42276, Russellville, Kentucky Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 42276, Russellville, Kentucky is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

62.49 percent of residents in 42276 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.21 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Logan Memorial Hospital with a distance of 2.27 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Russellville, KY (ZIP Code 42276)

The journey to healthcare, particularly for those facing the complexities of breast cancer, is more than just a medical appointment. It's a logistical undertaking, a test of resilience, and a significant factor in overall well-being. This analysis provides a "Breast Cancer Score" for residents of Russellville, Kentucky (ZIP Code 42276), focusing on the critical element of **transportation** and its impact on **healthcare access**. For individuals considering **moving to Russellville**, this information offers a crucial perspective.

The Breast Cancer Score isn't a numerical value, but rather a comprehensive assessment of the challenges and opportunities surrounding breast cancer care within this specific geographic area. It considers the availability and accessibility of various **transportation** options to medical facilities offering diagnostic services, treatment, and support. This includes drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services.

Russellville, a charming city in Logan County, Kentucky, presents a unique landscape for healthcare navigation. While offering a close-knit community, its rural setting presents challenges in **healthcare access**, particularly for specialized care like breast cancer treatment. The score reflects the reality that the journey to optimal care often extends beyond the city limits.

**Driving Times and Roadways: The Primary Route**

For most Russellville residents, personal vehicles are the primary mode of **transportation** to healthcare appointments. The primary artery connecting Russellville to significant medical centers is the Western Kentucky Parkway (WK Parkway). Traveling east on the WK Parkway, residents can reach Bowling Green, home to the Medical Center, in approximately 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic. This facility provides comprehensive cancer care, including surgical oncology, radiation therapy, and medical oncology.

Alternatively, the Pennyrile Parkway offers a route south towards Hopkinsville, where Jennie Stuart Medical Center offers some cancer services. The drive time to Hopkinsville is roughly 30-45 minutes. While closer geographically, the scope of services may be more limited compared to the Medical Center in Bowling Green.

Navigating within Russellville itself is relatively straightforward. Local roads like US-68 and KY-79 provide access to primary care physicians and local medical offices. However, these facilities often serve as referral points for specialized breast cancer care, necessitating travel to larger medical centers.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public **transportation** options in Russellville are extremely limited, posing a significant barrier to **healthcare access** for those without personal vehicles. The Logan County Transit Authority (LCTA) provides a demand-response service, meaning rides must be scheduled in advance. This service is not specifically designed for medical appointments and may have limited operating hours and availability.

The LCTA may offer limited **transportation** to medical facilities within Russellville and potentially to neighboring towns. However, the lack of fixed routes and the need for advance scheduling make it a less reliable option for frequent appointments, especially those requiring timely arrival for chemotherapy or radiation treatments. The availability of ADA-compliant vehicles is a crucial consideration for individuals with mobility challenges.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gap**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Russellville, but their reliability and cost can vary. Availability is often contingent on driver presence, which can be limited, especially during off-peak hours or for appointments scheduled early in the morning or late in the evening. This can create anxiety and uncertainty for patients who depend on these services.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed for non-emergency medical needs, offer a more specialized solution. These services often provide door-to-door **transportation**, assistance with mobility, and trained personnel. Several medical **transportation** companies operate in the region, including, but not limited to, First Medical Transport and American Medical Response (AMR). However, these services can be expensive, and insurance coverage varies.

**The Impact on the Breast Cancer Score**

The Breast Cancer Score for Russellville reflects the challenges presented by the **transportation** landscape. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the potential unreliability and cost of ride-sharing and medical **transportation** services create obstacles to **healthcare access**.

This means that patients may face longer travel times, increased financial burdens, and greater stress in accessing vital medical care. The ability to attend appointments, undergo treatments, and receive supportive care is directly impacted by these factors.

**Considerations for Moving to Russellville**

For individuals considering **moving to Russellville**, the **transportation** challenges should be a significant consideration, especially if they have a history of breast cancer or are at high risk. Proximity to a major medical center with comprehensive cancer care is crucial. The ability to drive independently or the availability of a reliable caregiver are essential.

Furthermore, prospective residents should investigate the availability of medical **transportation** services and understand their insurance coverage. Exploring the local support networks, including cancer support groups and patient advocacy organizations, is also highly recommended.

**Enhancing Healthcare Access: A Call to Action**

Improving the Breast Cancer Score for Russellville requires a multi-faceted approach. Expanding public **transportation** options, including dedicated routes to medical facilities, is a critical need. Partnering with ride-sharing services to provide subsidized rides for medical appointments could also be beneficial.

Raising awareness about medical **transportation** services and advocating for increased insurance coverage are also essential. Local healthcare providers should work to establish partnerships with **transportation** providers to streamline the process for patients.

Ultimately, the goal is to create a more accessible and equitable **healthcare access** system for Russellville residents, ensuring that individuals facing breast cancer can receive the care they need without the added burden of **transportation** challenges. The Breast Cancer Score serves as a starting point for understanding the complexities and advocating for positive change.