31061, Milledgeville, Georgia Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 31061, Milledgeville, Georgia is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

69.56 percent of residents in 31061 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.97 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Navicent Health Baldwin with a distance of 0.21 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 31061

Navigating a breast cancer diagnosis is a journey fraught with physical and emotional challenges. The added burden of inadequate **healthcare access**, particularly concerning **transportation**, can significantly impact a patient's well-being and treatment outcomes. This analysis examines the **transportation** landscape in ZIP code 31061 (Milledgeville, Georgia), offering a "Breast Cancer Score" based on commute times, public transit options, and available ride-sharing and medical transport services. This information is crucial for current residents and those **moving to Milledgeville**, allowing them to assess the ease of accessing essential breast cancer care.

ZIP code 31061, encompassing Milledgeville and surrounding areas, presents a unique set of **transportation** challenges. The area is predominantly rural, relying heavily on personal vehicles for travel. This reliance significantly impacts **healthcare access**, especially for those without reliable personal **transportation** or who are unable to drive due to treatment side effects or physical limitations.

The primary route for accessing specialized breast cancer care often involves traveling to larger medical centers in Macon, approximately 30 miles northwest. The most direct route is via US-441 North, a major thoroughfare connecting Milledgeville to Macon. During peak traffic hours, the drive can take up to an hour, potentially increasing stress and fatigue for patients undergoing treatment. Alternatively, patients can utilize the more scenic, but potentially slower, route via GA-24 West, connecting to I-75 North towards Macon.

Another crucial factor is the availability of public **transportation**. Unfortunately, Milledgeville's public transit system is limited. The local bus service, known as the Milledgeville Transit System, operates on a limited schedule, with routes primarily focused on serving the city center and surrounding residential areas. The current routes and schedules may not directly serve the hospitals in Macon, making it an impractical option for most patients needing regular appointments. Furthermore, the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance of the buses is a critical consideration. While the system is legally mandated to provide accessible services, the practical implementation and availability of accessible vehicles for breast cancer patients, who may have mobility limitations, needs careful evaluation.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a potential alternative. However, their availability and affordability in Milledgeville can be inconsistent. While these services are generally present, the wait times, particularly during off-peak hours or for appointments scheduled outside of typical business hours, can be significant. The cost of these rides can also quickly accumulate, posing a financial burden for patients already facing significant medical expenses. The Breast Cancer Score must consider the reliability and cost-effectiveness of these options.

Medical transport services specifically designed for patients offer another avenue for accessing care. Companies specializing in non-emergency medical **transportation** may provide door-to-door service, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. However, the availability of these services in Milledgeville and the associated costs need careful investigation. Some patients may qualify for assistance through their insurance providers or charitable organizations, but navigating these options can be complex.

The Breast Cancer Score for ZIP code 31061 considers all these factors, providing a holistic assessment of **healthcare access** related to **transportation**. The score is not a single number but a composite of several factors, including drive times, public transit viability, ride-sharing reliability, and medical transport availability.

**Drive Time Analysis:** The average drive time to Macon for breast cancer treatment, considering both US-441 North and GA-24 West, is a critical component. Peak traffic times can significantly increase commute duration, impacting patient fatigue and appointment adherence. The Breast Cancer Score will reflect these time variations.

**Public Transit Evaluation:** The limited bus service in Milledgeville presents a significant challenge. The score will assess the frequency of routes, ADA accessibility, and their practical relevance for patients needing to travel to Macon for treatment.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport Assessment:** The reliability, availability, and cost of ride-sharing services (Uber, Lyft) and specialized medical transport companies are crucial. The Breast Cancer Score will factor in the potential wait times, cost per ride, and the availability of wheelchair-accessible vehicles.

**Breast Cancer Score Considerations:**

* **Drive Time:** The score will reflect the average commute time to Macon, factoring in peak traffic hours. A longer commute time negatively impacts the score.
* **Public Transit:** The score will consider the frequency, routes, and ADA compliance of the Milledgeville Transit System. Limited service and lack of direct routes to Macon will negatively impact the score.
* **Ride-Sharing:** The score will evaluate the reliability, availability, and cost of Uber and Lyft services. Inconsistent availability and high costs will negatively impact the score.
* **Medical Transport:** The score will assess the availability of medical transport services, their costs, and the ease of accessing them. Limited availability and high costs will negatively impact the score.
* **Overall Healthcare Access:** The Breast Cancer Score will reflect the overall ease or difficulty a patient faces in accessing breast cancer care in Milledgeville, considering all **transportation** factors.

The Breast Cancer Score for ZIP code 31061 will be a valuable tool for individuals considering **moving to Milledgeville**, allowing them to assess the accessibility of breast cancer care. It will also provide valuable insights for current residents, enabling them to make informed decisions about their **healthcare access** and **transportation** needs.

This analysis underscores the importance of addressing **transportation** barriers to **healthcare access** in rural communities like Milledgeville. Improving public transit options, expanding ride-sharing availability, and ensuring access to affordable medical transport are crucial steps in improving the Breast Cancer Score and providing equitable care for all. This information provides a clear picture of the challenges and opportunities for those seeking breast cancer care in the area.