39095, Lexington, Mississippi Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 39095, Lexington, Mississippi is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

41.69 percent of residents in 39095 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.21 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Holmes County Hospital And Clinics with a distance of 4.18 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Lexington, MS (ZIP Code 39095)**

The journey to healthcare, particularly for those facing the complexities of breast cancer, is often fraught with challenges beyond the diagnosis itself. In Lexington, Mississippi (ZIP code 39095), understanding the landscape of transportation options is paramount to assessing healthcare access. This write-up aims to provide a detailed analysis of the transportation infrastructure available, considering drive times, public transit, ride-share services, and medical transport options, ultimately contributing to a "Breast Cancer Score" reflecting the ease or difficulty of accessing vital medical care. For those considering moving to Lexington, this information is crucial.

The "Breast Cancer Score" is not a formal medical metric. Instead, it is a composite assessment of transportation factors influencing access to breast cancer-related healthcare services. It considers drive times to facilities offering mammograms, diagnostic imaging, surgical oncology, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. It weighs the availability and reliability of alternative transportation modes, including public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport. The score will reflect the potential burdens on patients, such as financial strain, physical limitations, and emotional stress.

**Driving the Distance: Highways and Roads**

The primary arteries for transportation in and out of Lexington are Highway 12 and Highway 14. These roadways connect Lexington to larger cities like Jackson, where comprehensive breast cancer treatment centers are located. Driving times to Jackson, approximately 60 miles away, can vary significantly depending on traffic conditions and the time of day. During peak hours, the journey can take up to 1.5 hours, while off-peak travel may average around an hour.

Highway 12, running east-west, provides a direct route to Jackson via I-220. Highway 14, running north-south, connects to Highway 49, which also leads to Jackson. The condition of these roads, including potential potholes and areas prone to flooding, can impact travel times and the safety of patients. Regular maintenance and updates are crucial for ensuring reliable transportation.

For those seeking local healthcare, the town of Lexington itself offers some limited medical services. However, for specialized breast cancer care, including surgical oncology, radiation therapy, and advanced imaging, patients must travel to larger medical centers.

**Public Transit: Limited Options**

Public transportation options in Lexington are extremely limited. There is no established public bus system within the town or to surrounding areas. This lack of public transit significantly impacts healthcare access for individuals who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle.

The absence of public transit disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including the elderly, low-income individuals, and those with disabilities. This lack of transportation can create a significant barrier to accessing timely and necessary medical care. The absence of ADA-compliant features in public transit further exacerbates the challenges for individuals with mobility impairments.

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

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft may be available in Lexington, but their presence and reliability can be inconsistent. Availability depends on driver density, which may be limited in a rural area. Ride-sharing costs can also be a significant financial burden for patients, especially those undergoing frequent treatments.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance companies and specialized non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) providers, offer a crucial lifeline for patients who cannot drive and require assistance. These services typically transport patients to and from medical appointments, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and other treatments. However, the availability of medical transport services in Lexington and the surrounding area may be limited, and costs can be substantial.

**Assessing the "Breast Cancer Score"**

Based on the transportation landscape in Lexington, the "Breast Cancer Score" would likely be unfavorable. The reliance on personal vehicles, combined with limited public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport options, presents significant challenges to healthcare access.

The drive times to specialized breast cancer care centers in Jackson, coupled with the potential for traffic delays, add to the burden on patients. The lack of reliable transportation options can lead to missed appointments, delayed diagnoses, and compromised treatment outcomes.

The financial implications of transportation, including the cost of gas, vehicle maintenance, ride-sharing fees, and medical transport services, can also create a barrier to care, particularly for low-income individuals.

**Recommendations and Considerations**

Improving healthcare access in Lexington requires a multi-pronged approach. Investing in public transit, even if it is a limited route, could significantly improve access for vulnerable populations. Partnering with ride-sharing services to provide subsidized transportation for medical appointments could also be beneficial.

Expanding the availability of medical transport services and ensuring affordability is crucial. Educating patients about available transportation resources and providing assistance with scheduling and financial support can also improve healthcare access.

For those considering moving to Lexington, it is essential to thoroughly assess the transportation infrastructure and its impact on healthcare access. Individuals with breast cancer or at high risk should carefully consider the availability of transportation options when making decisions about their place of residence.

The "Breast Cancer Score" is a dynamic assessment. As transportation infrastructure evolves and healthcare services expand, the score can improve. By actively addressing the transportation challenges, Lexington can strive to create a healthcare environment that is more accessible and supportive for all residents.