43074, Sunbury, Ohio Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 43074, Sunbury, Ohio is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

55.15 percent of residents in 43074 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.09 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Mount Carmel St Ann's with a distance of 11.18 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Commute to Healthcare in Sunbury, Ohio (ZIP Code 43074)**

Sunbury, Ohio, a charming village nestled in Delaware County, offers a desirable lifestyle, attracting families and individuals seeking a blend of small-town tranquility and proximity to urban amenities. However, the reality of **healthcare access**, particularly for specialized needs like breast cancer treatment, requires careful consideration, especially when evaluating the **transportation** infrastructure. This write-up explores the "Breast Cancer Score" for residents of ZIP code 43074, focusing on commute times, **transportation** options, and accessibility to crucial healthcare facilities. For anyone **moving to Sunbury**, this information is vital.

The "Breast Cancer Score" is not a formal medical metric. Instead, it serves as a practical assessment of the ease and efficiency with which a resident can reach breast cancer diagnostic and treatment facilities. This includes factors like drive times, public transit availability, and alternative **transportation** options. The score is a qualitative measure, reflecting the relative convenience and potential challenges of accessing necessary medical care.

**Drive Times and Highway Navigation**

The primary factor influencing the "Breast Cancer Score" is the time required to reach healthcare facilities. For residents of 43074, the closest comprehensive breast cancer centers are primarily located in Columbus, a city approximately 25-35 miles south. The most direct route involves navigating major highways.

The journey typically begins by heading south on US-23, a major arterial highway that runs directly through Sunbury. This highway provides relatively smooth sailing for a significant portion of the commute, but traffic congestion can occur during peak hours, particularly around the I-270 interchange in Columbus. This is a critical bottleneck, often adding considerable time to the overall travel.

Alternatively, residents might consider taking State Route 37, a more scenic route, but it can be slower due to lower speed limits and more frequent traffic lights. This option is less desirable for those needing timely access to medical appointments or treatment.

Reaching the OhioHealth Dublin Methodist Hospital, located on the west side of Columbus, involves navigating I-270. The drive typically takes 35-45 minutes, depending on traffic. The James Cancer Hospital at The Ohio State University, located closer to downtown Columbus, may require a 40-50 minute drive, again heavily influenced by traffic conditions on I-270 and surrounding roads.

**Public Transit: Limited Options**

Public **transportation** options in Sunbury and the surrounding area are limited, presenting a significant challenge for those relying on alternatives to personal vehicles. The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) provides some bus service to Delaware County, but the routes and frequency are not designed to facilitate easy access to Columbus-based healthcare facilities.

COTA Route 102, for instance, operates between Delaware and Columbus, but the service is infrequent, and the travel time is considerably longer than driving. The route may not directly serve medical centers, requiring transfers and extended travel times. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible buses is crucial, but the overall reliance on public **transportation** for breast cancer care in this area is severely constrained.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative **transportation** option. However, the cost of these services can be substantial, especially for frequent appointments or treatments. The availability of drivers in Sunbury is generally good, but surge pricing during peak hours or periods of high demand could significantly increase the financial burden.

Medical **transportation** services, such as those offered by First Transit or other specialized providers, cater specifically to individuals with medical needs. These services often provide door-to-door **transportation**, including assistance with mobility. While these services can be a valuable resource, they typically require advance booking and may have limited availability, especially for same-day appointments. The cost of medical **transportation** can also be a significant factor, and insurance coverage varies.

**Healthcare Facility Accessibility**

The accessibility of breast cancer treatment facilities is another critical component of the "Breast Cancer Score." The James Cancer Hospital at The Ohio State University is a leading cancer center, but its location in a busy urban area can present challenges for parking and navigation. OhioHealth Dublin Methodist Hospital offers comprehensive cancer care, and its location on the west side of Columbus may be more convenient for some residents of 43074.

The availability of support services, such as patient navigators, is also essential. These navigators can assist patients with scheduling appointments, coordinating **transportation**, and accessing financial assistance.

**The "Breast Cancer Score" Assessment**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for residents of 43074 is moderate. While the drive times to healthcare facilities are manageable, the reliance on personal vehicles is significant. The limited public **transportation** options and the cost of ride-sharing services pose challenges for those without access to a car or those facing financial constraints.

The availability of medical **transportation** services provides a viable alternative, but their limited capacity and associated costs need consideration. The accessibility of healthcare facilities themselves, including parking and support services, is also a factor.

**Recommendations for Improvement**

Several steps could improve the "Breast Cancer Score" for residents of 43074. Expanding public **transportation** options, including increased frequency and direct routes to healthcare facilities, would be highly beneficial. Partnerships between healthcare providers and ride-sharing services could offer discounted rates for patients.

Increased awareness of medical **transportation** services and financial assistance programs is also crucial. Encouraging the development of satellite healthcare clinics in the Sunbury area could reduce travel times and improve **healthcare access**. For those **moving to Sunbury**, thorough research on these factors is essential.

**Conclusion**

Assessing the "Breast Cancer Score" highlights the importance of considering **transportation** and accessibility when evaluating healthcare options. While Sunbury offers a desirable lifestyle, residents must be aware of the challenges associated with accessing specialized medical care. Careful planning, including understanding drive times, exploring alternative **transportation** options, and utilizing available support services, is essential for ensuring timely and convenient access to breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.