40372, Salvisa, Kentucky Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 40372, Salvisa, Kentucky is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

22.07 percent of residents in 40372 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.79 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is The James B. Haggin Memorial Hospital with a distance of 10.76 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Salvisa, Kentucky (ZIP Code 40372)

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a diagnosis like breast cancer, is a complex one. It involves not only the emotional and physical toll of the disease itself, but also the practical challenges of accessing timely and appropriate medical care. This analysis provides a "Breast Cancer Score" for residents of Salvisa, Kentucky (ZIP Code 40372), evaluating the ease of **transportation** to specialized breast cancer services. It considers drive times, public transit options, ride-share availability, and medical transport services, offering a snapshot of **healthcare access** in this rural community. For those considering **moving to Salvisa**, this information is crucial.

Salvisa, a small community nestled in Mercer County, presents unique challenges in healthcare access. While the town itself offers a sense of tranquility, the nearest comprehensive cancer centers are located in larger cities, necessitating travel. The score considers the time and effort required to reach these vital resources, recognizing that every minute and every mile can impact a patient's journey.

The primary determinant of the Breast Cancer Score is the accessibility of comprehensive breast cancer care, including diagnostic imaging (mammograms, ultrasounds, MRIs), surgical oncology, medical oncology (chemotherapy, immunotherapy), radiation therapy, and supportive services like physical therapy and counseling. The score also factors in the availability of specialists, such as breast surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and reconstructive surgeons.

**Drive Times: The Road to Recovery**

The most common mode of **transportation** for residents of Salvisa is personal vehicles. The primary routes to access breast cancer services involve navigating the roadways. The closest major city with comprehensive cancer care is Lexington, approximately 40 miles away. The most direct route typically involves traveling north on US-127, a two-lane highway that can experience moderate traffic, especially during peak hours. The drive typically takes around 50 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic conditions.

Another option involves taking US-127 north to US-68 east, then onto US-60 east before merging onto the Bluegrass Parkway (Kentucky Route 9002). This route offers a faster, more direct path to Lexington but involves tolls. The drive time is similar, approximately 50 minutes to an hour, but the toll adds an extra cost.

For those seeking care in Danville, Kentucky, approximately 25 miles southwest of Salvisa, the drive time is significantly shorter. The most direct route involves traveling south on US-127, which takes about 30 to 40 minutes. Danville offers some basic cancer services, including medical oncology and radiation therapy, which could be a more convenient option for certain treatments.

The drive times to Lexington and Danville are significant, demanding careful planning for appointments, treatments, and follow-up care. These distances can be particularly challenging for patients who are experiencing fatigue, nausea, or other side effects of treatment.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public **transportation** options in Salvisa are extremely limited. Mercer County does not have a robust public transit system. The absence of regular bus routes presents a significant barrier to **healthcare access** for those who do not own a vehicle or are unable to drive.

The Lexington Transit Authority (Lextran) offers limited service to Mercer County, but routes are infrequent and do not directly serve Salvisa. This option is not considered a viable solution for patients needing regular appointments or treatment. The lack of ADA-compliant buses further restricts access for individuals with mobility limitations.

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

Ride-share services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Salvisa, but their reliability and cost can vary. The availability of drivers, particularly during off-peak hours or for longer trips to Lexington, is not guaranteed. The cost of ride-share services can also be a significant financial burden for patients, especially those undergoing long-term treatment.

Medical **transportation** services, such as medical car services and ambulance services, are available in the area. These services are specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments. However, they can be expensive, and their availability may be limited, especially for non-emergency appointments.

The availability of these services is crucial for patients who are unable to drive or do not have access to reliable **transportation**. However, the cost and potential limitations of these services can still pose challenges to **healthcare access**.

**The Breast Cancer Score: A Holistic Assessment**

The Breast Cancer Score for Salvisa (ZIP Code 40372) reflects the challenges and opportunities for accessing breast cancer care. The score is influenced by several factors:

* **Drive Time to Comprehensive Cancer Centers:** The longer the drive time, the lower the score.
* **Availability of Public Transit:** The lack of reliable public transit significantly lowers the score.
* **Ride-Share Availability and Cost:** The reliability and affordability of ride-share services impact the score.
* **Medical Transport Options:** The availability and cost of medical transport services are considered.
* **Availability of Local Services:** The presence of basic cancer services in nearby communities, such as Danville, improves the score.

The Breast Cancer Score is not a precise numerical value but a qualitative assessment. It highlights the complexities of **healthcare access** in Salvisa. The score considers the potential barriers to care, such as long drive times, limited public transit, and the cost of ride-share and medical transport services.

For individuals considering **moving to Salvisa**, this score provides a realistic understanding of the healthcare landscape. It emphasizes the importance of planning for **transportation** needs and considering the potential financial and logistical challenges of accessing specialized breast cancer care.

**Recommendations and Considerations**

Improving the Breast Cancer Score for Salvisa requires a multi-faceted approach. Enhancing **transportation** options is critical. This could involve advocating for expanded public transit services, exploring partnerships with ride-share companies to provide discounted rates for medical appointments, or supporting the development of community-based medical **transportation** programs.

Furthermore, increasing the availability of telehealth services could help bridge the gap in **healthcare access**, allowing patients to consult with specialists remotely. Supporting local healthcare providers to offer a wider range of services, including diagnostic imaging and chemotherapy, would also significantly improve the score.

For individuals diagnosed with breast cancer in Salvisa, proactive planning is essential. This includes establishing a reliable **transportation** plan, exploring financial assistance programs to cover the cost of **transportation** and treatment, and building a strong support network to assist with appointments and other needs. The journey to recovery is challenging, and navigating the healthcare system requires careful consideration and proactive engagement.