44878, Shiloh, Ohio Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 44878, Shiloh, Ohio is 53 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

69.70 percent of residents in 44878 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.87 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Ohiohealth Shelby Hospital with a distance of 8.67 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Shiloh, Ohio (ZIP Code 44878)**

The journey to healthcare, especially when facing a breast cancer diagnosis, is fraught with emotional and physical challenges. The availability and accessibility of medical services, including diagnostic imaging, surgical oncology, radiation therapy, and supportive care, are critical factors in determining patient outcomes. This analysis focuses on the transportation landscape within and around Shiloh, Ohio (ZIP Code 44878), examining the ease with which residents can access breast cancer-related healthcare, ultimately formulating a “Breast Cancer Score” to reflect the overall accessibility.

Shiloh, a small village nestled in Richland County, Ohio, presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. Its rural setting, coupled with limited public transportation options, necessitates a reliance on personal vehicles for most residents. The effectiveness of the local transportation infrastructure directly impacts the ability of individuals to receive timely diagnoses, treatment, and follow-up care.

The primary artery for transportation in and out of Shiloh is US Route 224. This east-west thoroughfare provides a direct route to Mansfield, the county seat, and other regional hubs. Traveling east on US-224, residents can reach OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital, a significant healthcare provider in the area. The drive time to this facility is approximately 20-25 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Another critical route is State Route 61, running north-south. This road provides access to Norwalk, Ohio, and the Fisher-Titus Medical Center. The drive to Norwalk via State Route 61 is roughly 30-35 minutes. While both Mansfield and Norwalk offer comprehensive medical services, including breast cancer treatment centers, the drive times necessitate careful planning, especially for those undergoing frequent appointments or experiencing debilitating side effects from treatment.

Beyond these major roadways, smaller county roads and township roads weave through the rural landscape, offering alternative routes, though often slower and less direct. These roads, while providing access to local businesses and amenities, are less suitable for frequent medical appointments due to their winding nature and potential for delays. The condition of these roads, particularly during inclement weather, can further complicate transportation.

Public transportation options in Shiloh are severely limited. Richland County Richland County Transit (RCT) provides demand-response transportation services, but these are typically scheduled in advance and may not be ideal for urgent medical needs. RCT operates on a limited schedule and may not offer direct routes to all healthcare facilities. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-compliant vehicles is crucial for individuals with mobility limitations. The specifics of RCT routes, schedules, and ADA accessibility should be verified directly with the service provider to ensure accuracy.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Mansfield and Norwalk areas, but their availability in Shiloh itself is less certain. The cost and reliability of ride-sharing services can vary, particularly during peak hours or in areas with limited driver availability. Patients relying on ride-sharing must factor in potential wait times and the added expense, which can significantly impact their overall healthcare experience.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a specialized solution. Companies like MedTrans and others provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services. These services often include wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel to assist patients. However, the availability of medical transportation services in Shiloh and the associated costs must be carefully considered. Insurance coverage for NEMT services varies, and patients should verify their benefits with their insurance provider.

The Breast Cancer Score for Shiloh, Ohio (ZIP Code 44878) is a composite metric reflecting the overall accessibility of breast cancer-related healthcare services. It considers factors such as drive times to major medical centers, the availability and reliability of public transportation, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation options. The score also incorporates the presence of support services, such as cancer support groups and patient navigators, which can help patients navigate the healthcare system.

Based on the current transportation landscape, the Breast Cancer Score for Shiloh is moderate. While residents have access to healthcare facilities within a reasonable driving distance, the lack of robust public transportation options and the potential limitations of ride-sharing services present significant challenges. The reliance on personal vehicles, the associated costs of fuel and maintenance, and the potential for traffic delays can create barriers to care.

The score could be improved by enhancing public transportation services, increasing the availability of ride-sharing options, and expanding medical transportation services. Furthermore, the establishment of a local cancer support group or the availability of patient navigation services would significantly benefit residents.

The decision to move to Shiloh, or any rural community, requires careful consideration of healthcare access. Prospective residents, particularly those with a history of breast cancer or other chronic health conditions, should thoroughly research the local transportation infrastructure and healthcare options. They should assess the availability of specialists, the proximity of hospitals and treatment centers, and the ease with which they can access these services.

A well-informed decision, taking into account the transportation challenges and the available resources, is crucial for ensuring a positive healthcare experience. Understanding the Breast Cancer Score and the underlying factors that influence it empowers individuals to make informed choices about their healthcare and their place of residence.