47404, Bloomington, Indiana Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 47404, Bloomington, Indiana is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

85.42 percent of residents in 47404 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.15 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Indiana University Health Bloomington Hospital with a distance of 4.22 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 47404

Imagine you're considering a move to Bloomington, Indiana, ZIP code 47404. Beyond the charming college town ambiance and vibrant arts scene, a crucial factor surfaces: your access to quality healthcare, particularly if you’re a woman concerned about breast cancer. This analysis delves into the transportation landscape within and around 47404, evaluating the ease with which residents can access vital breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. We'll craft a "Breast Cancer Score" to assess the region’s healthcare access, considering drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services. This score will provide a comprehensive view of the transportation infrastructure impacting your healthcare journey.

The foundation of our score lies in understanding the primary healthcare providers specializing in breast cancer care within and near 47404. Indiana University Health (IU Health) Bloomington Hospital, a major regional medical center, anchors the healthcare landscape. Its comprehensive breast care center offers a full spectrum of services, from mammograms and biopsies to surgery and oncology. Other crucial facilities include the Southern Indiana Physicians network, which offers screening and diagnostic services. These facilities, their proximity, and the ease of reaching them become critical components of our evaluation.

The most common mode of transportation for residents of 47404 is the personal vehicle. Therefore, drive times to key healthcare facilities significantly influence our score. From the heart of 47404, navigating to IU Health Bloomington Hospital typically involves a short drive, often less than 10 minutes, depending on traffic. The primary routes used are the busy East Third Street, or if traveling from the west side of town, the more direct West Second Street. Traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, can extend these times, impacting healthcare access.

Beyond IU Health, residents might need to travel to other specialized centers. This could involve journeys on the major thoroughfares like State Road 37, which connects Bloomington to Indianapolis. This trip can take upwards of an hour depending on traffic. Accessing facilities in Indianapolis, such as the Simon Cancer Center at IU Health University Hospital, becomes a significant factor, especially for advanced treatments or specialized consultations. Understanding the time commitment for these longer trips is crucial for the overall score.

Public transportation presents another facet of our evaluation. Bloomington Transit (BT) operates a network of bus routes serving the city. Several routes, including the 3, 6, and 9, offer service near IU Health Bloomington Hospital and other medical facilities. The accessibility of these routes, including the frequency of service and the availability of ADA-compliant features, is a key consideration. The convenience of public transit, especially for those without personal vehicles or those seeking to avoid parking hassles, contributes to the overall score.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, have become increasingly prevalent in Bloomington. Their availability, pricing, and reliability directly impact healthcare access. For individuals unable to drive or lacking access to public transit, ride-sharing becomes a vital link to medical appointments. Factors like surge pricing during peak hours or the availability of rides at early morning or late-night appointments are important considerations. The dependability of these services can significantly influence the Breast Cancer Score.

Medical transport services, specifically designed to assist patients with medical needs, also play a role. Companies like Care Ride and others offer specialized transportation for individuals requiring assistance. These services often provide door-to-door transport, including wheelchair accessibility and trained staff. Assessing the availability, cost, and geographical coverage of these services is crucial, particularly for individuals with mobility limitations or those undergoing treatment that affects their ability to drive.

The Breast Cancer Score will be constructed by assigning points based on several criteria. Drive times to key facilities will receive the highest weight, reflecting the primary mode of transportation. Public transit access, including route frequency and ADA compliance, will earn a moderate score. Ride-sharing and medical transport availability will be weighted based on their reliability, cost, and accessibility. The final score will represent a composite assessment of healthcare access in 47404.

The score will be presented on a scale, with higher scores indicating better access to breast cancer care. A high score suggests convenient access to healthcare facilities, multiple transportation options, and reliable services. A lower score would indicate challenges, such as longer drive times, limited public transit, or unreliable ride-sharing options. This score will provide a valuable tool for individuals considering a move to Bloomington, enabling them to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

Finally, the Breast Cancer Score is not just a numerical value; it’s a reflection of the community’s commitment to healthcare access. It highlights the importance of considering transportation infrastructure when assessing the livability of a region. For someone contemplating moving to Bloomington, this score offers a tangible understanding of the challenges and opportunities related to accessing vital breast cancer care, ultimately empowering them to make an informed choice about their healthcare journey in 47404. The score will evolve as transportation and healthcare access changes, allowing for continuous improvement.