33635, Tampa, Florida Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 33635, Tampa, Florida is 66 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

53.92 percent of residents in 33635 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 6.58 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Florida Hospital Carrollwood with a distance of 5.79 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 33635**

Considering a move to Tampa, Florida, specifically ZIP code 33635? This analysis offers a "Breast Cancer Score" – a personalized assessment of healthcare access, particularly for breast cancer services, considering the realities of *transportation* options within this area. We'll explore the journey from your doorstep to vital medical appointments, weighing drive times, public transit, and ride-sharing possibilities. This score is not a definitive medical recommendation but a practical guide to understanding the challenges and opportunities of *healthcare access* in 33635.

The Breast Cancer Score is a composite, considering factors like proximity to hospitals and cancer centers, ease of *transportation* to those facilities, and availability of support services. It prioritizes the timely and efficient access crucial for breast cancer patients, including diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. This evaluation aims to equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions, especially if you are *moving to Tampa* and require reliable healthcare.

**The Geography of Care: Highways and Arteries**

ZIP code 33635 is a sprawling area in northwest Tampa, presenting unique *transportation* challenges. The primary arteries for navigating this landscape are the major highways: Interstate 275 (I-275) and the Veterans Expressway (SR 589). I-275, the major north-south artery, can be a double-edged sword. While providing direct access to downtown Tampa and the major hospitals, it is also notorious for rush-hour congestion.

The Veterans Expressway, a toll road, offers a faster, albeit more expensive, route to the same destinations. It is particularly useful for reaching Moffitt Cancer Center, a leading cancer treatment facility, located in neighboring ZIP codes. Utilizing these highways is often essential for *healthcare access*, but their effectiveness is dependent on traffic conditions, which can fluctuate wildly.

Local roads like Hillsborough Avenue (SR 580) and Gunn Highway are essential for navigating within 33635. However, these roads are often heavily congested, especially during peak hours. The *transportation* network's efficiency is crucial, as delays can significantly impact the timely arrival at medical appointments.

**Drive Times: A Matter of Minutes, Potentially Hours**

Drive times are a critical component of the Breast Cancer Score. The time it takes to reach key healthcare facilities can vary significantly based on the time of day and the chosen route. A trip to Tampa General Hospital (TGH), a major hospital with comprehensive cancer services, could take 20-45 minutes during peak hours via I-275. The Veterans Expressway could shave off a few minutes, but tolls must be factored in.

Reaching Moffitt Cancer Center, a specialized cancer treatment facility, may take 15-30 minutes via the Veterans Expressway or 30-60 minutes via local roads and I-275, depending on traffic. Smaller clinics and diagnostic centers within 33635 might offer shorter drive times, but their scope of services may be limited. The *transportation* time to these facilities must be factored in when determining the Breast Cancer Score.

The Breast Cancer Score considers the cumulative impact of drive times. Frequent appointments for chemotherapy, radiation, or follow-up care can quickly translate into significant time spent in transit. This is particularly relevant for those without personal vehicles, highlighting the importance of exploring alternative *transportation* options.

**Public Transit: Navigating the Network**

The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) provides public transit within the 33635 area. Several bus routes serve the area, including routes 15, 30, and 36, offering connections to downtown Tampa and other key destinations. However, public transit in Tampa can be challenging, particularly for those with mobility limitations.

While HART offers ADA-accessible buses, the frequency of service and the length of travel times can be significant drawbacks. Waiting times, transfers, and the overall duration of the journey must be factored into the Breast Cancer Score. A trip to TGH via public transit could easily take over an hour, potentially involving multiple transfers.

The *transportation* challenges of public transit are especially relevant for patients undergoing treatment, who may experience fatigue, nausea, or other side effects. The accessibility and convenience of public transit directly impact *healthcare access*.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Alternatives on the Horizon**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in 33635, offering a convenient alternative to driving or public transit. These services can provide door-to-door *transportation* to medical appointments, potentially reducing travel times and eliminating the need to drive. However, the cost of ride-sharing can add up quickly, particularly with frequent appointments.

Medical *transportation* services, such as medical car services or non-emergency medical *transportation* (NEMT) providers, cater specifically to patients with medical needs. These services often offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained drivers. These services can be invaluable for patients who require assistance with mobility or have other special needs.

The availability and affordability of ride-sharing and medical *transportation* services are factored into the Breast Cancer Score. The ability to access these services can significantly improve *healthcare access* and reduce the burden of *transportation* for patients.

**Support Services: A Network of Assistance**

Beyond *transportation*, the Breast Cancer Score considers the availability of support services within the community. This includes support groups, patient navigators, and financial assistance programs. These resources can provide invaluable emotional, practical, and financial support to patients and their families.

The proximity and accessibility of these support services are important factors. The ability to connect with others facing similar challenges can make a significant difference in the overall experience of breast cancer treatment. The Breast Cancer Score reflects the community's ability to provide this crucial support.

**The Breast Cancer Score: A Personalized Assessment**

The Breast Cancer Score is a personalized assessment that weighs all these factors. It is not a single number but a holistic evaluation of the *transportation* landscape and its impact on *healthcare access* for breast cancer patients in 33635.

When *moving to Tampa*, this score will help you evaluate the practicality of healthcare in 33635. Consider your personal circumstances: do you have a car? Can you afford ride-sharing? Do you have mobility limitations?

The Breast Cancer Score emphasizes the importance of planning and preparation. Researching *transportation* options, identifying healthcare facilities, and exploring support services can help you navigate the challenges of *healthcare access* in 33635. This score empowers you to make informed decisions and ensure timely access to the care you need.