24266, Lebanon, Virginia Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 24266, Lebanon, Virginia is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

57.66 percent of residents in 24266 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.86 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Russell County Hospital with a distance of 0.47 miles from the area.

## Prostate Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in ZIP Code 24266

The journey to diagnose and treat prostate cancer is a deeply personal one, often fraught with anxiety and complex decisions. When considering a move to Lebanon, Virginia, specifically ZIP Code 24266, understanding the accessibility of healthcare, particularly for prostate cancer, is paramount. This analysis provides a comprehensive "Prostate Cancer Score" by examining transportation options and healthcare access, offering a crucial perspective for those contemplating a relocation.

The “Prostate Cancer Score” for 24266 considers several key factors. The primary consideration is the availability of urologists and oncologists specializing in prostate cancer within a reasonable travel distance. We will assess drive times, public transit options, and the presence of ride-sharing and medical transport services. The score will also reflect the quality of the healthcare facilities, including their accreditation, patient reviews, and the availability of advanced treatment options like robotic surgery and radiation therapy. Finally, we will address the challenges specific to 24266, such as rurality and potential transportation limitations.

The geographical reality of 24266 significantly impacts healthcare access. Lebanon, the county seat of Russell County, is nestled in the Appalachian Mountains. This rugged terrain influences transportation options and travel times. The primary arteries for navigating this region are US Route 19 and US Route 58. These highways offer the most direct routes to regional healthcare hubs. Secondary roads, such as VA-80, VA-71, and VA-67, provide access to local communities and may offer shorter routes to specific facilities.

Driving times are a critical component of the score. The closest major medical center is Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon, Virginia, approximately 30-45 minutes away via US-19 North. This drive is generally straightforward, but weather conditions, particularly during winter, can significantly impact travel times. Further afield, the larger healthcare systems in Bristol, Virginia, and Kingsport, Tennessee, offer a broader range of specialists and advanced treatment options. Bristol, accessible via US-19 South, is roughly a 45-60 minute drive. Kingsport, reachable via US-58 West and then I-81 South, requires a drive of 1 to 1.5 hours.

Public transportation options in 24266 are limited. Russell County does not have a dedicated public bus system. This lack of public transportation significantly impacts the "Prostate Cancer Score," particularly for individuals who cannot drive or prefer not to. The absence of a reliable public transit system increases reliance on personal vehicles, ride-sharing services, or medical transport. This can be a significant barrier to healthcare access, especially for those with mobility limitations or financial constraints.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the region, but their presence is not as consistent or readily available as in more urban areas. Availability may be limited, particularly during off-peak hours or in more remote areas of the ZIP Code. This unreliability can create challenges for scheduling appointments and accessing timely care. Potential residents must factor in the potential wait times and the possibility of surge pricing when considering ride-sharing as a primary mode of transportation.

Medical transport services are available to assist patients with transportation to and from medical appointments. Several providers operate in the region, including local ambulance services and specialized medical transport companies. These services are often used by individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring assistance during transport. However, these services can be costly, and their availability may be limited, particularly for non-emergency appointments. Patients should research and pre-arrange medical transport to ensure they can access necessary care.

Healthcare access in 24266 is primarily centered on local clinics and the aforementioned hospitals. Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon is a primary care facility with a cancer center, offering diagnostic services, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. The hospital is accredited and provides a range of cancer services. However, advanced treatments, such as robotic prostatectomy or specialized radiation therapy, may require travel to larger medical centers in Bristol or Kingsport.

The availability of specialists is another crucial factor. While general urologists may be available locally, access to sub-specialists, such as urologic oncologists specializing in prostate cancer, may require travel. Patients should research the credentials and experience of specialists and consider their proximity when making healthcare decisions.

The quality of healthcare facilities and the availability of advanced treatment options directly impact the "Prostate Cancer Score." Accredited hospitals with comprehensive cancer centers and access to cutting-edge technologies, such as robotic surgery and advanced imaging, receive higher scores. The presence of clinical trials and research opportunities also contributes to the overall score. Patients should investigate the specific services offered by each facility and assess their suitability for their individual needs.

Moving to Lebanon, Virginia, presents a unique set of considerations for those concerned about prostate cancer healthcare. The rural setting and limited transportation options create challenges, but the proximity to regional medical centers offers access to quality care. The "Prostate Cancer Score" for 24266 is influenced by the drive times to hospitals, the limited public transit, and the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services.

The score will be higher for individuals who have access to reliable transportation, can afford ride-sharing or medical transport, and are comfortable traveling to regional healthcare hubs. It is essential for prospective residents to research the specific healthcare facilities, identify the specialists they need, and assess the transportation options available to them.

Ultimately, the "Prostate Cancer Score" is a tool to inform decision-making. It's a starting point for a deeper investigation. Prospective residents should thoroughly research healthcare access, considering their individual circumstances and needs. This proactive approach will ensure that their move to Lebanon, Virginia, is informed and supports their health and well-being.