35652, Rogersville, Alabama Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 35652, Rogersville, Alabama is 31 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

41.35 percent of residents in 35652 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.97 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is North Alabama Medical Center with a distance of 19.14 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Rogersville, AL (ZIP Code 35652)

For those considering a move to Rogersville, Alabama (ZIP Code 35652), or already residing within its boundaries, understanding the landscape of healthcare access, particularly for breast cancer screening and treatment, is paramount. This analysis provides a "Breast Cancer Score" assessment, factoring in transportation options to medical facilities offering these crucial services. The score will be influenced by drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options, painting a comprehensive picture of healthcare accessibility within and from this rural community.

Rogersville, nestled in Lauderdale County, presents a unique challenge. Its relative remoteness, coupled with a limited public transportation infrastructure, necessitates a thorough examination of transportation realities. The "Breast Cancer Score" will reflect the practicalities of navigating the healthcare system, crucial for early detection and effective management of breast cancer. This is especially vital given the potential for anxiety and stress associated with a cancer diagnosis.

**Drive Times: The Primary Arteries of Healthcare**

The primary determinant of the "Breast Cancer Score" will be drive times to facilities offering mammograms, diagnostic imaging, surgical oncology, and radiation therapy. The most direct route for many residents involves navigating **Highway 72**, a major east-west artery. Accessing facilities in Athens, approximately 25 miles east, typically takes 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Athens is home to Athens-Limestone Hospital, a potential destination for initial screening and some diagnostic procedures.

Further afield, Huntsville, roughly 60 miles east via **Highway 72** and then **Interstate 565**, offers a wider array of specialized services. Drive times to Huntsville facilities, including Huntsville Hospital and Crestwood Medical Center, can range from 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, factoring in potential traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours. This longer commute time significantly impacts the "Breast Cancer Score" due to the potential for delayed care and increased stress.

Heading west, the city of Florence, approximately 35 miles away, offers another healthcare option. The journey involves traveling along **Highway 72** and then **Highway 43**, with a drive time of around 45 minutes to an hour. North Alabama Medical Center in Florence provides comprehensive cancer care, including radiation oncology, making it a critical destination for many patients. The availability of these options, and the time required to reach them, will be a key factor in the overall score.

**Public Transit: A Limited Safety Net**

Public transportation options in Rogersville are extremely limited, significantly impacting the "Breast Cancer Score." The absence of a robust public transit system, including fixed-route buses, presents a substantial barrier to healthcare access for those without personal vehicles or the ability to drive. This lack of accessibility particularly affects elderly residents, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources.

While there may be occasional demand-response services offered by Lauderdale County, these options are often limited in scope, requiring advance booking and potentially restricting travel to specific destinations. The absence of regular, scheduled public transportation is a significant negative factor in the "Breast Cancer Score," particularly for those requiring frequent appointments for chemotherapy or radiation therapy. The impact of this limited transportation infrastructure must be considered when evaluating the overall healthcare accessibility.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, offering a potential alternative to personal vehicles. However, the availability and cost of these services in Rogersville may be variable, especially during off-peak hours or in more rural areas. The reliance on ride-sharing can also add significant expense to the cost of healthcare, further impacting the "Breast Cancer Score."

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance, offer a more specialized solution. Companies like First Medical Transportation and MedStar Transportation provide non-emergency medical transport, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. While these services can be invaluable for those with mobility limitations, they often come at a higher cost than ride-sharing or personal transportation. The availability and affordability of these services are considered in the final score.

**The "Breast Cancer Score" - A Holistic View**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Rogersville (35652) will reflect the interplay of these factors. The score will be lower due to the limited public transit options and the reliance on personal vehicles or potentially expensive ride-sharing or medical transport. The drive times to specialized care facilities, while manageable, still pose a potential challenge.

A higher score would reflect shorter drive times, robust public transit, and readily available, affordable ride-sharing or medical transport. This score is not just a number; it represents the ease or difficulty residents face in accessing potentially life-saving healthcare services. The ability to quickly and easily access these services is a critical factor in the overall quality of life, especially for those facing a breast cancer diagnosis.

**Moving to Rogersville: A Considered Decision**

For those considering a move to Rogersville, this analysis underscores the importance of carefully evaluating transportation needs and healthcare access. While the community offers a peaceful and rural lifestyle, the healthcare landscape requires careful consideration. The "Breast Cancer Score" serves as a guide, highlighting the need for meticulous planning, particularly for individuals with pre-existing health conditions or those seeking to proactively manage their health.

Understanding the transportation realities, and the potential challenges they present, is crucial for making an informed decision. The availability of reliable transportation to healthcare facilities is not just a logistical issue; it directly impacts the quality of care and the overall well-being of residents. The "Breast Cancer Score" provides a framework for assessing this critical aspect of life in Rogersville, enabling potential residents to make informed choices about their healthcare needs.