46913, Bringhurst, Indiana Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 46913, Bringhurst, Indiana is 48 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

29.64 percent of residents in 46913 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.32 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Indiana University Health Frankfort Inc with a distance of 16.49 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 46913**

The quaint allure of Bringhurst, Indiana, nestled within ZIP code 46913, often draws individuals seeking a slower pace of life. Yet, the serenity of rural living necessitates careful consideration of a crucial element: healthcare access, particularly concerning the complexities of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. This report delves into the transportation landscape surrounding 46913, evaluating the practicalities of reaching essential medical services, ultimately contributing to a "Breast Cancer Score" that reflects the ease or difficulty of navigating the healthcare system.

The cornerstone of this assessment lies in understanding the commute times to the nearest comprehensive breast cancer care facilities. The primary healthcare hub for residents of 46913 is often found in Kokomo, approximately 20 miles east. Reaching Howard Regional Health System, a crucial destination for diagnostic imaging and initial consultations, typically involves a drive via US-35 North, a two-lane highway that can become congested during peak hours. Expect a drive time of around 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic.

For more specialized treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, patients may need to travel further afield. Indianapolis, a major medical center, offers a wider range of advanced treatments. The journey to Indianapolis necessitates traversing US-31 South, a major highway, and then navigating the city's complex road network. The drive time to Indianapolis can range from 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on the specific hospital and traffic conditions. This significantly impacts the Breast Cancer Score, as increased travel time can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment, adding stress and potentially affecting outcomes.

Public transportation options in and around 46913 are limited. The primary mode of public transit in the area is the Kokomo CityBus. However, the CityBus primarily serves the Kokomo area, and its routes do not extend into Bringhurst. This lack of readily available public transportation poses a significant challenge for individuals without personal vehicles or those unable to drive due to medical conditions. The absence of accessible public transit is a major factor in lowering the Breast Cancer Score.

ADA accessibility is a critical consideration. While the Kokomo CityBus does offer ADA-accessible vehicles, the lack of routes serving 46913 renders this feature irrelevant for most residents. Individuals with mobility limitations, therefore, face considerable hurdles in accessing healthcare. This further compounds the challenges of accessing timely care, a critical component of the Breast Cancer Score.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their reliability and cost-effectiveness can vary. While these services offer a potential solution for transportation, the cost of frequent trips to Kokomo or Indianapolis can quickly become a financial burden, especially for patients undergoing long-term treatment. The availability of ride-sharing, while present, does not fully mitigate the transportation challenges and has a moderate impact on the Breast Cancer Score.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are another option. Companies like Logansport Memorial Hospital provide transportation services. However, the availability of these services and the distance they cover can be limited. The need for pre-booking and the potential for scheduling conflicts add complexity to the process. This offers some relief, but it doesn't fully address the core transportation problems and has a small impact on the Breast Cancer Score.

The overall Breast Cancer Score for 46913 is negatively impacted by the limitations in transportation. The long drive times to healthcare facilities, the lack of public transportation, and the reliance on potentially costly ride-sharing services all contribute to a lower score. This means that individuals in Bringhurst face greater challenges in accessing timely and convenient breast cancer care compared to those living in areas with more robust transportation infrastructure.

Moving to Bringhurst, while offering the charm of small-town living, requires careful consideration of healthcare access. Prospective residents, especially those with a family history of breast cancer or those nearing the age for regular screenings, should prioritize evaluating the transportation options and the potential impact on their healthcare journey. The Breast Cancer Score serves as a valuable tool in this assessment, highlighting the need for careful planning and consideration of the transportation challenges that may arise.

The Breast Cancer Score for 46913 is a reflection of the realities of rural healthcare access. The score underscores the importance of proactive planning, exploring all available transportation options, and potentially seeking support from family, friends, or community organizations to ensure timely access to essential medical care. The score emphasizes the need for ongoing efforts to improve transportation infrastructure and expand healthcare services in rural communities, ensuring that all residents have equal access to the care they need.