25152, Page, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 25152, Page, West Virginia is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

92.20 percent of residents in 25152 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.16 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Plateau Medical Center with a distance of 8.67 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in ZIP Code 25152

The air hangs heavy with the promise of coal dust and mountain mist in ZIP Code 25152, a region carved by the Kanawha River and the relentless rhythm of Appalachian life. Here, where the landscape dictates the pace, the journey to healthcare, particularly for a disease as unforgiving as lung cancer, is a complex equation. We must analyze the crucial elements of **transportation** and **healthcare access** to understand the challenges faced by residents and determine a "Lung Cancer Score" reflective of their reality. This write-up will serve as a guide, a roadmap, towards **moving to Page** with a clear understanding of the obstacles and opportunities that await.

The primary obstacle to healthcare in 25152 is the geography itself. The rugged terrain and sparse population density necessitate reliance on personal vehicles. The primary artery, US Route 60, snakes along the Kanawha River, offering the most direct route to Charleston, the nearest hub for specialized medical care. However, this two-lane highway is often congested, especially during peak hours, and subject to delays due to accidents or inclement weather. A drive to Charleston, approximately 40 miles, can take anywhere from 45 minutes to over an hour, depending on traffic. This time commitment is a significant burden for patients undergoing frequent treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Secondary roads, like WV Route 16 and WV Route 3, offer alternative routes, but these winding mountain roads are often poorly maintained, prone to potholes and landslides, and can add considerable travel time. During winter months, snow and ice can render these routes impassable, effectively isolating residents and severely limiting their **healthcare access**. The condition of these roads directly impacts the ability of ambulances and other emergency vehicles to reach patients in a timely manner, a critical factor in lung cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Public **transportation** options are severely limited in 25152. The Kanawha Valley Regional Transportation AuthorityRegional Transportation Authority (KVRTA) provides bus service within the Charleston metropolitan area, but its reach rarely extends into the more rural areas of the county. Even when it does, the routes are infrequent and often require multiple transfers, making them impractical for patients needing regular medical appointments. ADA accessibility is a concern, as not all KVRTA buses are fully equipped to accommodate individuals with disabilities, further restricting **healthcare access** for those with mobility issues, which is common among lung cancer patients.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Charleston but their presence in 25152 is sporadic and unreliable. The lack of a consistent driver pool, combined with the long distances and potentially challenging road conditions, makes ride-sharing a less viable option, particularly for patients who may experience fatigue or require assistance. The cost of ride-sharing can also be prohibitive for many residents, further exacerbating the financial strain associated with a lung cancer diagnosis.

Medical **transportation** services, like MedStar Ambulance and other private companies, offer specialized transport for patients needing medical assistance. However, these services are often expensive, and their availability in remote areas like 25152 can be limited. The time it takes to arrange and coordinate medical transport, especially in emergencies, can be a significant factor in determining patient outcomes.

Beyond the physical challenges of **transportation**, other factors contribute to the difficulties faced by lung cancer patients in 25152. Socioeconomic disparities, including poverty and lack of insurance, often limit **healthcare access**. Many residents work in physically demanding jobs, such as coal mining, which can increase their risk of developing lung cancer. The prevalence of smoking, a major risk factor, is also high in this region. These factors combine to create a perfect storm of challenges for patients battling this devastating disease.

The availability of specialized medical care, including oncologists, pulmonologists, and radiation therapists, is also a critical determinant of **healthcare access**. While Charleston boasts several hospitals and cancer centers, the distance and **transportation** challenges can make it difficult for patients in 25152 to access these services. Delays in diagnosis and treatment can significantly impact survival rates and quality of life.

The lack of access to preventive care, such as lung cancer screening programs, is another significant concern. Early detection is crucial for improving outcomes, but the absence of readily available screening services in 25152 and the surrounding areas means that many patients are diagnosed at a later stage, when treatment options are more limited. The absence of robust support groups and patient advocacy organizations further compounds the challenges faced by individuals and families affected by lung cancer.

To calculate the Lung Cancer Score for 25152, we must consider these factors: the distance to specialized medical care, the availability and reliability of **transportation** options, the socioeconomic profile of the population, the prevalence of risk factors, and the availability of preventive care and support services. The score would reflect the degree of difficulty patients face in accessing timely and effective healthcare. A high score would indicate significant challenges, while a low score would suggest better **healthcare access**.

The score would be a critical tool for policymakers, healthcare providers, and community organizations to identify areas for improvement. This could involve investing in improved **transportation** infrastructure, expanding public **transportation** options, increasing the availability of medical **transportation** services, establishing mobile screening clinics, and providing financial assistance to patients struggling with **transportation** costs.

It’s imperative to address the systemic issues that impede **healthcare access** in 25152. The journey to healthcare for lung cancer patients is a marathon, not a sprint. The Lung Cancer Score is a call to action, a reminder that every mile traveled, every barrier overcome, can make a life-altering difference. The goal is to ensure that residents of 25152 have the same opportunities for diagnosis, treatment, and support as those living in more accessible areas. It is about ensuring the right to healthcare, regardless of where they live. It's about **moving to Page** and beyond, towards a healthier future.