthcare access in rural communities like Lizemores. This includes exploring options such as telemedicine, which allows patients to consult with doctors remotely, reducing the need for frequent travel.

Furthermore, there is a need for increased investment in public transportation, particularly in areas with high concentrations of elderly or disabled residents. This could involve expanding existing bus routes or providing demand-response transportation services tailored to the needs of the community.

Another potential solution is to encourage the growth of ride-sharing services in rural areas. This could involve offering incentives to drivers or partnering with local organizations to promote ride-sharing awareness.

Finally, there is a need for increased funding for medical transportation services. This could involve subsidizing the cost of transportation for low-income patients or expanding the availability of medical transportation services in underserved areas.

For those considering moving to Lizemores, it is essential to understand the limitations of healthcare access. While the community offers a tranquil lifestyle, the transportation challenges can significantly impact healthcare outcomes. Prospective residents, especially those with pre-existing health conditions, should carefully consider the implications of living in an area with limited transportation options.

The challenges of healthcare access in 25125 are not insurmountable. By addressing the transportation barriers, the community can improve the Lung Cancer Score and ensure that all residents have the opportunity to receive the care they need. This requires a multifaceted approach, involving collaboration between healthcare providers, government agencies, and community organizations. The goal is to create a healthcare system that is accessible, affordable, and patient-centered, regardless of where people live.