35546, Berry, Alabama Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 35546, Berry, Alabama is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

29.94 percent of residents in 35546 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 22.27 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Fayette Medical Center with a distance of 16.47 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 35546

The journey to healthcare, particularly for something as critical as breast cancer screening and treatment, is a complex one. It's not just about the quality of care, but also about the ability to *access* that care. This analysis explores the *transportation* landscape surrounding breast cancer resources within ZIP Code 35546, a region that encompasses the charming town of Berry, Alabama. We'll examine drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, ultimately providing a "Breast Cancer Score" to assess the ease with which residents can reach vital healthcare services.

The foundation of any assessment of healthcare access lies in understanding the geographical realities. Berry, Alabama, is a rural community. This means the distance to comprehensive breast cancer care facilities is a crucial factor. The closest major medical centers equipped with specialized breast cancer services are located in Tuscaloosa, approximately 30 to 45 miles away, depending on the specific destination.

The primary route to Tuscaloosa is via US Highway 82, a two-lane road that can experience heavy traffic, especially during peak commuting hours. From Berry, you'll likely head east on County Road 41, connecting to US-82. Alternatively, residents might choose to take County Road 39 south, which intersects with US-82 near the town of Gordo. The drive time on US-82 can be extended by construction, weather conditions, or accidents.

Another option involves traveling on County Road 41 to Alabama State Route 14, then heading east to connect with US-82. This route offers a slightly different perspective on the landscape, but the overall travel time remains comparable. While these roads are generally well-maintained, the lack of multiple lanes means that delays are a constant possibility.

Beyond the primary roadways, navigating the smaller local roads, such as County Road 19, County Road 21, and County Road 25, can add significant time to the journey. These roads may be less well-lit and may not be suitable for all vehicles, especially during inclement weather. The condition of these roads is a factor to consider when evaluating healthcare access.

Public transit options in 35546 are limited. There is no established public bus system serving Berry directly. The nearest public transportation options are likely to be found in Tuscaloosa, which could involve a combination of local bus routes and potentially regional services. However, relying on public transit for regular medical appointments, especially for cancer treatment, is likely to be challenging due to the distances involved and the frequency of appointments.

Access to public transit in Tuscaloosa is provided by the Tuscaloosa Transit Authority (TTA). The TTA operates several bus routes throughout the city, but service to outlying areas like Berry is not available. The TTA offers ADA-accessible buses, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can utilize the service. However, the need to arrange transport to a TTA bus stop from Berry, and then transfer to a route serving a medical facility, presents significant logistical hurdles.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Tuscaloosa. However, their availability in Berry itself is less certain. The presence of ride-sharing services can vary depending on driver availability and demand. The cost of a ride-share from Berry to Tuscaloosa could be substantial, particularly for frequent appointments. The reliability of these services, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather, is another consideration.

Medical transport services offer a specialized solution for patients requiring assistance with transportation to medical appointments. These services often provide door-to-door transportation, including assistance with entering and exiting vehicles. Several medical transport companies operate in the Tuscaloosa area, including but not limited to, First Response Ambulance and AMR.

The cost of medical transport can vary depending on the distance, the level of care required, and the specific services provided. However, it is generally more expensive than ride-sharing or personal transportation. Medical transport services are often covered by insurance, but patients should verify coverage with their insurance provider.

For individuals considering *moving to Berry* or seeking healthcare in the area, the availability of medical transport is an important factor. It is vital to research the local providers and understand their service areas, costs, and insurance coverage.

The "Breast Cancer Score" for 35546 is impacted by these factors. The score is not a single number, but rather a composite assessment of the challenges and opportunities related to accessing breast cancer care. The score considers the following factors: drive times, public transit limitations, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport options.

Given the rural nature of Berry and the distance to major medical centers, the drive times are a significant factor. The reliance on US-82 and other two-lane roads introduces the potential for delays. The absence of public transit within Berry and the limited availability of ride-sharing services further complicate the situation.

Medical transport services offer a viable solution, but the cost and insurance coverage must be carefully considered. The "Breast Cancer Score" for 35546 is therefore moderate. While healthcare access is possible, it requires careful planning, reliance on personal vehicles or medical transport, and an awareness of the potential challenges.

The score is not a reflection of the quality of breast cancer care available in Tuscaloosa, which is assumed to be excellent. Instead, the score reflects the practical difficulties of *transportation* and *healthcare access* for residents of 35546. The score highlights the need for proactive planning, including identifying reliable *transportation* options, understanding insurance coverage for medical transport, and establishing a support network to assist with appointments.

For residents of 35546, the journey to breast cancer care requires careful navigation of the *transportation* landscape. While the community may be small, the commitment to *healthcare access* must be large.