47562, Odon, Indiana Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 47562, Odon, Indiana is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

71.85 percent of residents in 47562 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.99 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Memorial Hospital And Health Care Center with a distance of 31.23 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 47562

Odon, Indiana, nestled in the heart of rural Daviess County, offers a quiet life, but when facing a breast cancer diagnosis, the serene landscape can quickly transform into a logistical challenge. This analysis, a "Breast Cancer Score," examines the accessibility of healthcare resources for residents of ZIP code 47562, focusing on transportation options to and from medical facilities equipped to diagnose and treat breast cancer. Understanding these factors is crucial for anyone considering moving to Odon, or for current residents navigating the complexities of cancer care.

The journey to healthcare in this region is largely dictated by the dominance of personal vehicles. Driving is the primary mode of transportation, a reality that significantly impacts the "Breast Cancer Score." The nearest facilities offering comprehensive breast cancer services, including mammography, biopsies, surgical oncology, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, are located in larger towns and cities.

One of the most important destinations is the **Daviess Community Hospital** in Washington, Indiana. The drive from Odon to Washington is typically a manageable one, primarily utilizing **State Road 58** and **State Road 57**. Expect a drive time of approximately 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions. This is a relatively favorable commute, providing access to a local hospital with some diagnostic capabilities. However, for advanced treatments, further travel may be necessary.

For more specialized care, residents often travel to **Evansville**, Indiana, a city offering a greater concentration of medical expertise and resources. The journey to Evansville, a larger metropolitan area, is a more significant undertaking. The primary route involves utilizing **State Road 58** east to **U.S. 41** south. This drive typically takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on traffic. This longer commute introduces additional considerations, including the cost of fuel, the physical strain of driving, and the potential for fatigue, all of which can negatively impact a patient’s well-being.

Another option is **Bloomington**, Indiana, home to the **IU Health Bloomington Hospital**. The route involves traveling north on **State Road 57** and then east on **State Road 45**. This drive is also about 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes. This hospital offers a comprehensive cancer center and a wide array of specialists.

Public transportation options in and around Odon are extremely limited. The absence of a robust public transit system significantly diminishes the "Breast Cancer Score." There are no regularly scheduled bus routes that directly connect Odon to the major medical centers in Washington, Evansville, or Bloomington. The lack of public transportation leaves individuals without a personal vehicle reliant on other, often less reliable, means of getting to their appointments.

The absence of public transit is particularly problematic for patients who are unable to drive due to their illness, treatment side effects, or physical limitations. Furthermore, the lack of ADA-accessible public transportation further exacerbates the challenges for individuals with disabilities. This lack of accessible options can lead to isolation and a reduced ability to access vital medical care.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their availability and reliability can vary. While these services offer a potential solution for transportation, the cost can quickly accumulate, especially with frequent appointments. The availability of drivers, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather, is also a concern.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to assist patients with medical appointments, offer another alternative. Several companies operate in the region, including **CareRide** and **American Medical Response (AMR)**. These services often provide door-to-door transportation, including assistance with mobility and medical equipment. However, these services can be costly, and their availability may be limited, requiring advance booking.

The "Breast Cancer Score" must also consider the impact of these transportation challenges on the patient's overall experience. The stress of long commutes, the financial burden of transportation costs, and the uncertainty of relying on ride-sharing or medical transport can all contribute to anxiety and negatively affect a patient's ability to focus on their health and well-being.

The availability of support services in Odon and the surrounding areas is another factor. While Odon itself may not have a dedicated cancer center, support groups, and patient navigators can be found in the larger cities. Accessing these resources requires transportation, further emphasizing the importance of reliable and affordable options.

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Odon (47562) is therefore significantly influenced by the limitations in transportation options. The reliance on personal vehicles, the lack of public transit, and the variable availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services all contribute to a lower score. This means that residents of Odon face greater challenges in accessing timely and convenient breast cancer care compared to those living in areas with more robust transportation infrastructure.

For individuals considering moving to Odon, this analysis highlights the importance of carefully evaluating their transportation needs. Those without access to a personal vehicle, or those who anticipate needing frequent medical appointments, should consider the potential challenges of accessing healthcare resources.

Ultimately, improving the "Breast Cancer Score" for Odon requires addressing the transportation gaps. This could involve advocating for expanded public transit options, promoting ride-sharing programs, and ensuring the availability of affordable medical transportation services. Such initiatives would significantly improve healthcare access for residents of 47562, particularly those facing the challenges of a breast cancer diagnosis.