32189, Satsuma, Florida Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 32189, Satsuma, Florida is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

56.34 percent of residents in 32189 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 21.17 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Hca Florida Putnam Hospital with a distance of 7.04 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Satsuma, Florida (ZIP Code 32189)**

The journey to healthcare, particularly for those facing the complexities of breast cancer, is a multifaceted challenge. It encompasses not only the medical aspects of diagnosis and treatment but also the practicalities of access, including transportation. This write-up delves into the transportation landscape for residents of Satsuma, Florida (ZIP Code 32189), focusing on the accessibility of breast cancer-related healthcare services. This analysis is crucial for understanding the true 'Breast Cancer Score' in this community, a metric that reflects the ease or difficulty of navigating the healthcare system. For individuals considering *moving to Satsuma*, this information provides critical insight into the practical realities of accessing essential medical care.

Satsuma, a small town nestled along the St. Johns River, presents a unique transportation profile. The primary mode of transportation is undoubtedly the personal vehicle. The relative remoteness of the area necessitates reliance on cars for most errands, including medical appointments. The main thoroughfare is State Road 17, a vital artery connecting Satsuma to neighboring towns and cities. Heading north on SR-17 provides access to Palatka, the Putnam County seat, where a significant portion of healthcare services, including specialized cancer care, are located.

Drive times to Palatka, a critical destination for many Satsuma residents, are generally manageable. A typical drive to the Putnam Community Medical Center, a key healthcare provider, takes approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The route primarily follows SR-17, a relatively well-maintained road. However, rush hour, particularly weekday mornings and evenings, can extend travel times, adding to the stress and potential delays for those seeking medical attention.

Further afield, Jacksonville, a major metropolitan center with comprehensive cancer treatment facilities, is another important destination. The journey to Jacksonville involves a combination of SR-17 and US-17, then onto I-95. This drive can take anywhere from 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on traffic. The I-95 corridor, a major interstate highway, is often congested, especially during peak travel periods. This extended travel time can pose a significant burden on patients undergoing treatment, requiring frequent trips for appointments, chemotherapy, radiation, and follow-up care.

Public transportation options in Satsuma and the surrounding areas are limited. Putnam County does offer a public transit system, but its routes and frequency are not designed to cater specifically to medical needs. The system operates on a demand-response basis, meaning riders must schedule their trips in advance. This system may not be ideal for patients with unpredictable appointment schedules or those requiring immediate medical attention. The availability of ADA-accessible vehicles is a critical consideration for individuals with mobility challenges. Information regarding the accessibility features of the county's public transit system can be obtained by contacting the Putnam County Transit directly.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Satsuma, but their reliability and affordability can vary. Availability is often dependent on driver density, which may be lower in more rural areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, particularly for frequent medical appointments. For patients with limited financial resources, the cost of ride-sharing could pose a barrier to accessing necessary care. It is advisable to check the availability and pricing of these services in advance of any medical appointments.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are another option. These services often cater to individuals who are unable to drive themselves or lack access to other forms of transportation. Several medical transport providers operate in the region, including some national brands and local companies. These services typically offer door-to-door transportation, often with trained personnel to assist patients. It is important to research the specific services offered by each provider, including their coverage area, pricing, and any specialized services they may offer, such as wheelchair accessibility or stretcher transport.

The availability of these medical transport services is a critical factor in the 'Breast Cancer Score' for Satsuma. The ability of patients to access these services, both in terms of availability and affordability, directly impacts their ability to adhere to treatment plans and receive timely care. The more robust and accessible the medical transportation infrastructure, the higher the 'Breast Cancer Score' and the better the overall healthcare access for residents.

The physical and emotional toll of breast cancer treatment is often compounded by the challenges of transportation. Patients may experience fatigue, nausea, and other side effects that make driving difficult or impossible. The burden of arranging transportation, especially for frequent appointments, can add to the stress and anxiety associated with the disease. Therefore, the availability of reliable, affordable, and accessible transportation options is paramount.

For those *moving to Satsuma*, the availability and accessibility of healthcare, including transportation to and from medical appointments, should be a primary consideration. Prospective residents should carefully evaluate the transportation options available and assess their ability to access the necessary medical care. This assessment should include factors such as drive times, public transportation availability, ride-sharing reliability, and the availability of medical transportation services.

The 'Breast Cancer Score' in Satsuma is not simply a measure of the quality of medical care available; it is also a reflection of the ease with which residents can access that care. The transportation infrastructure, or lack thereof, plays a crucial role in shaping this score. Improving the transportation landscape, through enhanced public transit, increased ride-sharing availability, and accessible medical transportation services, would significantly improve the 'Breast Cancer Score' and enhance the overall healthcare access for the residents of Satsuma, Florida.