43723, Byesville, Ohio Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 43723, Byesville, Ohio is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

86.70 percent of residents in 43723 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.46 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Southeastern Ohio Regional Medical Center with a distance of 5.46 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Byesville, OH (ZIP Code 43723)**

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a diagnosis as life-altering as breast cancer, is a complex one. Factors beyond medical expertise, such as transportation, significantly impact a patient’s ability to receive timely and consistent care. This report, the "Breast Cancer Score," analyzes the accessibility of breast cancer-related healthcare services for residents of Byesville, Ohio (ZIP Code 43723), focusing on the critical element of transportation. Understanding these logistical hurdles is crucial for residents contemplating moving to Byesville or for those already residing there, seeking to understand their healthcare access landscape.

Byesville, a small community nestled in Guernsey County, Ohio, presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. The rural setting, while offering a peaceful lifestyle, often translates to limited public transportation options and reliance on personal vehicles. This report evaluates the available transportation modalities, including drive times, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport, to provide a comprehensive picture of healthcare accessibility.

**Driving Times: The Primary Mode of Transportation**

For most Byesville residents, personal vehicles are the primary means of transportation to healthcare appointments. The closest facilities offering comprehensive breast cancer care, including diagnostic imaging, surgical oncology, and radiation therapy, are located in larger cities like Cambridge and Zanesville.

Cambridge, approximately 10 miles east of Byesville, offers a reasonable commute. Driving east on State Route 22, the primary artery connecting Byesville to Cambridge, typically takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions. This route is generally well-maintained, although winter weather can occasionally cause delays. This drive grants access to Cambridge’s medical facilities, which offer various breast cancer-related services.

Zanesville, about 30 miles south of Byesville, presents a longer commute. The most direct route involves traveling south on Interstate 77 (I-77) for approximately 20 miles, then east on US Route 22. The drive time to Zanesville can range from 40 to 50 minutes, depending on traffic. I-77 is a major highway, but potential delays can arise due to accidents or construction. Zanesville offers more extensive medical resources, including specialized oncology centers.

These drive times, while manageable for those with personal vehicles, can pose significant challenges for individuals who are elderly, disabled, or lack reliable transportation. The time commitment required for these appointments can also strain caregivers and impact work schedules.

**Public Transportation: Limited Options**

Public transportation options in Byesville and the surrounding areas are limited. The Southeastern Ohio Transportation Agency (SEOTA) provides some bus services within Guernsey County, but these routes are infrequent and may not directly serve medical facilities.

SEOTA's routes are not specifically designed to cater to medical appointments, and their schedules may not align with clinic hours. Accessibility features, such as wheelchair lifts, are available on SEOTA buses, complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). However, the limited frequency and route coverage make public transit an impractical option for many residents needing to access breast cancer care.

**Ride-Sharing Services: A Potential Solution**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Byesville area, but their availability can be inconsistent. The presence of these services depends on driver availability, which can fluctuate based on demand and the time of day.

Relying on ride-sharing for medical appointments requires advance planning. Booking rides in advance is crucial, particularly for early morning appointments or those scheduled during peak hours. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, as the distance to medical facilities can lead to substantial fares.

**Medical Transportation: Specialized Support**

Medical transportation services offer a specialized solution for patients needing assistance with transportation to medical appointments. These services cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those who cannot drive themselves.

Several medical transportation providers operate in the Byesville area. These services often offer door-to-door transportation, including assistance with getting in and out of vehicles. However, the availability and cost of medical transportation can vary depending on the provider and the specific needs of the patient. Booking in advance is essential, and patients should inquire about insurance coverage for these services.

**Accessibility and Affordability: Key Considerations**

The "Breast Cancer Score" considers not only the availability of transportation options but also their accessibility and affordability. Factors such as the physical accessibility of public transit stops, the availability of wheelchair-accessible vehicles for ride-sharing, and the cost of transportation services all play a crucial role in determining a patient's ability to access care.

For residents considering moving to Byesville, the transportation landscape should be a significant factor in their decision-making process. Understanding the limitations of public transit, the potential for inconsistent ride-sharing availability, and the cost of medical transportation is essential for planning healthcare access.

**The "Breast Cancer Score" in Action**

The "Breast Cancer Score" provides a framework for assessing the healthcare accessibility of a given area. In the context of Byesville, the score would consider factors such as:

* **Drive Times:** The average time to reach the nearest facilities offering breast cancer-related services.
* **Public Transit:** The frequency, route coverage, and ADA accessibility of public transportation options.
* **Ride-Sharing:** The availability, reliability, and cost of ride-sharing services.
* **Medical Transportation:** The availability, cost, and insurance coverage of medical transportation providers.
* **Financial Burden:** The overall cost of transportation, including gas, vehicle maintenance, and ride-sharing fees.

By evaluating these factors, the "Breast Cancer Score" provides a comprehensive assessment of healthcare access, empowering residents to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Healthcare Landscape**

The journey to breast cancer care in Byesville, Ohio, requires careful navigation of the transportation landscape. While personal vehicles remain the primary mode of transportation, limited public transit options, inconsistent ride-sharing availability, and the cost of medical transportation pose challenges for some residents.

For those considering moving to Byesville or those already residing there, understanding these transportation dynamics is crucial. Planning ahead, exploring all available options, and seeking assistance from healthcare providers and community resources can help ensure that individuals receive the timely and consistent care they need. The "Breast Cancer Score" is a valuable tool for understanding and addressing these challenges, promoting healthcare access, and supporting the well-being of the community.