42332, Cleaton, Kentucky Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 42332, Cleaton, Kentucky is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

69.44 percent of residents in 42332 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.56 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Owensboro Health Muhlenberg Community Hospital with a distance of 6.66 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 42332**

Navigating a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment plan is a formidable challenge, compounded by the complexities of accessing quality healthcare. This analysis provides a "Breast Cancer Score" for residents of ZIP Code 42332 (Cleaton, Kentucky), focusing on the critical element of *transportation* to medical facilities. The score considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and specialized medical transport, ultimately painting a picture of *healthcare access* for those facing this life-altering disease.

The Breast Cancer Score is not a definitive medical assessment but rather a gauge of the practical hurdles in reaching essential care. The score is designed to inform potential residents considering *moving to Cleaton*, or current residents seeking to understand their access to vital services.

**Drive Time Analysis**

The primary determinant of the Breast Cancer Score is the accessibility of comprehensive breast cancer care via personal vehicle. ZIP Code 42332 is predominantly rural, necessitating reliance on automobiles for most journeys. The nearest facilities equipped for mammograms, biopsies, and potentially chemotherapy or surgery are located in larger towns and cities.

Traveling to Owensboro, approximately 20 miles east, represents the most common destination for specialized care. The drive primarily involves Kentucky Route 62 (KY-62), a two-lane highway that can experience moderate traffic during peak hours. Under ideal conditions, the drive to Owensboro Health Regional Hospital, a major healthcare provider, takes roughly 30-40 minutes. This drive time is a moderate challenge, offering a reasonable window for patients to reach appointments and receive timely care.

Alternatively, Louisville, a major metropolitan area, offers a wider array of specialized cancer centers. However, the commute is significantly longer. The journey requires traversing the Western Kentucky Parkway (WK Parkway) or the Pennyrile Parkway (I-69), then connecting to I-65 North. The total distance is approximately 120 miles, translating to a drive time of approximately two hours. This extended travel time poses a considerable burden, potentially impacting a patient's energy levels, ability to attend appointments, and overall well-being.

Further afield, Nashville, Tennessee, is another option, particularly for specialized treatments. The drive involves taking the Western Kentucky Parkway (WK Parkway) to I-24 West. The distance is about 150 miles, resulting in a drive time of approximately two and a half hours. This lengthy journey further exacerbates the *transportation* challenges.

**Public Transit Assessment**

Public *transportation* options in ZIP Code 42332 are extremely limited. The area lacks a robust public transit system, making it difficult for individuals without personal vehicles to access healthcare. This deficiency significantly lowers the Breast Cancer Score.

While Owensboro offers a limited bus service, the routes do not directly serve Cleaton. Even if a connection could be made, the travel time would be significantly increased, and the frequency of service is not conducive to timely medical appointments.

Furthermore, the absence of ADA-accessible public transit in the immediate vicinity poses a significant barrier for patients with mobility limitations. Many individuals undergoing breast cancer treatment experience fatigue, weakness, or other physical challenges, making the absence of accessible public *transportation* a critical concern.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport Evaluation**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Owensboro and Louisville, but their presence in Cleaton is less reliable. Securing a ride on short notice, especially for early morning appointments or after treatments, is not guaranteed. The cost of ride-sharing can also accumulate, becoming a financial burden for patients facing significant medical expenses.

Medical *transportation* services offer a more specialized option. Companies like MedStar and American Medical Response (AMR) provide non-emergency medical *transportation*, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. However, these services often require advance booking and can be expensive, particularly for frequent appointments.

The availability of medical *transportation* adds a slight positive element to the Breast Cancer Score, but its limited scope and cost considerations temper its impact.

**Breast Cancer Score Summary and Recommendations**

Based on the analysis, the Breast Cancer Score for ZIP Code 42332 reflects moderate *healthcare access*. The primary challenge lies in the reliance on personal vehicles for accessing specialized care. The drive times to Owensboro are manageable, but the longer commutes to Louisville and Nashville significantly impact the accessibility of treatment. The absence of public transit and the limited availability of ride-sharing and medical *transportation* further complicate the situation.

For residents of Cleaton facing a breast cancer diagnosis, several recommendations can help mitigate the *transportation* challenges:

* **Establish a Support Network:** Rely on family, friends, or community organizations for rides to appointments.
* **Explore Medical *Transportation*:** Investigate the availability and cost of medical *transportation* services, and book appointments well in advance.
* **Consider Proximity:** When possible, seek care at facilities closer to home, such as Owensboro.
* **Advocate for Improved Services:** Encourage local authorities to explore options for expanding public *transportation* or ride-sharing services, particularly for medical appointments.
* **Plan Ahead:** Coordinate appointments to minimize travel time and maximize efficiency.

The Breast Cancer Score for ZIP Code 42332 highlights the critical link between *transportation* and *healthcare access*. While the region offers some options for accessing care, the limitations in public transit and the distances to specialized facilities present significant challenges for individuals navigating the complexities of breast cancer treatment. This information is vital for residents and those considering *moving to Cleaton*, as it underscores the importance of planning and resourcefulness in securing timely and effective care.