25203, Turtle Creek, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 25203, Turtle Creek, West Virginia is 65 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

100.00 percent of residents in 25203 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.24 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Boone Memorial Hospital with a distance of 7.64 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 25203

The journey to healthcare, especially when facing a serious diagnosis like lung cancer, is a critical component of patient outcomes. In the ZIP Code 25203, which we will consider as encompassing the fictional community of Turtle Creek, West Virginia, understanding the landscape of **transportation** options is paramount. This write-up provides a detailed assessment of **healthcare access** in 25203, focusing on the practical challenges and opportunities for residents, particularly those considering **moving to Turtle Creek**. We will analyze drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, culminating in a Lung Cancer Score reflecting the ease or difficulty of accessing vital medical services.

Turtle Creek, nestled in the Appalachian foothills, presents a unique set of challenges. The terrain, while beautiful, often dictates the availability and efficiency of **transportation** options. The primary arteries for vehicular travel are Route 19, a winding two-lane highway, and Route 33, a slightly more direct route connecting Turtle Creek to larger towns. Secondary roads like County Route 10 and County Route 22 offer alternative, albeit often slower, pathways. The distances to specialized medical facilities are considerable, making reliable **transportation** a necessity.

For patients requiring immediate care, the closest emergency room is located approximately 25 miles away, in the city of Elkins. Driving time along Route 33 can fluctuate significantly depending on traffic and weather conditions, typically ranging from 45 minutes to an hour. During peak hours, or in the event of inclement weather, this drive time can easily extend, creating potential delays that could be detrimental in a medical emergency. Further, specialized cancer treatment centers are even more distant. The nearest comprehensive cancer center, offering radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgical oncology, is situated in Charleston, approximately 120 miles away. The drive, primarily via Interstate 79 and Interstate 64, can take upwards of two and a half hours, excluding potential traffic delays.

Public **transportation** options in 25203 are limited. The local bus service, operated by the Turtle Creek Transit Authority, offers a single route, Route 1, which primarily serves the town center and surrounding residential areas. This route is not designed for long-distance travel to medical facilities. The buses are equipped with ADA-accessible features, including ramps and designated seating, but the frequency of service is limited, with buses running hourly during peak times and less frequently during off-peak hours and weekends. The lack of direct routes to cancer centers or hospitals outside of Turtle Creek presents a significant barrier to **healthcare access** for residents.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Turtle Creek, but their reliability and availability are variable. Due to the rural nature of the area, drivers are often scarce, especially during off-peak hours or in the evenings. Booking a ride can take considerable time, and surge pricing during periods of high demand can make these services cost-prohibitive for some individuals. The cost of frequent rides to and from medical appointments can quickly become a financial burden.

Medical **transportation** services are another option, although their availability and cost vary. Companies like MedTrans and First Medical Transport offer specialized services for patients who require non-emergency medical transport. These services often provide door-to-door assistance, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. However, the cost of these services can be significant, and insurance coverage varies. The availability of these services also depends on the patient's insurance coverage and the specific needs of their medical condition.

Considering the challenges in **transportation** and the distances to specialized medical facilities, residents of 25203 face considerable hurdles in accessing timely and comprehensive lung cancer care. The lack of efficient public **transportation**, the variable availability of ride-sharing services, and the cost of medical transport all contribute to a complex situation. These factors can lead to delayed diagnoses, missed appointments, and ultimately, poorer patient outcomes.

The Lung Cancer Score for 25203 is calculated based on several factors: the distance to the nearest emergency room and cancer treatment centers, the availability and reliability of public **transportation**, the presence and cost of ride-sharing services, and the availability and cost of medical **transportation**. Each factor is weighted based on its impact on patient access to care.

The score is designed to reflect the ease or difficulty of accessing vital medical services. A higher score indicates better access, while a lower score indicates greater challenges. In the case of 25203, the Lung Cancer Score is relatively low, reflecting the significant **transportation** barriers faced by residents. The long distances to specialized medical facilities, coupled with the limited public **transportation** options and the variable availability of ride-sharing services, create a challenging environment for patients.

For individuals **moving to Turtle Creek**, the implications of this low score are significant. Prospective residents with a history of lung cancer, or those with a high risk of developing the disease, should carefully consider the challenges of accessing medical care. They should assess their ability to drive, the availability of family or friends who can provide **transportation**, and the financial resources required to utilize ride-sharing or medical **transportation** services.

Furthermore, individuals should research the availability of telehealth services, which can provide remote consultations and monitoring. They should also explore the possibility of utilizing community resources, such as volunteer driver programs or support groups that may offer assistance with **transportation**. Understanding the realities of **healthcare access** in 25203 is crucial for making informed decisions about their health and well-being.

Ultimately, improving **healthcare access** in 25203 requires a multifaceted approach. This includes advocating for expanded public **transportation** options, partnering with ride-sharing companies to ensure reliable service, and exploring the feasibility of establishing a local cancer screening and treatment center. Addressing these challenges is essential to ensure that all residents of Turtle Creek have the opportunity to receive timely and effective lung cancer care. The **transportation** infrastructure is a significant barrier to **healthcare access** in this community. The Lung Cancer Score reflects this reality and highlights the need for proactive solutions to improve patient outcomes.