47017, Cross Plains, Indiana Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 47017, Cross Plains, Indiana is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

51.52 percent of residents in 47017 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.83 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Norton-King's Daughters' Health with a distance of 14.76 miles from the area.

Breast Cancer Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 47017

The journey to healthcare, particularly for life-altering conditions like breast cancer, is a critical consideration when choosing a place to live. This analysis focuses on transportation options and healthcare access for residents of ZIP code 47017, Cross Plains, Indiana, evaluating the commute to facilities offering breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Our "Breast Cancer Score" reflects the ease and efficiency of accessing these vital services, considering drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transportation options.

Cross Plains, a small town nestled in southeastern Indiana, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. Its rural location necessitates reliance on personal vehicles for many residents. The availability of alternative transportation methods becomes crucial for those unable to drive, especially during treatment. The score considers the availability, accessibility, and affordability of various transportation options, painting a comprehensive picture of the healthcare landscape.

**Drive Times and Roadways**

The primary routes connecting Cross Plains to healthcare facilities involve navigating the scenic but often winding roads of rural Indiana. The most direct route to larger hospitals and cancer centers in the region typically involves traveling on State Road 129, a two-lane highway that serves as the main artery through Cross Plains.

Heading north on State Road 129 leads to Versailles, approximately a 15-minute drive. Versailles offers basic medical services and is home to Margaret Mary Health – Versailles, a critical access hospital. However, for specialized breast cancer care, patients will likely need to travel further.

Traveling south on State Road 129 connects to State Road 56, a major east-west thoroughfare. This intersection is a crucial point for accessing larger towns and cities. Heading west on State Road 56, one can reach Madison, Indiana, in roughly 30 minutes. Madison is home to the King's Daughters' Health, which offers some cancer care services, including chemotherapy.

For comprehensive breast cancer treatment, including surgery and radiation therapy, patients often need to travel to larger regional centers. The closest major city is Cincinnati, Ohio, approximately a 1.5-hour drive via State Road 56 to U.S. Route 50, then onto I-275. The drive can be longer during peak traffic hours. Cincinnati boasts several renowned cancer centers, including the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center and the Christ Hospital Cancer Center.

The drive to Indianapolis, Indiana, a major hub for healthcare, takes approximately 2 hours, primarily via U.S. Route 50 to I-65 North. Indianapolis is home to Indiana University Health, which offers a comprehensive cancer center. This longer drive time necessitates careful planning and consideration for patients undergoing treatment, especially those requiring frequent appointments.

**Public Transit Options**

Public transportation options in Cross Plains are extremely limited. Southeastern Indiana Rural Transit (SIRT) provides demand-response transportation services within a multi-county area, including Ripley County, where Cross Plains is located. However, SIRT's services are primarily designed for non-emergency medical transportation and may require advance booking.

While SIRT does offer transportation to medical appointments, its availability and scheduling can be a challenge. The service operates on a limited schedule and may not be suitable for patients requiring frequent appointments or those needing immediate transportation. Accessibility for individuals with disabilities is a key consideration. SIRT vehicles are equipped with ADA-compliant features, including wheelchair lifts.

The lack of robust public transit significantly impacts the Breast Cancer Score. Reliance on personal vehicles or limited demand-response services creates a barrier to healthcare access for individuals without access to a car or those unable to drive due to illness or treatment side effects.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Cross Plains area, but their availability is often limited, especially in rural areas. The reliability of these services can be unpredictable, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, especially for frequent appointments.

Medical transportation services, such as those provided by local ambulance companies or specialized medical transport providers, offer a more reliable option for patients needing transportation to and from medical appointments. These services are often equipped to handle patients with mobility limitations and can provide assistance with getting in and out of vehicles. However, medical transportation services can be expensive and may require prior authorization from insurance companies.

**Medical Transport Brands**

Several medical transportation brands serve the Cross Plains area, including local ambulance services and private medical transport companies. These providers offer various levels of service, from basic transportation to stretcher transport and specialized medical care during transit.

**Factors Impacting the Score**

The Breast Cancer Score for ZIP code 47017 is negatively impacted by several factors. The rural location of Cross Plains limits access to specialized healthcare facilities. The reliance on personal vehicles for transportation creates a barrier for individuals without cars or those unable to drive. The limited public transit options and the variable availability of ride-sharing services further complicate healthcare access.

**Moving to Cross Plains: Healthcare Considerations**

For individuals considering moving to Cross Plains, the availability and accessibility of healthcare, particularly for breast cancer, should be a primary concern. Prospective residents should carefully evaluate their transportation needs and the availability of reliable transportation options.

Individuals with a history of breast cancer or those at high risk should research the proximity of cancer centers and the ease of accessing them. Understanding the transportation options and their limitations is crucial for ensuring timely access to diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care.

**Conclusion**

The Breast Cancer Score for ZIP code 47017 reflects the challenges and opportunities associated with accessing healthcare in a rural setting. While the area offers a peaceful lifestyle, the limited transportation options and the distance to specialized cancer centers create significant hurdles for patients.

The score highlights the importance of careful planning and consideration for individuals considering moving to Cross Plains, emphasizing the need to prioritize healthcare access and transportation options when making this important life decision. Improving healthcare access in rural communities like Cross Plains requires a multi-faceted approach, including expanding public transit options, increasing the availability of ride-sharing services, and supporting the development of telehealth services.