46759, Keystone, Indiana Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 46759, Keystone, Indiana is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

81.15 percent of residents in 46759 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.87 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Bluffton Regional Medical Center with a distance of 9.88 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in ZIP Code 46759**

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a diagnosis as life-altering as breast cancer, demands more than just medical expertise. It necessitates a reliable, accessible, and efficient transportation system. This report analyzes the transportation landscape in ZIP Code 46759, focusing on access to breast cancer care, offering a "Breast Cancer Score" to assess the ease with which residents can reach vital medical services. This score considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and specialized medical transport services. The ultimate goal is to empower individuals with the knowledge they need to navigate the healthcare system effectively, especially those considering moving to Keystone, Indiana, within this ZIP Code.

The foundation of our assessment lies in understanding the geographical layout of 46759. Keystone, a small town in Huntington County, Indiana, relies heavily on vehicular transportation. The primary arteries influencing healthcare access are US-24, a major east-west thoroughfare, and IN-3, which runs north-south. These roads, while generally well-maintained, can experience traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours and around the city of Huntington, the nearest hub for specialized medical care.

**Drive Times and Accessibility**

The cornerstone of our "Breast Cancer Score" is drive time. The closest facilities offering comprehensive breast cancer services are located in Huntington and Fort Wayne. From Keystone, a drive to Huntington Memorial Hospital, located approximately 15 miles away, typically takes 20-30 minutes via US-24. This drive is generally straightforward, but potential delays can arise due to rush-hour traffic or inclement weather.

For more specialized care, including oncology centers and advanced imaging, residents often travel to Fort Wayne, about 35 miles away. The journey to Parkview Regional Medical Center or Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, primarily via US-24 and I-69, can take between 45 minutes and an hour, depending on traffic conditions. This longer drive time is a significant factor in our score, as it can impact the frequency and ease of attending appointments, receiving treatments, and accessing support services.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in 46759 are extremely limited. Huntington County does not have a robust public transit system. This lack of public transportation severely impacts the "Breast Cancer Score," particularly for individuals who do not own a vehicle or are unable to drive due to their health condition or age.

While the Huntington County Council on Aging offers some transportation services for seniors and individuals with disabilities, these services are often limited in scope and availability. ADA accessibility is a crucial consideration for any public transit option, and the lack of a comprehensive system in this ZIP Code presents a significant barrier to healthcare access for many.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their reliability and affordability can vary. Availability is often dependent on driver presence and demand, and the cost of rides to Fort Wayne can be substantial, especially for frequent appointments. This variable availability and cost factor into the "Breast Cancer Score," as it creates uncertainty for those relying on these services.

Medical transport services offer a more specialized solution. Companies like MedTrans and American Medical Response (AMR) provide non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services, while offering a more reliable option, can be expensive and often require advance booking. The availability of these services and their associated costs are carefully considered in our score.

**The "Breast Cancer Score" Breakdown**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for ZIP Code 46759 is influenced by several key factors. Drive times to major healthcare facilities, while manageable, are a significant consideration. The lack of public transit options is a major drawback, severely limiting access for those without personal vehicles. The variable availability and cost of ride-sharing services create uncertainty, while the specialized medical transport options, although available, are often expensive.

**Considerations for Moving to Keystone**

For individuals considering moving to Keystone and potentially facing a breast cancer diagnosis, understanding the transportation landscape is crucial. The reliance on personal vehicles necessitates careful consideration of mobility and potential limitations. The limited public transit options and the cost of ride-sharing services should be factored into the decision-making process.

**Conclusion: A Call for Enhanced Accessibility**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for ZIP Code 46759 reflects the challenges faced by residents in accessing breast cancer care. While the drive times to Huntington and Fort Wayne are reasonable, the lack of robust public transit options and the variable nature of ride-sharing services create barriers. Addressing these challenges through initiatives that enhance public transit, improve ride-sharing availability, and provide financial assistance for medical transportation would significantly improve the "Breast Cancer Score" and ensure that all residents have equitable access to the healthcare they need. This is especially important for those considering moving to Keystone, as they plan their future and healthcare needs.