40489, Waynesburg, Kentucky Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 40489, Waynesburg, Kentucky is 34 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

45.76 percent of residents in 40489 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.36 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Ephraim Mcdowell Fort Logan Hospital with a distance of 13.20 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Waynesburg, Kentucky (ZIP Code 40489)

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a diagnosis as life-altering as breast cancer, is a complex equation. It’s not simply about the availability of medical professionals; it’s a tapestry woven with threads of transportation, accessibility, and the practical realities of reaching the care you need. This analysis, focusing on ZIP code 40489 (Waynesburg, Kentucky), provides a "Breast Cancer Score" – a holistic assessment of the challenges and opportunities facing residents seeking breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. This score considers the crucial element of *transportation* and its impact on *healthcare access*, making this information essential for anyone *moving to Waynesburg* or already residing there.

Waynesburg, a small town nestled in Lincoln County, Kentucky, presents unique challenges in terms of healthcare access. The rural nature of the area means residents often face longer travel times to reach specialized medical facilities. This is particularly relevant for breast cancer care, which often necessitates frequent appointments for screenings, biopsies, treatments, and follow-up care. The "Breast Cancer Score" aims to illuminate these realities, providing a clearer picture of the healthcare landscape.

The primary determinant of the score is the estimated travel time to the nearest facilities offering comprehensive breast cancer services. This includes mammography, diagnostic imaging (ultrasound, MRI), surgical oncology, radiation therapy, and medical oncology. The nearest facilities offering a full spectrum of care are primarily located in larger cities like Lexington and Danville.

Driving from Waynesburg to Lexington, the location of the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center, typically involves a journey of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic. The primary route is via US-150 East, which merges onto US-27 North, and then onto the Bluegrass Parkway (KY-9002) before reaching Lexington. The final leg often involves navigating the bustling city streets to reach the medical center.

Traveling to Danville, where Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center provides some breast cancer services, is a shorter trip. The drive, primarily via US-127 North, takes roughly 30 to 45 minutes. However, the scope of services offered in Danville may be more limited than those available in Lexington, potentially necessitating further travel for certain treatments or specialized expertise.

The "Breast Cancer Score" considers the reliability of these *transportation* options. Road conditions, especially during inclement weather, can significantly impact travel times. Winter weather, with its potential for snow and ice, can make the roads treacherous, delaying or even preventing access to vital appointments. The score will reflect this vulnerability.

Public *transportation* options in Waynesburg are limited. Lincoln County does not have a public bus system. The closest public *transportation* options are in Danville, with the Danville Transit System. This system operates on fixed routes, and may offer limited accessibility for residents of Waynesburg. The feasibility of using public *transportation* for breast cancer care is therefore severely restricted.

The Danville Transit System offers ADA-accessible buses, but the lack of routes serving Waynesburg makes this a moot point for most residents. Even if a resident could reach Danville, the frequency and schedule of the buses may not align with the demanding schedule of medical appointments.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their availability and reliability can vary. The cost of ride-sharing for frequent medical appointments can be a significant financial burden. The "Breast Cancer Score" takes into account the potential financial strain of relying on ride-sharing, especially for those with limited incomes or insurance coverage.

Medical *transportation* services, such as those offered by MedTrans, are available, but they are typically reserved for individuals with specific medical needs or those who qualify for assistance programs. These services can be a lifeline for those unable to drive or access other forms of *transportation*. The score will reflect the availability and accessibility of these specialized services.

The "Breast Cancer Score" also considers the availability of support services within Waynesburg. This includes access to support groups, patient navigators, and financial assistance programs. These resources can help patients navigate the complex healthcare system and alleviate some of the burdens associated with a breast cancer diagnosis.

The score also considers the age and health of the patient. Elderly patients or those with mobility issues may face greater challenges in accessing care. The score takes into account the specific needs of vulnerable populations.

The "Breast Cancer Score" isn't just a number; it's a reflection of the realities faced by individuals in Waynesburg dealing with breast cancer. It highlights the importance of *transportation* in determining *healthcare access*. For someone *moving to Waynesburg*, understanding these factors is crucial.

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Waynesburg (40489) is influenced by several factors. The primary challenge is the distance to comprehensive breast cancer care facilities. The limited public *transportation* options and the potential financial burden of ride-sharing further complicate the situation. While medical *transportation* services offer a lifeline for some, they are not universally available.

The score considers the availability of support services within Waynesburg, which can help patients navigate the complex healthcare system.

The score is dynamic, and it can be improved by focusing on strategies to address these challenges. This could include advocating for expanded public *transportation* options, exploring partnerships with ride-sharing services to provide discounted rates for medical appointments, and increasing awareness of available financial assistance programs.

The "Breast Cancer Score" serves as a call to action. It underscores the importance of addressing *transportation* barriers to ensure that all residents of Waynesburg, Kentucky, have equitable *healthcare access* to the life-saving care they need. For those *moving to Waynesburg*, this information is critical in making informed decisions about their healthcare.