26537, Kingwood, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 26537, Kingwood, West Virginia is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

58.03 percent of residents in 26537 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.72 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Preston Memorial Hospital with a distance of 0.40 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Kingwood, WV (ZIP Code 26537)

Relocating to a new area, especially when considering healthcare needs, requires careful assessment. This write-up provides a “Lung Cancer Score” for residents of Kingwood, West Virginia (ZIP Code 26537), focusing on transportation accessibility to medical facilities equipped to diagnose and treat lung cancer. This score considers drive times, public transit options, and alternative transportation methods. It aims to provide a clear picture of healthcare access, a crucial factor for anyone **moving to Kingwood**.

The **Lung Cancer Score** is not a numerical value, but rather a comprehensive evaluation of the logistical challenges and opportunities presented by the local **transportation** landscape. The score considers the time and effort involved in reaching key healthcare providers, which is critical for timely diagnosis and treatment.

Kingwood, nestled in Preston County, presents unique challenges. Its rural setting necessitates reliance on personal vehicles for most errands, including medical appointments. The availability of public **transportation** is limited, and ride-sharing services might have restricted coverage. This geographical reality significantly impacts the **healthcare access** landscape for those seeking specialized care, such as lung cancer treatment.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The primary hospital serving the area is Preston Memorial Hospital in Kingwood itself. While this facility provides essential services, including initial diagnostic capabilities, advanced lung cancer treatment, like chemotherapy and radiation therapy, often necessitates referral to larger hospitals outside the immediate area.

The most direct route to Morgantown, approximately 30 miles away, is via US-50 East. This drive, under normal traffic conditions, typically takes around 45 to 60 minutes. Morgantown is home to WVU Medicine, a major healthcare provider offering comprehensive cancer care, including specialized lung cancer treatment. However, the winding nature of US-50 and potential traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours or inclement weather, can significantly extend travel times.

Alternatively, patients can travel to Fairmont, approximately 40 miles away, primarily using I-68 West to I-79 South. This route, while slightly longer in distance, often offers a smoother ride due to interstate travel. Fairmont is home to Fairmont Regional Medical Center, which offers certain cancer treatment services. Drive times to Fairmont average around 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Another option, though less frequently used, is traveling to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This journey, approximately 100 miles, involves taking US-50 East to I-79 North. While Pittsburgh boasts world-class cancer centers, the drive time, typically exceeding 2 hours, and the potential for heavy traffic, especially during rush hour, make it a less practical option for frequent appointments.

The condition of the roads, particularly during winter months, adds another layer of complexity. Snow and ice can make travel on US-50 and other secondary roads treacherous, potentially delaying or even preventing access to vital medical care. This is a critical consideration for anyone **moving to Kingwood**.

**Public Transit:**

Public **transportation** options in Kingwood are limited. The Preston County Senior Center offers a demand-response service, primarily designed for seniors and individuals with disabilities. This service, while providing a lifeline for some, is not a comprehensive public transit system. Availability is limited, and reservations are required, often with advance notice.

The Mountain LineMountain Line Transit Authority, serving Morgantown, does not directly serve Kingwood. While it might be possible to utilize the Mountain Line by combining the Preston County Senior Center service with a transfer at a designated point, the logistical challenges and time commitment involved render this option impractical for most individuals requiring frequent medical appointments.

ADA accessibility on the Preston County Senior Center service is available, but the limited service hours and the need for advance booking significantly restrict its utility for cancer patients needing consistent **healthcare access**.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, have limited availability in Kingwood and the surrounding areas. While they might be accessible for occasional trips, relying on them for regular medical appointments is not advisable due to potential availability issues, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather.

Medical **transportation** services, such as non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), are available in the area. Companies like MedStar and First Choice Medical Transport provide transportation for patients to and from medical appointments. These services offer a valuable alternative for individuals who cannot drive or lack access to other **transportation** options. However, these services often require pre-booking and can be expensive, potentially adding a financial burden to patients already facing the costs of cancer treatment.

**Healthcare Access Assessment:**

The **Lung Cancer Score** for Kingwood, WV (26537) reflects a mixed picture. While Preston Memorial Hospital provides local services, the need for specialized care often necessitates travel to Morgantown, Fairmont, or even Pittsburgh. Drive times, road conditions, and limited public **transportation** options present significant challenges to **healthcare access**.

The availability of medical **transportation** services offers a crucial lifeline for some, but their cost and the need for pre-booking should be considered. The limited availability of ride-sharing services further restricts options.

For individuals **moving to Kingwood** and those already residing there, a proactive approach to **healthcare access** is vital. This includes establishing relationships with healthcare providers, exploring medical **transportation** options, and planning for potential travel delays due to weather or traffic.

The **Lung Cancer Score** emphasizes the importance of careful planning and resourcefulness in navigating the **transportation** landscape to ensure timely access to vital medical care. The challenges presented by the rural setting highlight the need for comprehensive support systems and a proactive approach to healthcare management.