26743, New Creek, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 26743, New Creek, West Virginia is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

40.75 percent of residents in 26743 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.76 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Potomac Valley Hospital with a distance of 5.94 miles from the area.

**Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in New Creek, WV (ZIP Code 26743)**

The air hangs heavy with the scent of pine and possibility in New Creek, West Virginia. Nestled in the heart of Mineral County, this community offers a tranquil existence, a slower pace of life that whispers of simpler times. Yet, for those facing the formidable challenge of lung cancer, the serene landscape can quickly transform into a complex web of **transportation** hurdles, directly impacting **healthcare access**. This write-up provides a comprehensive "Lung Cancer Score" for residents of ZIP code 26743, analyzing the practical realities of reaching essential medical care.

The very nature of lung cancer treatment demands consistent and timely access to specialized medical facilities. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical interventions often require frequent appointments, making reliable **transportation** a critical lifeline. This score considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, painting a detailed picture of the challenges and opportunities facing those in need.

**Drive Times: The Asphalt Arteries of Care**

The primary artery for accessing advanced medical care from New Creek is US Route 50. Heading east, this highway leads towards Cumberland, Maryland, a city that offers a concentration of healthcare resources. The drive to UPMC Western Maryland Hospital in Cumberland, a major regional provider, typically takes around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions.

Further east, the journey to larger medical centers in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area requires a more extended commitment. The drive to hospitals in the D.C. area can easily exceed two hours, particularly during peak commuting times. This extended travel time can be exhausting for patients undergoing treatment and can significantly impact the frequency and consistency of their care.

Traveling west on US Route 50 leads to Grafton, West Virginia, and the United Hospital Center, a facility that may offer some specialized services. The drive time to Grafton is approximately one hour and 15 minutes, offering an alternative, though less comprehensive, option. State Route 42 and WV Route 28 provide secondary routes, but they are often winding and can add considerable time to a journey.

The condition of the roads is a consistent concern. Winter weather, with its potential for snow and ice, can make travel treacherous, potentially delaying or canceling appointments. Road construction, a frequent occurrence, can also create significant delays. These variables must be factored into the overall **healthcare access** equation.

**Public Transit: A Limited Network**

Public transit options in Mineral County are extremely limited. The Potomac Highlands Transit Authority (PHTA) offers some bus services, but their routes and schedules are not designed to serve the specific needs of lung cancer patients. PHTA primarily focuses on providing general public transportation, with limited service to medical facilities.

The PHTA's routes are not specifically designed to accommodate the needs of cancer patients. The availability of ADA-accessible buses is a crucial factor, but the frequency of service and the potential for long wait times make public transit a less-than-ideal option for many individuals. The lack of direct routes to major medical centers further complicates matters.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are present in the region, but their availability can be inconsistent, particularly in rural areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant barrier, especially for patients with limited financial resources. The reliability of these services for scheduled medical appointments is also a concern.

Medical transport services, such as MedStar and FirstCall, offer specialized transportation for patients with medical needs. These services typically provide door-to-door transportation, including assistance with mobility and medical equipment. However, these services can be expensive, and availability may be limited, requiring advance booking.

**Moving to New Creek: A Healthcare Consideration**

For individuals considering **moving to New Creek**, the availability of **healthcare access** should be a primary concern, particularly for those with pre-existing health conditions. The remoteness of the area and the limited **transportation** options pose significant challenges for those requiring specialized medical care.

Prospective residents should carefully assess their healthcare needs and research the availability of services in the region. It is crucial to consider the distance to specialized medical facilities, the reliability of **transportation** options, and the potential costs associated with accessing care.

**The Lung Cancer Score: A Summary**

The "Lung Cancer Score" for ZIP code 26743 reflects a challenging landscape for patients seeking lung cancer treatment. While the community offers a peaceful environment, the limited **transportation** options and the distance to specialized medical facilities create significant barriers to **healthcare access**.

Drive times to major medical centers can be lengthy and subject to delays. Public transit is severely limited, and ride-sharing services may be unreliable. Medical transport services offer a viable option, but they can be costly and require advance planning.

For individuals facing a lung cancer diagnosis, or those considering **moving to New Creek**, a comprehensive assessment of **transportation** needs and the availability of **healthcare access** is paramount. Careful planning, proactive communication with medical providers, and a willingness to navigate the complexities of rural healthcare are essential for ensuring the best possible outcomes. The journey to wellness is often long and arduous, and in New Creek, the path to healing requires careful consideration of the practical realities of reaching the care that is needed.