36439, Excel, Alabama Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 36439, Excel, Alabama is 21 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

68.00 percent of residents in 36439 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.89 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Monroe County Hospital with a distance of 4.78 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in ZIP Code 36439

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a disease as critical as lung cancer, is a multifaceted challenge. In ZIP Code 36439, the reality of **healthcare access** is interwoven with the fabric of **transportation** options, creating a unique landscape for residents facing diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. This analysis, culminating in a 'Lung Cancer Score,' aims to illuminate the practicalities of accessing vital medical services, considering drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and specialized medical transport.

The primary medical hub serving the area is D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital in Brewton, Alabama, a crucial point of reference for lung cancer care. Other regional facilities like Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola, Florida, and the University of South Alabama Mitchell Cancer Institute in Mobile, Alabama, provide specialized services. Our assessment begins with a deep dive into the practicalities of reaching these facilities.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

For those relying on personal vehicles, the journey to D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital, the closest facility, is generally straightforward. From the heart of 36439, the drive along US Highway 31, the major artery through the region, usually takes under 10 minutes. This ease of access is a significant advantage, especially for patients requiring frequent appointments or experiencing acute symptoms.

However, the drive to Pensacola, Florida, for more specialized care at Sacred Heart Hospital, presents a different scenario. The most direct route utilizes US Highway 29, followed by Interstate 10. The trip, depending on traffic, can easily exceed an hour. This extended travel time can be a considerable burden for patients undergoing treatment, potentially affecting their ability to adhere to treatment schedules.

Reaching the University of South Alabama Mitchell Cancer Institute in Mobile necessitates a longer trek. The most common route involves US Highway 31 south, connecting to Interstate 65. The drive, covering approximately 100 miles, typically takes between two and three hours, depending on traffic conditions. This extended travel time, coupled with the potential for fatigue, presents a significant challenge for patients and their caregivers.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public transit options in 36439 are unfortunately limited. Escambia County Area Transit (ECAT) in Pensacola, Florida, might provide some access to Sacred Heart Hospital, but the route is not direct, requiring multiple transfers and potentially lengthy wait times. The lack of a robust public transportation system significantly impacts **healthcare access** for those without personal vehicles or who are unable to drive.

The absence of a comprehensive public transit network underscores the importance of considering the accessibility features of any available routes. ADA-compliant buses, while crucial for individuals with disabilities, are often underutilized due to the limited frequency and route coverage.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area, offering a potential alternative to driving. However, their availability can be unpredictable, particularly during off-peak hours or in more remote locations. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, especially for frequent appointments or long-distance travel.

Specialized medical transport services, such as those offered by local ambulance companies or private medical transportation providers, provide a crucial service for patients unable to drive or utilize public transit. These services offer door-to-door transportation, often with medical personnel on board, ensuring patient safety and comfort. However, these services can be expensive, and their availability may be limited, potentially requiring advance booking and coordination.

**The Lung Cancer Score Framework:**

To quantify the challenges of accessing lung cancer care in 36439, we will develop a 'Lung Cancer Score.' This score will consider several factors:

* **Drive Time:** Time to D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital, Sacred Heart Hospital, and the University of South Alabama Mitchell Cancer Institute, weighted based on the availability of services.
* **Public Transit Availability:** The presence and accessibility of public transit options, including route frequency, ADA compliance, and travel time.
* **Ride-Sharing Availability and Cost:** The availability of Uber and Lyft services, as well as estimated cost based on distance.
* **Medical Transport Availability and Cost:** The availability of specialized medical transport services and their associated costs.
* **Patient Demographics:** Factors such as age, income, and disability status, influencing the ability to access different transportation options.

Each factor will be assigned a numerical value, and the overall score will reflect the ease or difficulty of accessing lung cancer care. The data will be compiled and analyzed, eventually **moving to Excel** for a detailed, quantitative assessment.

**Data Collection and Analysis:**

Data collection will involve several steps. Drive times will be calculated using Google Maps, considering peak and off-peak traffic conditions. Public transit information will be obtained from ECAT and other relevant transit authorities. Ride-sharing availability and cost estimates will be gathered through the Uber and Lyft apps. Medical transport service information will be sourced from local providers. Patient demographic data will be obtained from publicly available sources, ensuring patient privacy.

The collected data will be meticulously organized and analyzed within the Excel environment. This will allow for the creation of a comprehensive database, enabling the calculation of the Lung Cancer Score and the identification of specific areas of need.

**Conclusion:**

The 'Lung Cancer Score' for 36439 will offer a valuable snapshot of the **healthcare access** landscape. The findings will highlight the critical role of **transportation** in determining the ability of residents to receive timely and appropriate lung cancer care. The analysis will inform strategies for improving access, such as advocating for expanded public transit, supporting ride-sharing initiatives, or facilitating access to medical transportation services. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that all residents of 36439 have the opportunity to fight lung cancer with dignity and the support they deserve. The score will be a living document, updated as conditions change, and serving as a catalyst for positive change in the community.