33467, Lake Worth, Florida Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 33467, Lake Worth, Florida is 65 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

48.35 percent of residents in 33467 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 5.72 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wellington Regional Medical Center with a distance of 4.46 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in 33467**

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a diagnosis as life-altering as breast cancer, demands careful consideration. This analysis, a "Breast Cancer Score," assesses transportation options and healthcare access within ZIP code 33467, Lake Worth, Florida, for those seeking treatment or considering a move to the area. The goal is to illuminate the realities of getting to crucial medical appointments, from initial screenings to ongoing therapies, empowering informed decisions.

The score considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-share options, and specialized medical transportation services. It's a snapshot, not a guarantee, and conditions fluctuate. The evaluation focuses on facilities offering breast cancer services, including screening, diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

**Driving the Distance: Highways and Roadways**

Driving remains a primary mode of transportation in 33467. The availability of a personal vehicle significantly impacts healthcare access. Major arteries like I-95 and the Florida Turnpike are critical for reaching regional medical centers. Travel times, however, vary depending on traffic, especially during peak hours.

Heading south on I-95 offers access to Jupiter Medical Center, approximately a 30-45 minute drive, depending on traffic. Heading north on I-95 leads to major hospitals in West Palm Beach, such as Good Samaritan Medical Center, a 15-25 minute drive, and St. Mary's Medical Center, also about 20-30 minutes away.

The Florida Turnpike provides a quicker route to some facilities, but tolls add to the overall cost. Surface streets, including Lake Worth Road, Lantana Road, and Military Trail, offer alternative routes but are often congested. The intersection of Lake Worth Road and Military Trail can be particularly challenging during rush hour.

**Public Transit: A Limited Network**

Public transportation in 33467 is less robust than in more densely populated areas. Palm Tran, the county's bus system, provides service, but routes and schedules may not always align with medical appointment times. Accessibility for those with mobility challenges is a crucial consideration.

Palm Tran Route 1, running along Lake Worth Road, offers a direct connection to some medical offices and hospitals. Route 41, traveling along Military Trail, provides another option. However, these routes may require transfers, increasing travel time and complexity.

ADA-accessible buses are available, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities. However, the frequency of service, especially during evenings and weekends, can be limited. The availability of shelters at bus stops also varies, impacting comfort, particularly during Florida's hot and humid weather.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transportation: Supplementing the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft provide on-demand transportation, offering a convenient alternative to driving or relying solely on public transit. However, surge pricing during peak hours or times of high demand can increase costs.

Medical transportation services, such as First Choice Medical Transportation and American Medical Response, specialize in transporting patients to and from medical appointments. These services often provide door-to-door assistance and can accommodate individuals with mobility limitations. However, they typically require pre-booking and may have higher costs than ride-sharing.

**Healthcare Access: Locating Treatment Centers**

Several healthcare facilities within and near 33467 offer breast cancer services. The proximity of these facilities significantly impacts the Breast Cancer Score.

The Palms West Hospital in Loxahatchee is accessible via I-95 and the Florida Turnpike, approximately a 30-45 minute drive. Bethesda Hospital East and Bethesda Hospital West in Boynton Beach offer comprehensive cancer care, including breast cancer treatment. These are accessible via I-95 and are about a 15-25 minute drive.

The lack of a dedicated cancer center within 33467 necessitates travel to neighboring cities for specialized care. This increases the reliance on transportation options and adds to the stress of managing a breast cancer diagnosis.

**Breast Cancer Score: Factors and Considerations**

The Breast Cancer Score is more than just drive times and bus routes. It incorporates several factors:

* **Proximity to Treatment Centers:** The closer the facility, the better.
* **Transportation Options:** The availability and reliability of various modes of transportation.
* **Accessibility:** Features like ADA-compliant buses and accessible ride-share options.
* **Cost:** The financial burden of transportation, including gas, tolls, ride-share fares, and medical transportation fees.
* **Traffic Conditions:** The impact of rush hour and other traffic delays.
* **Personal Mobility:** Individual physical limitations and the need for assistance.
* **Support System:** The availability of family, friends, or caregivers to provide transportation.

**Moving to Lake Worth: Weighing the Options**

For those considering moving to Lake Worth, particularly those with a history of breast cancer or at risk, the Breast Cancer Score is essential. Evaluate the transportation options based on your needs and preferences.

Consider the potential impact of traffic on drive times. Research the availability of public transit routes that serve your chosen medical providers. Explore the costs and availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services.

Prioritize proximity to healthcare facilities. Assess the accessibility of the facilities and the availability of support services.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Journey**

The Breast Cancer Score for 33467 highlights the importance of careful planning and proactive decision-making. While the area offers various transportation options, the limited public transit network and the necessity of traveling to neighboring cities for specialized care present challenges.

Individuals with breast cancer or those at risk must carefully evaluate their transportation needs and access to healthcare. By understanding the available options and planning accordingly, residents can navigate the journey to healthcare with greater confidence and peace of mind. Understanding the nuances of transportation is a crucial step in ensuring healthcare access.