26591, Worthington, West Virginia Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 26591, Worthington, West Virginia is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

62.69 percent of residents in 26591 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 8.83 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Mon Health Marion with a distance of 4.10 miles from the area.

**Prostate Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Worthington, WV (ZIP Code 26591)**

The shadow of prostate cancer touches countless lives, demanding proactive healthcare. Understanding access to diagnostic and treatment resources is paramount, particularly when considering a move to a new community. This write-up assesses healthcare accessibility for prostate cancer care within and around Worthington, West Virginia (ZIP Code 26591), focusing on transportation options. It is designed to provide a comprehensive Prostate Cancer Score, informing decisions about healthcare access.

Worthington, nestled in Marion County, presents a unique landscape for healthcare access. The town itself is small, meaning residents often rely on surrounding areas for specialized medical care. The ability to get to appointments, navigate treatment, and manage follow-up care hinges on available transportation. The goal is to illuminate the pathways to healthcare, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health and their future.

**Drive-Time Dynamics: The Road to Care**

The primary arteries for transportation in and out of Worthington are Interstate 79 (I-79) and US Route 19. I-79 provides a crucial link to larger cities like Morgantown to the north and Clarksburg to the south, where more extensive medical facilities are located. Driving times are a critical factor in healthcare access, especially for cancer patients who require frequent appointments.

From Worthington, Morgantown is approximately a 30-45 minute drive, depending on traffic and the specific destination within the city. This drive involves taking I-79 North. Morgantown is home to WVU Medicine, a major healthcare provider with comprehensive cancer care services, including urology and oncology. Clarksburg, a shorter drive of about 20-30 minutes via I-79 South, offers additional options, including United Hospital Center (UHC).

Navigating local roads like WV Route 310 and County Route 19/2 offers alternative routes, but these are often slower and less direct. These routes are useful for accessing local pharmacies and primary care physicians, but for specialized cancer care, the interstate is generally the preferred option. The condition of these roads, particularly during inclement weather, can impact travel times and accessibility.

**Public Transit: A Limited Landscape**

Public transportation options in the area are limited. The Mountain LineMountain Line Transit Authority, serving Morgantown and the surrounding areas, does not directly serve Worthington. Therefore, relying on public transit for appointments in Morgantown is not a viable option.

The lack of public transit poses a significant challenge for individuals without personal vehicles or those unable to drive. This limitation underscores the importance of exploring alternative transportation options, such as ride-sharing services or medical transportation providers. The absence of robust public transit significantly impacts the Prostate Cancer Score, particularly for those with mobility limitations.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gap**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, offering a potential solution for transportation to medical appointments. However, the availability of these services can vary, particularly during off-peak hours or in rural areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, especially for frequent appointments.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer another option. These services often cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those who require assistance. Several medical transport companies operate in the region, including, but not limited to, First Call Medical Transportation and MedStar Ambulance Service. The availability and cost of these services should be carefully researched.

**Healthcare Access: The Critical Factor**

The availability of healthcare facilities and specialized care is crucial. WVU Medicine in Morgantown provides comprehensive cancer care, including urology services, radiation oncology, and medical oncology. United Hospital Center in Clarksburg also offers cancer care services. These facilities are vital for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care for prostate cancer patients.

The Prostate Cancer Score is directly influenced by the accessibility of these facilities. The drive times, the availability of transportation options, and the overall healthcare infrastructure all contribute to the score. The ability to quickly and reliably access these facilities is essential for effective treatment and management of the disease.

**ADA Considerations: Ensuring Equal Access**

Accessibility for individuals with disabilities is a crucial aspect of healthcare access. Medical facilities are required to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ensuring that they are accessible to patients with mobility limitations. However, transportation options must also be accessible.

Ride-sharing services may offer accessible vehicles upon request, but availability can be limited. Medical transportation services often provide vehicles equipped with wheelchair lifts and other accessibility features. The availability of ADA-compliant transportation is a significant factor in the Prostate Cancer Score.

**Moving to Worthington: A Healthcare Perspective**

For individuals considering a move to Worthington, understanding healthcare access is paramount. The Prostate Cancer Score provides a valuable framework for assessing the community's ability to support prostate cancer patients. The drive times to major medical centers, the availability of transportation options, and the accessibility of healthcare facilities all contribute to the overall score.

Potential residents should research the availability of ride-sharing services, medical transportation providers, and the specific services offered by local healthcare providers. The ability to access timely and reliable transportation is crucial for managing prostate cancer effectively.

**The Prostate Cancer Score: A Summary**

The Prostate Cancer Score for ZIP Code 26591 reflects a mixed picture. While the proximity to major healthcare providers in Morgantown and Clarksburg is a positive factor, the limited public transportation options pose a challenge. The reliance on personal vehicles, ride-sharing, and medical transportation services increases the complexity of healthcare access.

The score emphasizes the importance of careful planning and research for individuals considering a move to Worthington or seeking healthcare in the area. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services, coupled with the proximity to comprehensive cancer care facilities, are critical factors in determining the overall Prostate Cancer Score. It is recommended that potential residents contact local healthcare providers and transportation services to obtain specific information regarding their services and accessibility. The goal is to ensure that individuals have the information they need to make informed decisions about their health and their future in Worthington.