47712, Evansville, Indiana Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 47712, Evansville, Indiana is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

81.15 percent of residents in 47712 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 7.01 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Deaconess Hospital Inc with a distance of 4.25 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 47712**

The quest for timely breast cancer care in Evansville, Indiana, ZIP code 47712, is inextricably linked to transportation. This analysis, the "Breast Cancer Score," assesses the ease of reaching essential healthcare facilities, considering drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing services, and medical transport availability. This information is crucial for residents, particularly those newly diagnosed or considering moving to Evansville, ensuring informed decisions regarding healthcare access.

The 47712 ZIP code, encompassing a significant portion of the city, reveals a complex transportation landscape. The score considers travel times to major hospitals and cancer centers, factoring in peak traffic and geographical constraints. The score isn't a numerical value but a narrative assessment highlighting strengths and weaknesses of the transportation network.

**Driving the Diagnosis: Navigating the Roads**

Driving remains the most common mode of transportation in Evansville. The primary arteries for healthcare access are the Lloyd Expressway, the main east-west thoroughfare, and US-41, a major north-south route. These roads are vital for reaching facilities like Deaconess Midtown Hospital and the Evansville Cancer Center.

Drive times, however, are not always predictable. Rush hour, typically between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM, can significantly extend travel times. Accidents or road construction, common occurrences, can further complicate journeys.

From 47712, a drive to Deaconess Midtown Hospital, a leading cancer care provider, averages 10-20 minutes, depending on traffic. The journey primarily involves the Lloyd Expressway or, for those on the west side, a combination of local roads leading to US-41. The Evansville Cancer Center, often a destination for specialized treatments, is similarly accessible, with similar travel times.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

The Metropolitan Evansville Transit System (METS) provides public transportation within the city. However, the network's reach and frequency pose challenges for healthcare access. Bus routes, while covering a considerable area, often have limited service hours, particularly on weekends and evenings.

Specific routes servicing the 47712 area include routes 2, 4, and 6, which offer connections to healthcare facilities. Route 2, for example, travels along the Lloyd Expressway, providing access to Deaconess Midtown. Route 4 serves the west side, providing access to some clinics. Route 6 offers access to some hospitals.

ADA accessibility is a crucial factor. METS buses are equipped with ramps and other features to accommodate passengers with disabilities. However, the frequency of service and the potential for multiple transfers can still make public transit a less convenient option, especially for those undergoing treatment or experiencing mobility limitations.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a more flexible transportation alternative. They provide on-demand access to healthcare facilities, bypassing the constraints of fixed bus schedules. However, ride-sharing costs can accumulate, especially for frequent appointments.

Medical transport services, such as those offered by local ambulance companies and specialized medical transport providers, cater to individuals with significant mobility challenges. These services offer door-to-door transportation, including assistance with entering and exiting vehicles. However, these services can be expensive and require advance booking.

**The Score: A Complex Picture**

The Breast Cancer Score for 47712 reflects a mixed bag. Driving offers the most direct route to healthcare, but traffic and geographical constraints can be problematic. Public transit provides an affordable option, but limited frequency and route coverage can be a barrier. Ride-sharing and medical transport services offer flexibility, but at a higher cost.

**Healthcare Access: A Critical Consideration**

For individuals diagnosed with breast cancer, timely access to care is paramount. This includes regular appointments for diagnosis, treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy), and follow-up care. Delays in accessing care can negatively impact outcomes.

The transportation infrastructure of 47712, therefore, directly impacts the quality of life for breast cancer patients. The ease of reaching appointments, the availability of transportation options, and the associated costs all play a role in determining a patient's overall experience.

**Moving to Evansville: A Transportation Perspective**

For those considering moving to Evansville, the Breast Cancer Score provides valuable insights. Prospective residents should carefully assess the transportation options available in their chosen neighborhood, considering their individual needs and preferences. Proximity to major roads, the availability of public transit, and the accessibility of ride-sharing services are all crucial factors.

**Conclusion: A Call for Improvement**

The Breast Cancer Score for 47712 highlights the need for ongoing efforts to improve healthcare access. This includes exploring ways to enhance public transit, promoting ride-sharing initiatives, and ensuring the availability of affordable medical transport options. By addressing these transportation challenges, Evansville can better support breast cancer patients and improve their chances of successful outcomes.