46960, Monterey, Indiana Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 46960, Monterey, Indiana is 48 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

50.60 percent of residents in 46960 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.41 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Pulaski Memorial Hospital with a distance of 8.88 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Monterey, Indiana (ZIP Code 46960)

The specter of breast cancer casts a long shadow, demanding timely diagnosis and treatment. For residents of Monterey, Indiana (ZIP code 46960), access to these critical services hinges on the complex interplay of transportation and healthcare access. This analysis provides a "Breast Cancer Score," a composite measure reflecting the ease with which individuals can reach essential breast cancer care facilities from their homes. It considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services. This information is crucial for anyone considering moving to Monterey, Indiana, or for current residents seeking to understand their healthcare landscape.

Monterey, a rural community, presents unique challenges to healthcare access. The nearest comprehensive breast cancer care facilities are located in larger towns and cities, necessitating travel. The primary transportation mode is the personal vehicle, with drive times significantly impacting the Breast Cancer Score.

**Drive Times and Highway Navigation**

The most direct route to specialized breast cancer care often involves navigating Indiana's highways. Logansport, approximately 25 miles east, hosts the Logansport Memorial Hospital, a potential first stop for screening and initial diagnosis. The drive, primarily via US-35 South, typically takes around 35 minutes, assuming normal traffic conditions. Further specialized care, including surgical oncology and radiation therapy, might necessitate travel to larger cities like South Bend or Fort Wayne.

South Bend, roughly 60 miles north, offers a broader range of services at facilities like Memorial Hospital of South Bend and Saint Joseph Health System. The journey involves traversing US-35 North and then either US-30 West or the Indiana Toll Road (I-80/90), depending on the specific destination. This drive can take approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, significantly impacting the Breast Cancer Score.

Fort Wayne, about 85 miles east, provides another option, with facilities like Parkview Health and Lutheran Hospital. The most common route involves taking US-35 South to US-30 East. The drive time is typically around 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours, presenting a considerable time commitment for appointments, treatments, and follow-up care. These extended drive times contribute negatively to the Breast Cancer Score, emphasizing the importance of proactive planning and potentially, the need for overnight stays for some treatments.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Monterey are severely limited, posing a significant challenge for those without personal vehicles. The lack of readily available public transit severely impacts the Breast Cancer Score. The nearest public transit system is likely in Logansport, offering limited bus services. However, these routes are not designed for long-distance travel and may not directly connect to healthcare facilities outside of Logansport.

ADA accessibility on any available public transit is crucial. While Logansport's system may offer some ADA-compliant features, relying on it for breast cancer care is impractical due to the limited routes, infrequent schedules, and the need for transfers. The lack of robust public transportation significantly lowers the Breast Cancer Score, highlighting the dependence on alternative transportation solutions.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation: Bridging the Gap**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available, but their reliability and cost in a rural area like Monterey are variable. Ride availability can be inconsistent, especially during off-peak hours or for appointments scheduled early in the morning or late in the evening. The cost of ride-sharing for longer distances, such as to South Bend or Fort Wayne, can be substantial, adding a financial burden to an already stressful situation. This factor impacts the Breast Cancer Score, underscoring the need for careful budgeting and planning.

Medical transportation services offer a more specialized solution. These services, often provided by companies specializing in non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), are designed to transport individuals to and from medical appointments. While they provide a more reliable option than ride-sharing, they can also be expensive and may require advance booking. Availability can also be limited, particularly for short-notice appointments. The presence of medical transportation services provides a positive, albeit limited, boost to the Breast Cancer Score.

**Medical Transport Brands**

Several medical transport brands may serve the Monterey area. These include national providers like First Transit or smaller, regional companies. Investigating local options, such as those based in Logansport or surrounding communities, is crucial. These companies often offer specialized services, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel to assist patients. Researching these brands and their services is vital for anyone needing medical transportation.

**The Breast Cancer Score: A Composite Assessment**

The Breast Cancer Score for Monterey, Indiana, reflects the following factors:

* **Drive Time:** The primary determinant, with longer drive times to specialized care facilities negatively impacting the score.
* **Public Transit:** The lack of reliable public transit significantly lowers the score.
* **Ride-Sharing:** The availability and cost of ride-sharing services have a moderate impact.
* **Medical Transportation:** The availability and cost of medical transportation services provide a positive, but limited, impact.

Considering these factors, the Breast Cancer Score for Monterey is moderate. While the community is not entirely isolated, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transit options create challenges. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services offers some support, but these solutions come with their own limitations.

**Conclusion: Planning for Healthcare Access**

For residents of Monterey and those considering moving to Monterey, proactive planning is essential. Individuals should:

* **Establish a primary care physician** in the area.
* **Familiarize themselves with the location of breast cancer care facilities** in Logansport, South Bend, and Fort Wayne.
* **Assess their transportation options** and develop contingency plans.
* **Investigate medical transportation services** and their associated costs.
* **Consider the financial implications** of travel and transportation when budgeting for healthcare.

The Breast Cancer Score serves as a valuable tool for understanding the healthcare access landscape in Monterey. By acknowledging the challenges and proactively planning, residents can navigate the complexities of transportation and ensure timely access to vital breast cancer care. This information is essential for informed decision-making and underscores the importance of community support in addressing healthcare access disparities.