33617, Tampa, Florida Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 33617, Tampa, Florida is 65 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

57.20 percent of residents in 33617 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 4.13 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Tampa Va Medical Center with a distance of 2.66 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 33617**

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a diagnosis as life-altering as breast cancer, is multifaceted. It's not just about the medical expertise available; it's about the ease with which that expertise can be reached. In ZIP code 33617, a tapestry of transportation options intertwines with the availability of crucial breast cancer services, creating a unique healthcare landscape. This analysis, a "Breast Cancer Score," considers the accessibility of diagnostic, treatment, and supportive care facilities, factoring in transportation modalities and their impact on patient experience.

The 33617 ZIP code, nestled in the heart of Tampa, Florida, presents a range of transportation challenges and opportunities. Its residents, when facing a breast cancer diagnosis, must navigate a system where access to timely and convenient healthcare is paramount. This score evaluates the practical realities of getting to appointments, considering the impact of travel time, cost, and the physical demands of each mode of transport.

**Roadways and Drive Times: The Asphalt Arteries**

For many in 33617, the car remains king. The primary arteries for navigating the area are the Interstate 275 (I-275), a major north-south thoroughfare, and the Veterans Expressway (SR 589), offering a quicker route to the northwest. Driving times to key healthcare facilities are significantly influenced by traffic patterns, especially during peak hours.

The H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, a nationally recognized cancer treatment center, is a critical destination. From the heart of 33617, a drive to Moffitt, assuming moderate traffic, could take approximately 20-30 minutes via I-275 North. This journey requires careful planning, particularly for those undergoing treatment that might cause fatigue or other side effects.

Other essential destinations include Tampa General Hospital (TGH), a comprehensive hospital offering breast cancer services. A drive to TGH from 33617 involves navigating the local road network, including Dale Mabry Highway and Gandy Boulevard, and can take around 15-25 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

The drive times to these facilities highlight the importance of understanding traffic flow. The ability to plan routes using real-time traffic data, such as Google Maps or Waze, is a crucial tool for residents in 33617. This ensures that patients can minimize their travel time and reduce the stress associated with navigating the city.

**Public Transit: Navigating the Network**

The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) provides public transportation services in the Tampa Bay area. While HART offers a network of bus routes, its coverage in 33617 and its direct connections to major healthcare facilities are limited.

Several bus routes serve the area, including routes 1, 7, and 15. However, these routes may require transfers and can significantly increase travel times compared to driving. For example, a bus trip to Moffitt Cancer Center from 33617 could take upwards of an hour or more, including transfers.

HART does provide ADA-accessible buses, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can utilize the public transit system. This is a critical consideration for breast cancer patients who may experience mobility limitations due to treatment or surgery.

While public transit provides an affordable option, its limitations in terms of frequency, route coverage, and travel time pose a challenge for patients needing regular appointments. The dependence on bus schedules and potential for delays can add to the stress of managing a breast cancer diagnosis.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transportation: On-Demand Solutions**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a convenient alternative to driving and public transit. These services provide on-demand transportation, allowing patients to schedule rides to and from medical appointments.

The availability of ride-sharing services in 33617 is generally good, with relatively short wait times. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a significant factor, especially for frequent appointments. Patients should factor in the cost of these services when budgeting for their healthcare needs.

Medical transportation services, such as MedRide and CareRide, specialize in transporting patients to medical appointments. These services often provide door-to-door assistance and can accommodate individuals with mobility limitations.

Medical transportation services can be particularly beneficial for patients who are unable to drive or use public transit due to their condition. However, these services typically come with a higher cost than ride-sharing or public transit.

**Healthcare Access: The Proximity of Care**

The Breast Cancer Score also considers the proximity of healthcare facilities within and around 33617. The presence of comprehensive cancer centers, such as Moffitt, and hospitals offering specialized breast cancer services, such as TGH, are crucial factors.

The availability of diagnostic services, including mammography and biopsies, within the local community is also important. This reduces the need for patients to travel long distances for initial screenings and follow-up appointments.

The presence of support services, such as support groups, counseling, and physical therapy, within a reasonable distance is also considered. These services play a vital role in the overall well-being of breast cancer patients.

**Moving to Tampa: Considering Healthcare Access**

For those considering moving to Tampa, the accessibility of healthcare, particularly for breast cancer, should be a significant factor in their decision-making process. 33617 offers a mixed bag of transportation options and healthcare facilities.

The proximity to Moffitt Cancer Center and TGH is a major advantage. However, the reliance on personal vehicles or ride-sharing services for transportation can be a drawback.

The availability of public transit is limited, and the potential for long travel times can be a challenge. Therefore, individuals considering moving to 33617 should carefully assess their transportation needs and preferences.

**Conclusion: A Complex Equation**

The Breast Cancer Score for 33617 is not a simple number. It's a complex equation reflecting the interplay of transportation options, healthcare facility locations, and the individual needs of breast cancer patients. While the area offers access to excellent medical care, the transportation challenges can significantly impact the patient experience.

The score emphasizes the importance of careful planning, utilizing available resources, and advocating for improved transportation options to ensure that all residents of 33617 have equitable access to the care they need. The ability to navigate this landscape effectively is crucial for anyone facing a breast cancer diagnosis, underscoring the need for ongoing efforts to improve healthcare access and support for those in need.