47715, Evansville, Indiana Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 47715, Evansville, Indiana is 76 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

84.67 percent of residents in 47715 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 2.80 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Ascension St Vincent Evansville with a distance of 1.54 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 47715

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a diagnosis as life-altering as breast cancer, is a complex one. It involves more than just medical expertise; it encompasses the ease with which a patient can access treatment. This analysis, a "Breast Cancer Score" for the 47715 ZIP code in Evansville, Indiana, examines the accessibility of breast cancer-related healthcare, focusing on transportation options, a critical element in navigating the healthcare landscape. This is particularly relevant for individuals considering moving to Evansville, as it directly impacts their healthcare access.

The 47715 ZIP code, encompassing a significant portion of the city, presents a varied transportation terrain. Understanding the available options is paramount for anyone facing a breast cancer diagnosis. The ability to reach appointments, chemotherapy sessions, and follow-up care is a fundamental aspect of successful treatment. This score aims to illuminate the challenges and opportunities within this specific geographic area.

**Driving the Healthcare Journey:**

For many residents, the primary mode of transportation is the personal vehicle. The road network within and around 47715 is relatively well-developed, offering several routes to major healthcare facilities. Drive times, however, can fluctuate significantly depending on traffic and the time of day.

Accessing the major healthcare hubs, such as Deaconess Midtown Hospital, Deaconess Gateway Hospital, and Ascension St. Vincent Evansville, requires navigating key thoroughfares. Traveling from central 47715, a drive to Deaconess Midtown Hospital often involves using **US-41** or **North First Avenue**. Expect a drive time of approximately 10-15 minutes under normal traffic conditions.

Reaching Deaconess Gateway Hospital, located further south, necessitates traveling on **US-41** or **Interstate 69**. This journey could take anywhere from 15-25 minutes, depending on the specific location within 47715 and the traffic flow on the interstate. Similarly, accessing Ascension St. Vincent Evansville often involves using **US-41** or **East Morgan Avenue**, with drive times mirroring those to Deaconess Midtown.

The availability of parking at these facilities is another factor to consider. While all three hospitals offer ample parking, navigating parking garages or finding a convenient spot can be challenging, especially for patients undergoing treatment or experiencing mobility issues. The Breast Cancer Score will factor in the ease of parking and the availability of accessible parking spaces.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public transportation in Evansville, provided by the Metropolitan Evansville Transit System (METS), offers a more limited scope for healthcare access. While METS provides bus routes throughout the city, their frequency and coverage can be a significant hurdle for patients needing regular medical appointments.

Several METS routes service the 47715 area, but the direct routes to major hospitals are often indirect and may require transfers. For instance, a patient living in the northern part of 47715 might need to take Route 10 or Route 14, then transfer to a route that gets them closer to a hospital. This can significantly increase travel time, potentially adding an hour or more to the journey.

METS buses are equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, including ramps and designated seating areas for individuals with disabilities. However, the limited frequency of service, particularly on evenings and weekends, poses a challenge for patients needing appointments outside of standard business hours. The Breast Cancer Score will assess the accessibility of METS routes to key healthcare facilities, considering frequency, travel time, and ADA compliance.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer another transportation option, particularly for those who do not drive or prefer not to. These services provide on-demand transportation, offering a degree of flexibility that public transit lacks. However, the cost of ride-sharing can accumulate quickly, especially for frequent appointments.

The availability of ride-sharing services in Evansville is generally good, but wait times can vary depending on demand and the time of day. Patients should factor in potential wait times when scheduling appointments. The Breast Cancer Score will consider the cost-effectiveness and reliability of ride-sharing services for healthcare access.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer specialized assistance. These services often cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those who require assistance with medical equipment. Several medical transportation providers operate in Evansville, including local companies and national brands.

These services typically offer door-to-door transportation, ensuring patients are safely transported to and from their appointments. However, these services can be more expensive than ride-sharing or public transit. The Breast Cancer Score will evaluate the availability, cost, and reliability of medical transportation services within the 47715 ZIP code.

**The Score and Its Implications:**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for 47715 will be a composite measure, weighing the accessibility of healthcare facilities via various transportation options. It will consider drive times, public transit routes, ride-sharing availability, and medical transportation options. The score will also factor in the cost of each transportation mode, the frequency of service, and the availability of ADA-compliant features.

This analysis is not just about numbers; it's about understanding the lived experience of individuals facing a breast cancer diagnosis. It's about recognizing the importance of accessible transportation in facilitating timely treatment, reducing stress, and improving the overall quality of life.

For those considering moving to Evansville, this score provides valuable insights into the healthcare landscape. It highlights the importance of considering transportation options when choosing a place to live, particularly for individuals with pre-existing health conditions or those at risk of developing breast cancer.

The ultimate goal of this Breast Cancer Score is to empower individuals with the information they need to make informed decisions about their healthcare and their living environment. By understanding the transportation challenges and opportunities within 47715, patients can better navigate their healthcare journey and access the care they need. The Breast Cancer Score is a tool for advocacy, encouraging improvements in transportation infrastructure and healthcare access for all residents.