47586, Tell City, Indiana Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 47586, Tell City, Indiana is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

73.79 percent of residents in 47586 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.16 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Perry County Memorial Hospital with a distance of 0.83 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Tell City, Indiana (ZIP Code 47586)

The decision to relocate, especially with healthcare needs in mind, is a complex one. This assessment, focusing on breast cancer care access, provides a snapshot of transportation options and potential challenges for residents of Tell City, Indiana (ZIP Code 47586). We’ll explore the landscape of transportation, from driving times to public transit and ride-sharing, to help inform your decision.

The journey to healthcare in Tell City, a town nestled along the Ohio River, is primarily defined by its geographic location. While the community offers local healthcare services, specialized treatments often necessitate travel to larger medical centers. The accessibility of these centers, and the ease with which one can reach them, becomes paramount when considering a move, particularly for those facing or at risk of breast cancer.

Driving, the dominant mode of transportation in this region, presents both advantages and disadvantages. The primary artery connecting Tell City to the outside world is **Indiana State Road 66**. This east-west thoroughfare provides access to nearby towns and cities. Heading east, **State Road 66** connects to **US-231**, a major north-south route, which in turn leads to larger medical hubs like Owensboro, Kentucky, approximately a 45-minute drive.

The drive to Evansville, Indiana, home to several comprehensive cancer centers, is a more significant undertaking. The most direct route involves taking **State Road 66** west, merging onto **US-60** in Kentucky, and then crossing the Ohio River via the **US-41** bridge into Evansville. This journey can take between one hour and fifteen minutes to one hour and forty-five minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

The condition of the roads, especially during inclement weather, can significantly impact drive times. Winter weather, with its potential for snow and ice, necessitates careful planning and may require adjusting travel schedules. The relative remoteness of Tell City also means that even minor traffic incidents can cause delays, particularly on the less-traveled roads.

Public transportation options in Tell City are limited. There is no established public bus system within the town itself. The closest county-level transit services, such as those offered by Perry County, may provide limited transportation options. These services, however, are often demand-response, requiring advance booking and may not be readily available for urgent medical appointments.

The absence of robust public transportation presents a challenge for individuals who cannot or prefer not to drive. This underscores the importance of considering alternative options, such as ride-sharing services, when evaluating healthcare access.

Ride-sharing services, like Uber and Lyft, are available in Tell City, but their availability can be unpredictable. Demand fluctuates, and wait times can vary, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Relying solely on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments could be problematic, and it is advisable to investigate the reliability of these services before making any relocation decisions.

Medical transportation services offer a specialized solution for patients requiring assistance with transportation to and from medical appointments. These services, which may include non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), are designed to accommodate individuals with mobility limitations or those who require assistance.

Several medical transport providers operate in the region. These services often require advance booking, and it's crucial to research the specific services offered, including the types of vehicles available (wheelchair-accessible, for example) and the geographical areas covered. The cost of these services can vary, and it is essential to determine whether they are covered by insurance.

For individuals considering a move to Tell City, the availability of medical transport services is a critical factor. The ability to secure reliable transportation for regular appointments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, is essential for maintaining continuity of care.

Healthcare access is not merely about the presence of medical facilities; it also encompasses the ability to reach those facilities. The "Breast Cancer Score" for Tell City, therefore, must factor in the transportation challenges. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the potential variability of ride-sharing services all contribute to the overall assessment.

The availability of specialized breast cancer care in Tell City itself is limited. The local hospital, Perry County Memorial Hospital, offers some diagnostic services, but more complex treatments typically require travel to larger medical centers in Evansville or Owensboro.

The presence of comprehensive cancer centers in Evansville, such as the Evansville Cancer Center and the Deaconess Cancer Center, is a significant advantage. These centers offer a full spectrum of breast cancer treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and access to clinical trials. However, the distance and transportation challenges must be carefully considered.

For individuals with breast cancer or at high risk, the ability to access these specialized services is crucial. The need for frequent appointments, potential side effects of treatment, and the emotional toll of the disease all underscore the importance of reliable and convenient transportation.

When evaluating the "Breast Cancer Score" for Tell City, the following factors should be carefully considered: the drive times to the nearest comprehensive cancer centers; the reliability of personal transportation; the availability and cost of ride-sharing and medical transport services; and the availability of support services, such as patient navigation programs, that can assist with transportation arrangements.

Moving to Tell City presents both opportunities and challenges. The town offers a close-knit community and a slower pace of life. However, the limited healthcare access, coupled with the transportation challenges, requires careful consideration, especially for those with breast cancer or other serious medical conditions. A thorough assessment of transportation options and a proactive approach to healthcare planning are essential for ensuring a positive quality of life.