34655, New Port Richey, Florida Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 34655, New Port Richey, Florida is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

47.91 percent of residents in 34655 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 4.05 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Hca Florida Trinity Hospital with a distance of 1.08 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 34655**

The journey to healthcare, particularly for those navigating the complexities of a breast cancer diagnosis, is a critical factor when assessing quality of life. This analysis focuses on transportation options for residents of New Port Richey, Florida (ZIP Code 34655), evaluating their accessibility to breast cancer treatment facilities. This "Breast Cancer Score" considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation options, providing a comprehensive picture of healthcare access in this community. Considering a move to New Port Richey? Understanding these transportation dynamics is essential.

New Port Richey, a city nestled along the Gulf Coast, offers a blend of suburban and coastal living. However, the availability of efficient transportation to specialized medical care is a significant consideration. The Breast Cancer Score aims to illuminate the challenges and opportunities in accessing breast cancer treatment from this specific ZIP code. The goal is to empower residents with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about their healthcare and overall well-being.

**Drive Time Analysis**

The primary mode of transportation for many residents is personal vehicles. The Breast Cancer Score begins by examining drive times to key healthcare facilities specializing in breast cancer treatment from the center of ZIP Code 34655. These facilities include hospitals with comprehensive cancer centers, imaging centers offering mammograms and biopsies, and oncology clinics.

The major arteries in the area, US Highway 19 and the Suncoast Parkway (SR 589), serve as the primary routes. Driving south on US 19, destinations like Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point in Hudson, offering comprehensive cancer care, are typically reachable within 15-20 minutes, assuming normal traffic conditions. This drive is relatively straightforward, with ample signage and well-maintained roads.

Traveling to Tampa, a hub for specialized medical care, requires a longer commute. Accessing Moffitt Cancer Center, a nationally recognized cancer treatment facility, typically involves taking the Suncoast Parkway (SR 589) south. The drive, covering approximately 30-40 miles, can take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. The Suncoast Parkway is a toll road, which must be factored into the overall cost of transportation.

Other facilities, such as HCA Florida Trinity Hospital, located slightly east of US 19, are accessible within 15-20 minutes via local roads like Little Road and Trinity Boulevard. These routes, while shorter, can experience congestion during peak hours. The overall drive time analysis suggests that while local facilities are readily accessible, accessing specialized care in Tampa requires a more significant time commitment, impacting healthcare access.

**Public Transit Accessibility**

The availability of public transportation is another crucial component of the Breast Cancer Score. The Pasco County Public TransportationPublic Transportation (PCPT) system provides bus services throughout the county, including routes that serve New Port Richey. However, the system's reach and frequency can be limited, particularly for those seeking direct routes to specialized medical facilities.

Several PCPT routes, such as Route 19 and Route 1, traverse US 19, providing access to some healthcare facilities. These routes offer connections to hospitals and clinics along the corridor. However, the frequency of these routes can vary, with longer wait times during off-peak hours.

The PCPT system is committed to ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance, with all buses equipped with wheelchair lifts and other accessibility features. This is a critical consideration for individuals with mobility limitations. However, the need for transfers and potential wait times can still pose challenges for those with medical appointments.

Furthermore, direct routes to Tampa’s major cancer centers are not available. This necessitates a combination of bus routes and transfers, significantly increasing travel time and complexity. Public transit, while offering a valuable option, may not be the most convenient or efficient mode of transportation for frequent medical appointments.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer another transportation alternative. These services are readily available in New Port Richey and can provide on-demand transportation to healthcare facilities. The cost of ride-sharing can vary depending on distance, time of day, and demand. However, it offers a more flexible and convenient option compared to public transit.

For individuals requiring specialized medical transportation, several companies operate in the area. These services are designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, often with wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. Medical transportation services can be particularly beneficial for those with mobility limitations or those unable to drive themselves.

Some medical facilities also offer transportation assistance programs or partnerships with transportation providers. These programs can help patients access transportation services at a reduced cost or provide assistance with scheduling and coordination. Researching these resources can significantly improve healthcare access.

**Conclusion: A Holistic Assessment**

The Breast Cancer Score for ZIP Code 34655 reveals a mixed picture of healthcare access. While local facilities are generally accessible via car and some public transit routes, accessing specialized care in Tampa requires a longer commute. Public transit, while available, may not be the most efficient option. Ride-sharing and medical transportation services offer alternative solutions, but their cost and availability must be considered.

For individuals considering moving to New Port Richey, understanding these transportation dynamics is crucial. The Breast Cancer Score highlights the importance of considering proximity to healthcare facilities, the availability of transportation options, and the potential impact on healthcare access. This information is essential for making informed decisions about healthcare and overall well-being, ensuring a smooth transition to the community.