31512, Ambrose, Georgia Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 31512, Ambrose, Georgia is 51 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

84.40 percent of residents in 31512 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.80 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Coffee Regional Medical Center, Inc with a distance of 8.40 miles from the area.

Here’s a detailed exploration of breast cancer healthcare access for residents of ZIP code 31512, Ambrose, Georgia, focusing on transportation options and drive times to potential medical facilities. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities surrounding healthcare access in this rural area, especially for individuals facing a breast cancer diagnosis.

The "Breast Cancer Score" isn't a formal medical metric. Instead, it's a composite assessment of transportation challenges and access to care, considering factors like drive times, public transit availability, and the presence of ride-sharing services. This information can be critical for residents of Ambrose, who may be contemplating moving to the area or already reside there and need to understand their healthcare options.

Ambrose, Georgia, is a small, unincorporated community in Coffee County. The primary challenge for healthcare access in this area is its rural location. Residents often face significant distances to reach specialized medical services, including those for breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. This geographical isolation necessitates careful consideration of transportation options.

Driving is the most common mode of transportation for accessing healthcare in Ambrose. The primary roadways serving the area are US Highway 441, Georgia State Route 135, and Georgia State Route 168. These roads connect Ambrose to larger towns and cities where medical facilities are located.

For residents of Ambrose, the closest facilities with breast cancer services are likely in Douglas, Georgia. The drive to Douglas from Ambrose is approximately 10-15 minutes via US-441 S. This drive is generally straightforward, but traffic can be a factor during peak hours.

Further afield, residents might consider facilities in Waycross, Georgia, which is about a 45-minute to an hour's drive from Ambrose, depending on traffic and the specific route taken (usually involving US-441 S and US-82 E). Waycross offers a wider range of specialized medical services, potentially including more comprehensive breast cancer care options.

For those seeking more advanced treatment or specialized expertise, Macon, Georgia, is another option. The drive to Macon from Ambrose is significantly longer, taking approximately two to two-and-a-half hours via US-441 N and I-16 W. This longer drive requires careful planning and consideration of potential fatigue, especially for patients undergoing treatment.

Public transportation options in Ambrose are extremely limited. Coffee County, like many rural areas, lacks a comprehensive public transit system. This deficiency poses a significant barrier to healthcare access for individuals who do not own a vehicle or are unable to drive due to physical limitations or other circumstances.

There is no established bus route connecting Ambrose directly to Douglas, Waycross, or Macon. This absence of public transit underscores the reliance on personal vehicles or alternative transportation solutions.

ADA-compliant public transit options are nonexistent in Ambrose. This lack of accessibility further disadvantages individuals with disabilities who may require specialized transportation to attend medical appointments.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Douglas area, but their availability in Ambrose itself is less certain. The presence of ride-sharing services can vary depending on driver availability and demand. Residents may need to schedule rides in advance, and the cost can be a significant factor, especially for frequent appointments.

Medical transportation services, such as non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) providers, are another option. These services typically transport patients to and from medical appointments. However, the availability of NEMT services in Ambrose and the surrounding areas should be researched carefully.

The cost of medical transportation, including ride-sharing, medical transport, and the expenses associated with personal vehicle use (fuel, maintenance, parking), can add a substantial financial burden to the already challenging experience of dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis. This financial strain can exacerbate stress and potentially impact treatment adherence.

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Ambrose, Georgia, reflects the challenges related to transportation and healthcare access. The score would be negatively impacted by the long drive times to specialized medical facilities, the absence of public transit, and the potential limitations of ride-sharing and medical transportation services.

The score would be positively influenced by the proximity of Douglas, but this advantage is offset by the limited availability of comprehensive breast cancer services in that city. The score would also consider the potential for support from family, friends, or community organizations in providing transportation assistance.

For individuals considering moving to Ambrose, the availability of reliable transportation to healthcare facilities should be a key factor in their decision-making process. Prospective residents should research the availability of transportation options, assess their ability to drive, and consider the potential costs associated with healthcare access.

Healthcare access is a critical component of overall well-being, particularly for individuals facing a serious illness like breast cancer. The transportation challenges in Ambrose highlight the need for community-based solutions. These may include initiatives to improve transportation options, such as exploring partnerships with ride-sharing services, advocating for the development of public transit routes, or establishing volunteer driver programs.

Furthermore, the availability of telehealth services can play a crucial role in improving healthcare access for residents of Ambrose. Telehealth allows patients to consult with healthcare providers remotely, reducing the need for travel and providing greater convenience.

Ultimately, the "Breast Cancer Score" for Ambrose serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing the transportation and healthcare access challenges faced by residents. By understanding these challenges and exploring potential solutions, the community can work towards ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their location, have access to the care they need.