32656, Keystone Heights, Florida Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 32656, Keystone Heights, Florida is 22 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

38.86 percent of residents in 32656 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 22.21 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Hca Florida Putnam Hospital with a distance of 20.86 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Keystone Heights (ZIP Code 32656)

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a diagnosis as life-altering as breast cancer, is a complex one. It involves not just the medical expertise of doctors and the support of loved ones, but also the practicalities of accessing care. This assessment, a "Breast Cancer Score," analyzes the transportation landscape in and around Keystone Heights (ZIP Code 32656), aiming to provide a clear picture of how easily residents can reach essential breast cancer services. This is especially relevant for those considering **moving to Keystone Heights**, as **healthcare access** is a critical factor in quality of life.

The score will consider the accessibility of diagnostic services like mammograms and biopsies, treatment options such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, and supportive care services, including counseling and physical therapy. We’ll delve into the available **transportation** options, evaluating drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services.

Keystone Heights, a charming community nestled in Clay County, Florida, offers a tranquil lifestyle. However, its relative remoteness presents challenges when it comes to accessing specialized healthcare. Understanding the available options is crucial for informed decision-making, particularly for individuals with existing health concerns or those seeking preventative care.

**Driving Times: The Primary Route**

For most residents, the automobile is the primary mode of transportation. The most direct route to the nearest comprehensive breast cancer care facilities typically involves driving south on **State Road 21 (SR 21)**. This road, the main artery connecting Keystone Heights to the larger cities of Gainesville and Jacksonville, offers a relatively smooth journey.

The drive to Gainesville, home to the University of Florida's Shands Hospital and other medical centers, is generally around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. This drive primarily utilizes SR 21, which then connects to **US-441** or **I-75**, leading to the city's medical hub. Jacksonville, a larger metropolitan area with more extensive healthcare options, is approximately a 1.5 to 2-hour drive, again primarily via SR 21, which then connects to **US-301** or **I-10**.

Traffic, of course, can significantly impact these estimates. Rush hour, especially during weekday mornings and evenings, can add considerable time to the commute, particularly on SR 21. Weekend travel, while generally less congested, can still experience delays, especially during peak tourist seasons. The absence of alternative, parallel routes adds to the potential for delays.

**Public Transit: Limited Options**

Public transportation options in and around Keystone Heights are extremely limited. Clay County, like many rural areas, lacks a comprehensive public transit system. The primary option is the Clay Transit, which operates a demand-response service. This service requires advance booking and is primarily designed for essential trips, such as medical appointments. However, its routes and frequency are limited, making it less than ideal for regular trips to breast cancer care facilities.

The Clay Transit does not have fixed routes, and its service area is limited. Furthermore, it is not designed to cater to the specific needs of patients undergoing cancer treatment, such as frequent appointments or transportation of medical equipment. While the Clay Transit offers ADA-accessible vehicles, the limited availability and advance booking requirements make it a less-than-ideal option for many.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Keystone Heights area, although their reliability can vary. Availability can be limited, particularly during off-peak hours or in the evenings. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, especially for frequent appointments.

Medical transport services, such as non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), offer a more specialized option. These services typically provide door-to-door transportation for medical appointments, often with wheelchair accessibility and trained drivers. Several NEMT providers operate in the area, including companies like First Transit and LogistiCare. However, these services often require pre-authorization from insurance companies and can be subject to scheduling limitations.

**Specific Healthcare Facilities and Their Accessibility**

The primary destinations for breast cancer care for Keystone Heights residents are likely to be Gainesville and Jacksonville. In Gainesville, the UF Health Shands Hospital offers comprehensive cancer care, including diagnostic services, surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Accessing this facility typically involves the drive south on SR 21, as previously described.

In Jacksonville, the Mayo Clinic and Baptist Health System are major healthcare providers with extensive cancer treatment programs. Reaching these facilities requires a longer drive, primarily utilizing SR 21, US-301, or I-10. The added travel time necessitates careful planning and consideration of potential delays.

**Assessing the Breast Cancer Score**

Based on the analysis of transportation options, the Breast Cancer Score for Keystone Heights (ZIP Code 32656) reflects the challenges of accessing breast cancer care. While driving offers the most direct access, the reliance on a single highway, SR 21, and the potential for traffic delays, particularly during peak hours, can be a significant concern. Public transit options are severely limited, and ride-sharing availability can be inconsistent. Medical transport services offer a more specialized solution but are often subject to scheduling constraints and insurance requirements.

**Conclusion: A Call for Enhanced Healthcare Access**

The Breast Cancer Score highlights the need for improved healthcare access for residents of Keystone Heights. While the community offers a desirable lifestyle, the limitations in transportation options pose a significant barrier to timely and convenient care. This is particularly relevant for individuals undergoing breast cancer treatment, who require frequent appointments and often experience physical limitations.

Efforts to improve healthcare access could include advocating for expanded public transit options, exploring partnerships with ride-sharing services to provide discounted rates for medical appointments, and promoting the availability of medical transport services. Furthermore, raising awareness about existing resources and educating residents about their options is crucial. For those considering **moving to Keystone Heights**, a thorough understanding of these **transportation** challenges and the **healthcare access** landscape is essential. This understanding empowers informed decision-making and ensures that individuals can proactively plan for their healthcare needs.