45135, Leesburg, Ohio Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 45135, Leesburg, Ohio is 69 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

54.88 percent of residents in 45135 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.96 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Greenfield Area Medical Center with a distance of 8.46 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 45135 (Leesburg, Ohio)**

The journey to healthcare, particularly for critical needs like breast cancer screening and treatment, is a vital component of overall well-being. This analysis, focusing on ZIP code 45135 (Leesburg, Ohio), explores the accessibility of breast cancer-related healthcare services, considering the available transportation options and their impact on a patient’s ability to receive timely and effective care. This is particularly relevant for those considering moving to Leesburg, Ohio, and seeking to understand the healthcare landscape.

The "Breast Cancer Score" here is not a formal medical assessment, but a composite evaluation reflecting the ease of access to breast cancer-related healthcare. It considers factors such as drive times, public transportation availability, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transport options. These elements, collectively, determine the level of convenience and potential challenges individuals in 45135 might face when seeking breast cancer care.

**Roadways and Drive Times**

Leesburg, Ohio, is a rural community, and personal vehicles are the primary mode of transportation. The most direct route to specialized breast cancer care often involves travel to larger medical centers in nearby cities. For residents of 45135, this typically means a drive to hospitals and clinics in Hillsboro, Wilmington, or even Cincinnati.

Traveling to Hillsboro, the county seat, via **US Route 62** is a common route. The drive is usually manageable, taking approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific destination within Hillsboro. **State Route 753** offers an alternate, scenic route, but may add a few minutes to the journey.

Wilmington, another potential destination for healthcare, is accessible via **State Route 73**. The drive, generally lasting around 30-45 minutes, offers a slightly longer commute. The choice of destination depends on the specific healthcare provider, the services offered, and individual patient preferences.

For more comprehensive care, including specialized cancer centers, the journey to Cincinnati becomes necessary. This involves a drive of approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, primarily using **US Route 68** to connect with **Interstate 71** or **Interstate 75**. The commute to Cincinnati can be significantly impacted by traffic, especially during peak hours, potentially affecting the timeliness of appointments and treatments.

**Public Transportation: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options within and around 45135 are limited. Highland County, where Leesburg is located, has a rural public transit system. However, it often operates on a demand-response basis, requiring advance scheduling. This makes it less convenient for spontaneous appointments or emergencies.

The availability of public transit to access breast cancer-related healthcare is a significant challenge for residents without personal vehicles. The service might not be equipped with ADA features, which can further complicate the situation for individuals with mobility impairments.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their presence is less consistent than in larger metropolitan areas. Availability can be unpredictable, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. This raises concerns about the reliability of these services for critical medical appointments.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance, are available. These services, often provided by specialized companies, offer door-to-door transport, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. However, these services come at a cost, and availability may vary depending on the patient's insurance coverage and the specific needs.

**Brands of Medical Transportation**

Several medical transportation brands operate in the region. These include companies like CareRide, MedTrans, and local ambulance services that offer non-emergency medical transport. These services are crucial for individuals who cannot drive themselves or lack access to other forms of transportation.

**Impact on Healthcare Access**

The transportation challenges in 45135 significantly impact healthcare access. The drive times to specialized breast cancer care centers, coupled with limited public transportation options, can create barriers to timely screening, diagnosis, and treatment. This is particularly concerning for individuals who are elderly, have disabilities, or lack access to personal vehicles.

The reliance on personal vehicles places a burden on patients and their families. It can lead to increased stress, financial strain (due to gas, maintenance, and parking fees), and the need for caregivers to provide transportation.

**Considerations for Moving to Leesburg**

For those considering moving to Leesburg, understanding the healthcare access landscape is crucial. Prospective residents should carefully evaluate their transportation needs and the availability of healthcare services that meet their specific requirements.

It is advisable to research the locations of breast cancer screening facilities, oncologists, and treatment centers, and to assess the feasibility of reaching these facilities using available transportation options. Individuals with pre-existing medical conditions or those at higher risk for breast cancer should pay particular attention to this aspect.

**Conclusion**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for 45135 reflects the complex interplay between transportation and healthcare access. While the area offers some options, the limited public transit and reliance on personal vehicles create challenges. Those considering moving to Leesburg should carefully assess their transportation needs and the availability of healthcare services. Addressing these transportation barriers through improved public transit, expanded ride-sharing services, and accessible medical transport options is essential to ensure that all residents of 45135 have equal access to timely and effective breast cancer care. The journey to healthcare should not be an added burden for those facing this challenging diagnosis.