40115, Custer, Kentucky Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 40115, Custer, Kentucky is 22 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

25.45 percent of residents in 40115 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.41 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Breckinridge Memorial Hospital with a distance of 11.82 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 40115

The journey to healthcare, particularly for those facing a breast cancer diagnosis, is a complex one. It involves not only the emotional and physical toll of the disease itself, but also the practicalities of accessing timely and appropriate medical care. This write-up examines the landscape of **transportation** options and **healthcare access** within and around ZIP code 40115, offering a "Breast Cancer Score" assessment, a hypothetical metric that considers the ease and efficiency with which individuals can reach essential medical services. We'll consider the challenges and opportunities for those **moving to Custer**, Kentucky, and the surrounding area, ensuring they can make informed decisions about their healthcare journey.

ZIP code 40115 encompasses the charming, rural community of Custer, nestled in Breckinridge County. While the area offers a sense of peace and tranquility, it also presents unique challenges when it comes to healthcare access. Proximity to specialized medical facilities, particularly those offering comprehensive breast cancer care, is a critical factor in our assessment.

The primary determinant of our Breast Cancer Score is the accessibility of breast cancer-specific services. This includes mammography, diagnostic imaging (ultrasound, MRI), surgical oncology, medical oncology (chemotherapy), radiation oncology, and supportive care services like physical therapy and counseling. The presence of these services within a reasonable travel distance significantly impacts the score.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The primary mode of **transportation** in this region is, undoubtedly, the personal vehicle. The most direct route out of Custer, Kentucky, is via Kentucky Highway 86. This road, while scenic, can be winding and, at times, congested, particularly during peak travel hours. Driving east on KY-86 leads to Brandenburg, Kentucky, a town with some basic medical facilities, but often lacking the specialized services required for comprehensive breast cancer treatment.

To access more advanced care, residents of 40115 will likely need to travel to larger cities such as Louisville or Elizabethtown. The most efficient route to Louisville involves heading east on KY-86 to the Western Kentucky Parkway, a toll road that provides a faster, more direct route to the city. The drive to Louisville, depending on traffic, can take anywhere from one to two hours.

Alternatively, a trip south on KY-86 to US-60 will take you to Elizabethtown. This route, while shorter in distance, often involves navigating slower-moving traffic and may take a similar amount of time as the drive to Louisville. The drive to Elizabethtown is approximately 45 minutes to an hour.

The condition of the roads, particularly during inclement weather, is a significant consideration. Snow and ice can make travel treacherous, potentially delaying or preventing access to critical medical appointments.

**Public Transit Challenges:**

Public **transportation** options in 40115 are extremely limited. There is no established bus route within the immediate area. This lack of public **transportation** presents a significant barrier to **healthcare access**, especially for individuals who do not own a vehicle, cannot drive due to medical conditions, or have limited financial resources.

The absence of reliable public transit is a major factor in the Breast Cancer Score. Individuals reliant on public **transportation** face significant challenges in attending regular appointments, undergoing treatment, and accessing supportive care services.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Louisville area, but their availability in Custer and the surrounding areas is more sporadic. Even if available, the cost of ride-sharing for frequent medical appointments can be prohibitive.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are another option. Several companies operate in the region, including First Medical Transportation and American Medical Response. These services often cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those who require assistance during travel. However, these services can also be expensive and may require advance booking.

**Healthcare Facilities and Services:**

The availability of breast cancer-specific services in the immediate vicinity of 40115 is limited. Residents typically need to travel to larger cities to access comprehensive care.

In Louisville, major hospitals like Norton Cancer Institute and the James Graham Brown Cancer Center offer a full spectrum of breast cancer services, including advanced diagnostic imaging, surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and supportive care. Elizabethtown has the Hardin Memorial Hospital, which has a cancer center.

The Breast Cancer Score reflects the need for travel to access specialized care. The longer the travel time, the lower the score.

**ADA Accessibility:**

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that public **transportation** and public facilities be accessible to individuals with disabilities. While this ensures that buses and medical facilities are designed to accommodate individuals with mobility limitations, the lack of readily available public transit in 40115 presents a significant challenge.

**The Breast Cancer Score for 40115:**

Considering all factors, the Breast Cancer Score for 40115 is moderate to low. The primary challenge is the lack of local access to specialized breast cancer services. The reliance on personal vehicles for **transportation** and the limited availability of public transit, ride-sharing, and medical **transportation** services pose significant barriers to **healthcare access**.

The score is further impacted by the potential for inclement weather to disrupt travel, the financial burden of long-distance travel and medical **transportation**, and the challenges faced by individuals without access to a personal vehicle.

**Recommendations for Improvement:**

To improve the Breast Cancer Score, several steps could be taken:

* **Increase public transit options:** Implementing a local bus route or partnering with existing regional **transportation** services to provide transportation to medical appointments.
* **Expand medical transport services:** Increasing the availability and affordability of medical **transportation** services in the area.
* **Promote telehealth:** Encouraging the use of telehealth services for follow-up appointments, consultations, and supportive care.
* **Community outreach:** Educating residents about available resources, including financial assistance programs for **transportation** and medical care.

**Conclusion:**

For individuals considering **moving to Custer** or the surrounding area, understanding the **healthcare access** landscape is crucial. While the community offers a tranquil lifestyle, the distance to specialized medical services and the limited **transportation** options pose challenges for those facing a breast cancer diagnosis. Careful planning, consideration of all available resources, and proactive engagement with the healthcare system are essential for navigating the journey to treatment and recovery. The Breast Cancer Score serves as a reminder of the importance of accessible healthcare and the need for continued efforts to improve **transportation** options and support services for all residents of 40115.