47528, Edwardsport, Indiana Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 47528, Edwardsport, Indiana is 35 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

60.61 percent of residents in 47528 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.49 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Daviess Community Hospital with a distance of 12.19 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Edwardsport, Indiana (ZIP Code 47528)**

The journey to quality breast cancer care in Edwardsport, Indiana (ZIP code 47528), is a crucial factor for anyone considering a move or already residing in this community. Evaluating the accessibility of healthcare, particularly for a disease demanding timely intervention, necessitates a comprehensive assessment of transportation options. This "Breast Cancer Score" delves into the realities of commuting, analyzing drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services available to residents. Understanding these nuances is paramount in ensuring residents can navigate the complexities of diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care with relative ease.

Edwardsport, a small town nestled in Knox County, presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. Its rural setting often translates to longer travel distances to specialized medical facilities. This is a significant consideration for individuals facing a breast cancer diagnosis, as timely access to oncologists, surgeons, radiation therapists, and support services can dramatically impact treatment outcomes and overall well-being. The evaluation of transportation options becomes a critical component of the overall "Breast Cancer Score."

**Driving Times: The Backbone of Commuting**

For many Edwardsport residents, personal vehicles are the primary mode of transportation. Assessing drive times to key healthcare providers forms the foundation of understanding healthcare access. The primary routes connecting Edwardsport to larger cities with advanced medical facilities are crucial.

Traveling to Vincennes, Indiana, approximately 20 miles west, is a common route. The most direct path involves taking **Indiana State Road 58** west. The drive typically takes around 30 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions. Vincennes is home to Good Samaritan Hospital, a regional healthcare provider, which offers diagnostic imaging, surgical services, and some cancer care.

For more specialized care, residents often travel to Terre Haute, Indiana, approximately 70 miles north. The most efficient route involves taking **Indiana State Road 58** west to **U.S. Route 41** north. The drive can take approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Terre Haute is home to several hospitals, including Union Hospital, which offers comprehensive cancer care services, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Indianapolis, approximately 120 miles northeast, is another destination for specialized cancer treatment. The route involves taking **Indiana State Road 58** east to **U.S. Route 41** north, then connecting to **Interstate 70** east. The drive can take approximately 2 hours to 2 hours and 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Indianapolis boasts numerous hospitals, including the Indiana University Health system, which offers cutting-edge cancer research and treatment.

These drive times highlight the importance of personal vehicle ownership and the potential challenges for individuals without access to a car. The time commitment required for regular appointments, treatments, and follow-up care can be significant, impacting quality of life and potentially adding to the stress of a cancer diagnosis.

**Public Transit: Limited Options, Limited Accessibility**

Public transportation options in Edwardsport and the surrounding area are extremely limited. This presents a significant barrier to healthcare access for individuals who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle. There are no readily available local bus routes or fixed-route public transit systems that serve Edwardsport directly.

The lack of public transportation necessitates reliance on alternative methods, such as ride-sharing services or medical transportation. The absence of accessible public transit underscores the importance of exploring all available options and planning ahead for medical appointments and treatments. The lack of ADA-compliant features on any existing public transit options further exacerbates the challenges for individuals with disabilities.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in some areas, but their availability in Edwardsport is uncertain. Their presence can vary depending on driver availability and demand. The reliability of ride-sharing for medical appointments can be questionable, as wait times and driver availability are not always predictable.

Medical transportation services, designed specifically for patients needing assistance getting to and from medical appointments, are available in the area. These services often provide door-to-door transportation, including assistance with mobility and luggage. Several medical transport companies serve Knox County and surrounding areas.

**Medical Transport Brands:**

* **Care Transportation:** Offers non-emergency medical transportation services, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
* **American Medical Response (AMR):** Provides ambulance and non-emergency medical transportation services, including stretcher transport.
* **Local Ambulance Services:** Several local ambulance services offer non-emergency medical transport.

These services can be a valuable resource for individuals with mobility limitations or those who cannot drive. However, the cost of medical transportation can be a significant financial burden, and availability may be limited, especially during peak hours or for appointments scheduled on short notice.

**Healthcare Access: A Multifaceted Challenge**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Edwardsport, Indiana, reveals a complex landscape of healthcare access. While driving times to nearby cities are manageable, the lack of public transportation and the reliance on ride-sharing or medical transport present significant challenges for some residents. The cost and availability of these alternative transportation options can be a barrier to care, particularly for low-income individuals or those with limited mobility.

When considering moving to Edwardsport, prospective residents should carefully evaluate their transportation needs and healthcare requirements. Individuals with a history of breast cancer or those at high risk should prioritize access to comprehensive cancer care services. They should also assess their ability to navigate the transportation options available, including the cost and reliability of ride-sharing and medical transport services.

**Conclusion: A Call for Community Support**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Edwardsport highlights the importance of community support and advocacy to improve healthcare access. Efforts to expand public transportation options, increase the availability of affordable medical transportation, and promote awareness of available resources are crucial. Supporting local healthcare providers and advocating for policies that prioritize healthcare access are essential steps in ensuring that all residents of Edwardsport, regardless of their circumstances, can receive the timely and comprehensive care they need. This is especially critical for those facing the challenges of a breast cancer diagnosis.