26347, Flemington, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 26347, Flemington, West Virginia is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

73.13 percent of residents in 26347 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 8.12 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is United Hospital Center, Inc with a distance of 7.46 miles from the area.

**Lung Cancer Score: Transportation and Healthcare Access in Flemington, WV (ZIP Code 26347)**

Considering a move to Flemington, West Virginia (ZIP Code 26347)? This assessment delves into the crucial intersection of transportation and healthcare access, specifically focusing on lung cancer care. Understanding the ease of reaching medical facilities is paramount, especially for individuals facing or at risk of this challenging disease. This report analyzes the available transportation options and their impact on timely healthcare access, providing a comprehensive "Lung Cancer Score" for the area.

Flemington, a small community nestled in Taylor County, presents a unique set of transportation challenges and opportunities. Its relative isolation, combined with the region's topography, significantly influences healthcare access. The ability to reach specialized lung cancer treatment centers is a critical factor in determining the quality of life and prognosis for patients. This analysis examines the practicalities of getting to and from these vital appointments.

**Roadways and Drive Times**

The primary roadways serving Flemington are US Route 19 and WV Route 279. These roads are the lifelines for residents, connecting them to neighboring towns and cities where more advanced medical care is available. The drive time to the nearest comprehensive cancer center, located in Morgantown, is approximately one hour via US Route 19 North. This journey involves navigating a mix of rural roads and stretches of highway, which can be affected by weather conditions, especially during the winter months.

Traveling to Clarksburg, a smaller city with some medical facilities, takes about 30 minutes via US Route 19 South. While Clarksburg offers some local healthcare options, it may not have the specialized expertise and resources needed for complex lung cancer treatment. For those seeking radiation therapy or advanced surgical procedures, Morgantown remains the primary destination. The time spent in transit is a significant factor, as delays can impact the timely delivery of treatment.

**Public Transportation Limitations**

Public transportation options in Flemington are extremely limited. Taylor County does not have a robust public transit system, making it difficult for individuals without personal vehicles to access healthcare. The absence of regular bus routes significantly impacts the elderly, low-income residents, and those unable to drive. The lack of accessible public transit, including buses with ADA features, presents a major barrier to healthcare access for many in the community.

The nearest public transit options are in Clarksburg, but even these are limited in scope and frequency. The West Virginia Department of Transportation offers some demand-response transportation services, but these require advance booking and may not be readily available for urgent medical appointments. The lack of reliable and accessible public transportation is a major factor contributing to a lower "Lung Cancer Score" for Flemington.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport Services**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area, but their presence is sporadic and availability may be limited, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Relying on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments is not always feasible due to potential delays, high costs, and unpredictable availability. The reliability of these services is a significant concern for patients needing consistent transportation to treatment.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance or non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), are available but often require prior arrangements and may be costly. These services are essential for patients who are unable to drive themselves or utilize other forms of transportation. However, the cost of these services can be a significant burden, especially for those with limited financial resources. The availability and affordability of medical transport services are crucial factors in healthcare access.

**Healthcare Facilities and Accessibility**

The nearest hospitals and specialized cancer treatment centers are located outside of Flemington. United Hospital Center in Clarksburg offers some cancer care services, but it may not have the full range of specialists and advanced technologies available at larger centers. The WVU Medicine Cancer Institute in Morgantown is the primary destination for comprehensive lung cancer treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

The distance to these facilities, coupled with the limited transportation options, presents a significant challenge. The availability of parking, accessibility features for patients with mobility issues, and the overall patient experience are also important considerations. The lack of local specialized care necessitates reliance on external facilities, which increases the transportation burden.

**Impact on the "Lung Cancer Score"**

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Flemington is negatively impacted by several factors. The limited public transportation, the reliance on personal vehicles, and the distance to specialized cancer centers all contribute to a lower score. The lack of readily available ride-sharing services and the potential cost of medical transport further exacerbate the challenges.

For individuals with lung cancer or at high risk, the ability to quickly and reliably access medical care is critical. The transportation limitations in Flemington can lead to delays in diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. These delays can negatively impact patient outcomes and quality of life. The score reflects the overall ease or difficulty of navigating the transportation landscape to obtain necessary healthcare services.

**Recommendations and Conclusion**

Improving the "Lung Cancer Score" for Flemington requires addressing the transportation challenges. Investing in public transportation, including accessible buses and demand-response services, would significantly improve healthcare access. Partnering with ride-sharing companies to provide subsidized transportation for medical appointments could also be beneficial.

Community initiatives to support patients and their families, such as volunteer driver programs or assistance with transportation costs, can also make a difference. Promoting awareness of available resources and providing education on lung cancer prevention and early detection are also vital.

For those considering moving to Flemington, it is essential to carefully evaluate the transportation options and healthcare access. While the area offers a peaceful and rural setting, the challenges of accessing specialized medical care should be carefully considered, especially for those with pre-existing health conditions or a family history of lung cancer. The "Lung Cancer Score" serves as a valuable tool for making informed decisions about healthcare access in this community.