35961, Collinsville, Alabama Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 35961, Collinsville, Alabama is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

60.90 percent of residents in 35961 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.87 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Dekalb Regional Medical Center with a distance of 13.17 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Collinsville, Alabama (ZIP Code 35961)

The quiet charm of Collinsville, Alabama, nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, offers a slower pace of life. For those considering a move, particularly women, understanding healthcare access, especially for a critical condition like breast cancer, is paramount. This "Breast Cancer Score" provides a detailed overview of transportation options and their impact on healthcare accessibility within and around ZIP Code 35961. This assessment considers the practicalities of reaching crucial medical appointments, from routine screenings to specialized treatments, painting a comprehensive picture for those contemplating a move.

The foundation of healthcare access in Collinsville rests upon the ability to traverse the local and regional road network. Driving remains the primary mode of transportation, and understanding drive times is crucial. Within Collinsville itself, navigating is relatively straightforward. However, accessing specialized breast cancer care often necessitates travel to larger medical centers.

The most direct route to larger healthcare facilities in nearby cities like Gadsden or Fort Payne involves utilizing **Alabama Highway 75**. This two-lane highway provides the primary artery connecting Collinsville to the south and north. Drive times to Gadsden, home to facilities such as Riverview Regional Medical Center, average approximately 45 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific location within the city. Fort Payne, home to Dekalb Regional Medical Center, is closer, typically a 20 to 30-minute drive via Highway 75.

Heading west, access to Huntsville, a major medical hub, is more complex. The journey involves connecting to **U.S. Highway 431** and then navigating through smaller towns. This trip can take upwards of two hours, significantly impacting the convenience of regular appointments.

For those without personal vehicles, public transportation options are limited. The absence of a comprehensive public transit system within Collinsville and the surrounding areas presents a significant challenge. There is no local bus service, and the availability of regional transit is minimal. This lack of infrastructure poses a considerable barrier to healthcare access, particularly for individuals with mobility limitations or those unable to drive.

The absence of robust public transit underscores the importance of exploring alternative transportation solutions. Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, operate in the area, but their availability can be inconsistent, especially during off-peak hours or in rural locations. Securing a ride may require advance planning and potentially longer wait times. The cost of ride-sharing can also accumulate, potentially becoming a significant financial burden for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transportation services, specializing in non-emergency patient transport, offer another avenue for reaching healthcare facilities. Companies like First Medical Transportation and Access Medical Transportation provide scheduled rides for medical appointments. These services typically require advance booking and can be a more reliable option than ride-sharing, especially for those needing consistent transportation. The cost of these services varies depending on the distance and the level of care required.

For individuals with disabilities, the lack of ADA-compliant public transportation poses a significant challenge. While medical transportation services often offer accessible vehicles, the limited availability of public transit options creates a potential barrier to healthcare access. This factor must be carefully considered by anyone with mobility concerns contemplating a move to Collinsville.

Beyond transportation, the availability of breast cancer screening and treatment options within a reasonable distance is crucial. Dekalb Regional Medical Center in Fort Payne offers a range of services, including mammography and potentially some chemotherapy services. Riverview Regional Medical Center in Gadsden provides more comprehensive cancer care, including surgical oncology, radiation therapy, and advanced treatment options. Huntsville, with its larger medical centers, offers the most specialized care, including clinical trials and cutting-edge treatments.

The Breast Cancer Score for Collinsville, Alabama, is influenced by several key factors. The reliance on personal vehicles for transportation is a significant consideration. Drive times to major medical centers, while manageable, can still pose challenges for regular appointments. The limited public transit options and the potential for inconsistent ride-sharing availability create barriers to access, particularly for those without personal vehicles or with mobility limitations.

The availability of medical transportation services provides a viable alternative, but the cost and the need for advance booking must be considered. The proximity to facilities offering breast cancer screening and treatment, while not ideal, does provide reasonable access to care. The overall score reflects the balance between these factors, highlighting the need for careful planning and consideration when assessing healthcare access in Collinsville.

For those considering moving to Collinsville, a thorough assessment of their individual transportation needs and healthcare requirements is essential. Understanding the drive times, the limitations of public transit, and the availability of alternative transportation options is critical to ensuring access to timely and effective breast cancer care. Prioritizing healthcare access should be a central component of the decision-making process, ensuring that the move to Collinsville aligns with individual health needs and priorities.