26753, Ridgeley, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 26753, Ridgeley, West Virginia is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

82.43 percent of residents in 26753 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.62 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Potomac Valley Hospital with a distance of 18.46 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Ridgeley, WV (ZIP Code 26753)

The air hangs heavy with the scent of coal dust and the promise of the Potomac. Ridgeley, West Virginia, a community nestled in the embrace of the Allegheny Mountains, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for its residents. This assessment, a "Lung Cancer Score," considers the crucial element of *transportation* as it relates to *healthcare access*, specifically for individuals facing a lung cancer diagnosis. This is particularly relevant for those *moving to Ridgeley*, where understanding the landscape of medical care is paramount.

The most significant factor in this score is the time it takes to reach specialized medical facilities. Lung cancer treatment often necessitates frequent appointments for diagnosis, staging, chemotherapy, radiation, and follow-up care. Delays in accessing these services can significantly impact patient outcomes. The score will therefore weigh the distance and accessibility of various treatment centers, considering the dominant modes of *transportation* available to residents of ZIP code 26753.

The primary route for most residents is via the major thoroughfare, Interstate 68, which provides a direct link to Cumberland, Maryland. This city is a critical hub for medical services, including the UPMC Western Maryland Hospital, which offers comprehensive cancer care. The drive to Cumberland, depending on the specific location within Ridgeley, typically ranges from 10 to 20 minutes, a relatively favorable travel time. This quick access to UPMC Western Maryland Hospital is a significant positive in the Lung Cancer Score.

However, relying solely on a personal vehicle presents potential vulnerabilities. Inclement weather, common in the mountainous terrain of West Virginia, can make driving treacherous. Accidents or vehicle breakdowns can further impede access to care. Therefore, the availability of alternative *transportation* options becomes crucial.

Public *transportation* in the region is limited. The primary option is the Greater Cumberland Commuter (GCC), which operates a bus service within the Cumberland area. However, the GCC's routes do not directly serve Ridgeley. Residents would need to arrange *transportation* to Cumberland to utilize this service, adding time and complexity to their journey. The GCC buses are equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, including ramps and designated seating, making them accessible for individuals with mobility limitations. However, the lack of direct routes to Ridgeley significantly diminishes the public *transportation* component of the Lung Cancer Score.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Cumberland area. Their presence offers a degree of flexibility, particularly for those who cannot drive or lack access to a personal vehicle. However, the cost of these services can be a significant barrier, especially for frequent medical appointments. The availability of ride-sharing, while present, doesn't fully mitigate the *transportation* challenges.

Medical *transportation* services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are another consideration. Several companies operate in the region, including MedStar and American Medical Response (AMR). These services often provide specialized vehicles and trained personnel to assist patients with mobility limitations. However, the cost of these services can be substantial, and availability may be limited, particularly for short-notice appointments.

Beyond Cumberland, more specialized cancer centers are located further afield. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, offers cutting-edge research and treatment options. However, the drive from Ridgeley to Bethesda, primarily via I-68 and I-270, is a significant undertaking, typically taking around 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic. This longer travel time significantly impacts the Lung Cancer Score, highlighting the need for careful planning and consideration of lodging options for extended treatment periods.

Similarly, the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, renowned for its oncology program, is approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Ridgeley, mainly via I-68 and I-70. While the quality of care is exceptional, the distance and associated travel time present a considerable challenge for patients.

The availability of support services within Ridgeley itself is another crucial factor. While the town may not have dedicated cancer support groups, access to local pharmacies, primary care physicians, and social workers can ease the burden of treatment. The proximity of these resources can significantly improve the patient experience and reduce the need for frequent trips to distant facilities.

The Lung Cancer Score also considers the availability of resources for financial assistance. Cancer treatment is often expensive, and the costs of *transportation*, lodging, and other ancillary expenses can add to the financial strain. Information about local and national organizations that provide financial aid, such as the American Cancer Society and the Cancer Research Institute, is crucial.

The impact of *moving to Ridgeley* on the Lung Cancer Score depends heavily on the individual's health status and access to resources. For a person already diagnosed with lung cancer, the immediate proximity to UPMC Western Maryland Hospital offers a significant advantage. However, the limitations of public *transportation* and the potential for long travel times to more specialized centers remain concerns.

For individuals considering *moving to Ridgeley* and concerned about their risk of lung cancer, the score should be viewed as a tool for informed decision-making. It emphasizes the importance of having a reliable vehicle, understanding the availability of ride-sharing and medical *transportation* services, and being prepared for potentially long travel times to access specialized care.

The final Lung Cancer Score for Ridgeley, WV (ZIP code 26753) is a nuanced assessment. The proximity to UPMC Western Maryland Hospital is a significant positive. However, the lack of robust public *transportation*, the potential for long travel times to more specialized centers, and the reliance on personal vehicles for accessing care create challenges. The score highlights the need for careful planning, proactive engagement with healthcare providers, and a thorough understanding of available resources. For those *moving to Ridgeley*, a detailed exploration of these factors is essential to ensure adequate *healthcare access* and support throughout their cancer journey.