43604, Toledo, Ohio Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 43604, Toledo, Ohio is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

82.78 percent of residents in 43604 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 2.65 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Mercy St Vincent Medical Center with a distance of 1.12 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 43604**

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a diagnosis as life-altering as breast cancer, transcends the medical realm. It intertwines with the realities of transportation, impacting a patient’s ability to receive timely care and support. This report analyzes the transportation landscape in ZIP code 43604, a critical factor in determining a "Breast Cancer Score" that reflects healthcare access for residents. For those considering moving to Toledo, Ohio, understanding these complexities is paramount.

ZIP code 43604, nestled in the heart of Toledo, Ohio, presents a varied tapestry of transportation options, each influencing the ease with which residents can access breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. The "Breast Cancer Score" considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-share services, and medical transportation options, painting a comprehensive picture of the healthcare journey.

**Driving the Distance: A Road Map to Care**

For many, the automobile remains the primary mode of transportation. The proximity to major thoroughfares significantly impacts drive times to healthcare facilities. Residents of 43604 benefit from access to the I-75 and I-475/US-23 corridors, facilitating relatively swift travel to major hospitals and cancer centers.

Driving to ProMedica Toledo Hospital, a prominent healthcare provider, typically involves a 10–15-minute drive via I-75 or local roads like Monroe Street. The University of Toledo Medical Center (UTMC), another critical resource, is accessible within a similar timeframe, utilizing the same highway arteries. Accessing the Mercy Health St. Vincent Medical Center often requires navigating local streets, adding a few minutes to the commute.

However, traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, can significantly extend these drive times. Accidents or road closures on I-75 or I-475/US-23 can further disrupt travel plans, potentially delaying crucial appointments or treatments. The "Breast Cancer Score" considers these potential delays, reflecting the impact of unpredictable traffic patterns on healthcare access.

**Public Transit: Navigating the Network**

The Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA) provides public transportation within 43604, offering an alternative for those without personal vehicles. Several bus routes serve the area, connecting residents to major hospitals and medical facilities. Route 2, for instance, provides access to ProMedica Toledo Hospital and UTMC. Route 19 serves the west side of the city, providing access to Mercy Health St. Vincent Medical Center.

TARTA buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and other ADA-compliant features, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities. However, the frequency of service, particularly during evenings and weekends, can be a limiting factor. Long wait times and multiple transfers can add considerable time to the journey, making it less convenient for patients undergoing treatment or experiencing mobility challenges. The "Breast Cancer Score" acknowledges these limitations, weighting the impact of public transit on healthcare access.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transportation: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-share services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer another transportation option, particularly for those who may not drive or prefer not to. These services provide on-demand transportation to healthcare facilities, eliminating the need for parking or navigating public transit. However, ride-share costs can accumulate, especially for frequent appointments or treatments.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by companies like First Transit, provide specialized transportation for individuals with medical needs. These services often include door-to-door assistance and wheelchair-accessible vehicles. While medical transportation can be a valuable resource, it often requires pre-booking and may have limited availability. The "Breast Cancer Score" evaluates the availability and affordability of ride-share and medical transportation options, recognizing their role in bridging transportation gaps.

**The Breast Cancer Score: A Holistic Assessment**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for 43604 is not a simple calculation; it's a nuanced assessment that considers the interplay of various factors. It weighs drive times, accounting for both average travel times and potential delays due to traffic or road closures. It assesses the accessibility and frequency of public transit routes, recognizing their limitations. It evaluates the availability and affordability of ride-share and medical transportation services, acknowledging their role in providing crucial support.

The score also considers the proximity of healthcare facilities to residential areas within 43604. The closer a patient lives to a hospital or cancer center, the easier it is to access care. The score reflects the density of healthcare providers within the zip code, considering the availability of primary care physicians, oncologists, and other specialists.

**Implications for Healthcare Access and Moving to Toledo**

The "Breast Cancer Score" offers valuable insights into healthcare access for residents of 43604. It highlights the importance of transportation in facilitating timely and convenient access to care. It underscores the need for comprehensive transportation solutions that cater to diverse needs, including those of patients undergoing breast cancer treatment.

For individuals considering moving to Toledo, Ohio, the "Breast Cancer Score" provides a critical perspective. It helps prospective residents understand the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access. It encourages them to factor in transportation considerations when choosing a neighborhood and evaluating the availability of healthcare resources.

Ultimately, the "Breast Cancer Score" is more than just a number; it's a call to action. It emphasizes the need for ongoing efforts to improve transportation options, enhance public transit services, and ensure that all residents of 43604 have equitable access to the healthcare they need. This includes advocating for improved bus routes, expanding ride-share subsidies for medical appointments, and supporting the growth of medical transportation services. It's about building a community where the journey to healthcare is as smooth and supportive as possible, particularly for those facing the challenges of breast cancer.