26424, Rosemont, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 26424, Rosemont, West Virginia is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

0.00 percent of residents in 26424 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 8.46 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is United Hospital Center, Inc with a distance of 5.81 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Rosemont, WV (ZIP Code 26424)

The shadow of a lung cancer diagnosis looms large, and the ability to access timely and effective healthcare becomes paramount. This report, a “Lung Cancer Score,” analyzes the transportation landscape within and around ZIP Code 26424 (Rosemont, WV), focusing on how readily residents can reach essential medical services, specifically those crucial for lung cancer treatment and care. This score considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, all critical components of healthcare access.

For anyone contemplating moving to Rosemont, this assessment provides a vital understanding of the practical challenges and opportunities in navigating the healthcare system. The score reflects the reality of transportation barriers and the potential impact on patient outcomes, offering a nuanced perspective beyond just the availability of medical facilities.

Rosemont, a small community nestled in the rolling hills of West Virginia, presents unique transportation challenges. The landscape is characterized by rural roads and limited public transit options. This report examines the existing infrastructure and services, evaluating their suitability for individuals facing the complexities of lung cancer treatment. The goal is to provide a clear picture of the transportation hurdles and opportunities within this ZIP code, empowering residents and prospective movers to make informed decisions about their healthcare access.

**Drive Time Analysis: The Road to Care**

The primary mode of transportation in Rosemont is the personal vehicle. Drive times to key healthcare facilities are a critical factor in the Lung Cancer Score. The nearest major medical center is United Hospital Center (UHC) in Bridgeport, WV, approximately a 15-20 minute drive, depending on traffic. The primary route is via **US-19 South**, a well-maintained highway.

Accessing specialist care, such as oncology and pulmonology, often necessitates travel beyond UHC. For example, the WVU Medicine Cancer Institute in Morgantown, a comprehensive cancer center, is roughly an hour's drive via **US-19 North** and **I-79 North**. This journey can be significantly impacted by weather conditions, particularly during winter months, potentially delaying crucial appointments and treatments.

Another option is traveling to the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. This journey is a 3-4 hour drive via **I-79 North** and **I-77 North**. This lengthy travel time underscores the importance of considering the distance to specialized care when evaluating healthcare access in Rosemont. The drive time to these facilities will significantly impact the Lung Cancer Score.

**Public Transit: A Limited Lifeline**

Public transportation options in the area are limited. The Harrison County Transit Authority (HCTA) provides bus services within Harrison County. However, routes and schedules are infrequent, especially during evenings and weekends. The HCTA does not offer direct routes to the major hospitals or specialist centers.

The availability of ADA-accessible buses is crucial for individuals with mobility limitations. The HCTA does provide ADA-compliant services, but the limited route network and infrequent schedules pose significant challenges for patients requiring regular medical appointments. Patients would likely need to rely on a combination of bus travel and other transportation options, adding to the complexity and time commitment of accessing healthcare.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their reliability and availability can vary, particularly in rural areas like Rosemont. Surge pricing during peak hours or times of high demand can also increase the cost of transportation, creating a financial burden for patients.

Medical transport services offer a vital lifeline for individuals unable to drive or utilize public transit. Companies like MedStar and AMED provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services, offering transport to and from medical appointments. These services often require advance booking and can be costly, but they are essential for patients requiring assistance.

**The Lung Cancer Score: A Composite View**

The Lung Cancer Score for ZIP Code 26424 considers all these factors, weighing drive times, public transit limitations, ride-sharing reliability, and the availability of medical transport services. The score will reflect the overall ease or difficulty of accessing healthcare for individuals with lung cancer.

The score will be lower if drive times to key medical facilities are long, public transit options are limited, ride-sharing services are unreliable, and medical transport services are expensive or difficult to arrange. Conversely, the score will be higher if drive times are short, public transit is readily available, ride-sharing services are consistent, and medical transport services are accessible and affordable.

**Healthcare Access: Beyond Transportation**

While transportation is a critical component of healthcare access, other factors also play a role. The availability of specialists, the cost of care, and the presence of support services, such as patient navigators and support groups, are all important considerations.

For individuals with lung cancer, timely access to specialists, diagnostic testing, and treatment is essential for optimal outcomes. Delays in accessing care can have a significant impact on prognosis and quality of life. Therefore, the Lung Cancer Score is a crucial element in assessing the overall healthcare landscape in Rosemont.

**Moving to Rosemont: A Healthcare Perspective**

For those contemplating moving to Rosemont, this Lung Cancer Score provides a realistic assessment of the transportation challenges associated with accessing healthcare. It highlights the importance of considering the distance to medical facilities, the availability of public transit and ride-sharing services, and the need for medical transport options.

The score is not intended to discourage individuals from moving to Rosemont but to provide them with the information they need to make informed decisions about their healthcare. It underscores the importance of careful planning and consideration of transportation needs, particularly for individuals with pre-existing health conditions.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Landscape**

The Lung Cancer Score for ZIP Code 26424 reveals a complex picture of healthcare access. While Rosemont offers a peaceful and close-knit community, its rural location and limited transportation options present challenges for individuals requiring regular medical care. The score highlights the importance of proactive planning, exploring all available transportation options, and considering the potential impact of transportation barriers on healthcare outcomes. By understanding these challenges, residents and prospective movers can navigate the healthcare landscape more effectively, ensuring they receive the timely and comprehensive care they deserve. The goal is to empower individuals with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their health and well-being, ensuring they can thrive within the Rosemont community.