Health Scores Near 25174, Rock Creek, West Virginia
You may also like
The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 25174, Rock Creek, West Virginia is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
58.97 percent of residents in 25174 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.
When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.50 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Raleigh General Hospital with a distance of 13.64 miles from the area.
Health Scores in 25174, Rock Creek, West Virginia
| Lung Cancer Score | 78 |
|---|---|
| People Score | 76 |
| Provider Score | 88 |
| Hospital Score | 40 |
| Travel Score | 30 |
| Housholds with Cars (%) | 25174 | Rock Creek | West Virginia |
|---|---|---|---|
| No Cars | 0.00 | 0.00 | 2.72 |
| 1 Car | 0.00 | 0.00 | 20.26 |
| 2 Cars | 0.00 | 0.00 | 41.64 |
| 3 or More Cars | 100.00 | 100.00 | 35.38 |
Vehicular Access in 25174, Rock Creek, West Virginia
## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Rock Creek (ZIP Code 25174)
The specter of lung cancer casts a long shadow, and timely access to quality healthcare is paramount in its management. This analysis, tailored for residents of Rock Creek, West Virginia (ZIP Code 25174), delves into the critical aspect of transportation, a significant determinant of healthcare access. We will examine the available transportation options, from personal vehicles to public transit and ride-sharing services, all vital components in calculating a "Lung Cancer Score" – a metric reflecting the ease with which individuals can reach essential medical facilities. This is especially important for those considering moving to Rock Creek, as it directly impacts their future healthcare journey.
Rock Creek, nestled in the heart of West Virginia, presents unique challenges and opportunities concerning transportation. The rugged terrain and dispersed population necessitate careful consideration of available options. Our analysis focuses on the practical realities of getting to healthcare facilities, including drive times, public transit accessibility, and the availability of alternative transportation services. These factors directly influence the Lung Cancer Score, providing a realistic assessment of healthcare access within this community.
**The Dominance of the Automobile:**
For residents of Rock Creek, the personal automobile remains the primary mode of transportation. The limited public transit infrastructure and the vast distances between homes and healthcare providers make driving a necessity for many. The primary routes for accessing healthcare facilities involve navigating the winding roads and highways of West Virginia.
To reach Charleston, the nearest city with comprehensive medical facilities, residents typically utilize **West Virginia Route 16**, a vital artery connecting Rock Creek to the broader region. This route, while scenic, can be subject to delays due to traffic, particularly during peak hours, and weather conditions. The drive to Charleston, depending on the specific destination and traffic, can range from 1.5 to 2 hours.
Alternatively, residents might opt for **West Virginia Route 10**, which offers a slightly different route, often leading to different hospitals and clinics. This route, while potentially shorter in distance, can also be affected by traffic and road conditions. These drive times are crucial components of the Lung Cancer Score. Longer drive times increase the score, reflecting a greater challenge in accessing timely medical care.
**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**
Public transportation options in Rock Creek are severely limited, significantly impacting the Lung Cancer Score. There is no dedicated bus service directly serving Rock Creek. The nearest public transit options are located in Charleston, requiring a considerable drive to access. This lack of accessible public transit significantly disadvantages individuals who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle.
The absence of robust public transit options underscores the challenges faced by residents relying on alternative transportation. The lack of ADA-compliant buses or routes further compounds the difficulties for individuals with disabilities, increasing the Lung Cancer Score for this demographic. The absence of reliable public transit is a significant factor impacting healthcare access, especially for those requiring frequent medical appointments or emergency care.
**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation: Filling the Gaps:**
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, while present in Charleston, are not consistently available in Rock Creek. Their availability is often dependent on driver availability and demand, making them an unreliable option for time-sensitive medical appointments. This variability adds to the complexity of calculating the Lung Cancer Score, as it introduces an element of uncertainty.
Medical transportation services, such as MedTrans or similar providers, offer a more specialized option for individuals requiring assistance. These services often provide door-to-door transportation, including assistance with mobility and medical equipment. However, these services can be expensive and may require advance booking, making them less suitable for emergencies. The availability and cost of these services must be considered when evaluating the Lung Cancer Score.
**Calculating the Lung Cancer Score:**
The Lung Cancer Score is a composite metric, incorporating several factors:
* **Drive Time:** The primary factor, reflecting the time required to reach the nearest comprehensive cancer care facility.
* **Public Transit Accessibility:** The availability and reliability of public transit options, including ADA compliance.
* **Ride-Sharing Availability:** The consistency and affordability of ride-sharing services.
* **Medical Transportation Availability:** The availability, cost, and accessibility of medical transportation services.
* **Accessibility Features:** The availability of wheelchair accessibility, ramps, and other features in healthcare facilities.
Each factor is assigned a weight based on its relative importance. For example, drive time is given the highest weight, as it directly impacts the time to receive potentially life-saving treatment. The Lung Cancer Score ranges from 1 to 10, with 1 representing excellent access and 10 representing severely limited access.
**Impact on Individuals Considering Moving to Rock Creek:**
For individuals considering moving to Rock Creek, the Lung Cancer Score is a critical consideration. It provides a realistic assessment of healthcare access, allowing potential residents to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. The score highlights the challenges of relying on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the variability of ride-sharing services.
Individuals with pre-existing health conditions, particularly those at risk for lung cancer, should carefully evaluate the Lung Cancer Score before making a move. They must consider the implications of longer drive times, limited public transit, and the potential reliance on costly medical transportation services.
**Conclusion:**
The Lung Cancer Score for ZIP Code 25174 reflects the transportation challenges faced by residents of Rock Creek. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the variability of ride-sharing services contribute to a higher score, indicating potential difficulties in accessing timely and efficient healthcare. While the natural beauty and close-knit community of Rock Creek are appealing, potential residents must acknowledge and account for the transportation limitations when evaluating their healthcare access. Understanding these factors is paramount for individuals considering moving to Rock Creek, ensuring they can make informed decisions about their health and well-being. The Lung Cancer Score serves as a crucial tool in this decision-making process, offering a clear and concise assessment of healthcare access in this unique West Virginia community.
Reviews
No reviews yet.
You may also like
