26104, Parkersburg, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 26104, Parkersburg, West Virginia is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

82.54 percent of residents in 26104 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 7.97 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Camden Clark Medical Center with a distance of 3.00 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in 26104

The air hangs heavy with the scent of industry in Parkersburg, West Virginia, a city etched by the Ohio River and shaped by its history. For residents of ZIP Code 26104, the pursuit of healthcare, particularly for a serious illness like lung cancer, necessitates a complex dance with transportation. This write-up assesses the accessibility of lung cancer treatment options, assigning a "Lung Cancer Score" based on the available transportation infrastructure and the distances involved. It's a crucial consideration for anyone contemplating moving to Parkersburg or seeking care within the 26104 area.

The primary concern, of course, is the time it takes to reach specialized medical facilities. Lung cancer treatment often demands frequent appointments for diagnosis, chemotherapy, radiation, and follow-up care. Delays in accessing these services can significantly impact patient outcomes. Therefore, the Lung Cancer Score prioritizes the ease and speed of travel to relevant healthcare providers.

The heart of 26104, and the surrounding areas, is crisscrossed by a network of roads. The primary arteries are US Route 50, a vital east-west corridor, and Interstate 77, a north-south artery. These highways are critical for accessing larger medical centers in Charleston, West Virginia, or even Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. However, the drive times can be substantial.

Traveling east on US-50 to Charleston, where the Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC) offers comprehensive cancer care, is a journey of approximately 100 miles. Under ideal conditions, this drive might take two hours. However, traffic congestion, especially during rush hour, and the potential for inclement weather can significantly extend this travel time. The same is true for the trip north on I-77 to Pittsburgh, a distance of roughly 150 miles, potentially requiring three hours of driving.

Within Parkersburg itself, the primary routes are State Route 2 and State Route 14. These roads provide access to local medical facilities, including the WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center, which offers oncology services. The drive time to Camden Clark from various points within 26104 is generally shorter, typically under 20 minutes, making it a more accessible option for initial consultations and some treatments.

Public transportation presents another facet of the transportation landscape. The Mid-Ohio Valley Transit Authority (MOVTA) operates a bus service within Wood County, which includes 26104. While the MOVTA offers routes that connect to various points within Parkersburg, the service is limited. The frequency of buses, particularly during evenings and weekends, can be sparse. Furthermore, the routes may not directly serve all medical facilities, necessitating transfers and potentially extending travel times. However, the MOVTA strives to provide ADA-accessible buses, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can utilize the service.

For those unable to drive or utilize public transit, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Parkersburg. These services offer a convenient, albeit potentially more expensive, alternative to traditional transportation. The availability of these services, however, can fluctuate, particularly during peak hours or in less populated areas. The cost of frequent ride-share trips for medical appointments can quickly become a financial burden.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients requiring assistance, are also an option. Companies like MedStar and American Medical Response (AMR) provide non-emergency medical transport, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services are particularly valuable for individuals with mobility limitations or those who require assistance during their journeys. However, these services can be costly, and availability needs to be confirmed in advance.

The Lung Cancer Score for 26104 reflects the complex interplay of these transportation options. While local access to initial consultations and some treatments is relatively good, the travel times to specialized cancer centers in Charleston or Pittsburgh pose a significant challenge. The limited public transit options and the potential cost of ride-sharing or medical transport further complicate healthcare access.

**Factors Influencing the Score:**

* **Proximity to Specialized Cancer Centers:** The distance to and travel time to facilities offering comprehensive lung cancer treatment, such as CAMC in Charleston or hospitals in Pittsburgh, significantly impact the score.
* **Public Transportation Accessibility:** The frequency, route coverage, and ADA accessibility of the MOVTA bus service are considered.
* **Ride-Sharing Availability:** The reliability and cost of ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft contribute to the score.
* **Medical Transportation Options:** The availability and cost of non-emergency medical transport services are also assessed.
* **Road Infrastructure and Traffic:** The condition of roads, the presence of traffic congestion, and the impact of weather conditions on travel times are taken into account.

**The Lung Cancer Score:**

Based on the factors outlined above, the Lung Cancer Score for 26104 is moderate. While local medical facilities offer some level of care, the distance to specialized cancer centers and the limitations of public transportation pose challenges. Individuals considering moving to Parkersburg or seeking lung cancer treatment in this area should carefully assess their transportation needs and plan accordingly. They should also explore the availability of support services, such as patient navigators, who can assist with coordinating transportation and navigating the healthcare system. The score is not a definitive indicator of the quality of care but rather a reflection of the logistical hurdles involved in accessing it.

**Recommendations:**

* **Prioritize Proximity:** If possible, choose a residence within 26104 that is easily accessible to local medical facilities, such as Camden Clark Medical Center.
* **Explore Transportation Options:** Investigate the MOVTA bus routes, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation options to determine the most suitable means of travel.
* **Plan Ahead:** Schedule appointments in advance and factor in potential travel delays due to traffic or weather conditions.
* **Seek Support:** Utilize patient navigator services or other resources to assist with coordinating transportation and navigating the healthcare system.
* **Consider Relocation:** If frequent travel to specialized cancer centers is required, consider the potential benefits of relocating closer to those facilities.

The journey through lung cancer treatment is arduous, and the challenges of transportation can add an extra layer of difficulty. Understanding the transportation landscape in 26104 is crucial for ensuring timely access to care and improving patient outcomes. By carefully evaluating the available options and planning strategically, residents can navigate these complexities and focus on their health and well-being. The Lung Cancer Score serves as a starting point for this critical assessment, emphasizing the importance of healthcare access within the context of a community's transportation infrastructure.