36558, Millry, Alabama Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 36558, Millry, Alabama is 24 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

36.54 percent of residents in 36558 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.57 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Washington County Hospital with a distance of 10.95 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Millry, Alabama (ZIP Code 36558)

The quest for timely and effective healthcare, especially in the face of a serious diagnosis like lung cancer, is significantly impacted by the accessibility of medical facilities. This write-up assesses the 'Lung Cancer Score' for residents of Millry, Alabama (ZIP Code 36558), considering the critical element of transportation. Access to specialized care, including oncologists, radiation therapy, and diagnostic imaging, is paramount in managing this disease. The ability to navigate the landscape of transportation options directly influences the quality of life and treatment outcomes for individuals facing this challenge.

Millry, a rural community nestled in Washington County, Alabama, presents unique transportation challenges. The area's remoteness and limited public transit options necessitate a thorough evaluation of the available modes of transportation. This analysis will delve into drive times, public transportation alternatives, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options to provide a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare access landscape. The aim is to provide a clear picture for residents and those considering moving to Millry, equipping them with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of healthcare access, particularly for lung cancer patients.

The primary mode of transportation for most residents in Millry is personal vehicles. Drive times to healthcare facilities are a crucial factor in determining the Lung Cancer Score. The nearest significant medical center, providing specialized cancer care, is likely located in Mobile, Alabama, approximately 100 miles south. The most direct route typically involves taking **Highway 17** south to **Highway 43**, then connecting to **Interstate 65** south. The drive, under ideal conditions, can take approximately two to two and a half hours.

However, traffic congestion, particularly near Mobile, and unforeseen delays due to weather or accidents can significantly extend travel times. Alternative routes, such as utilizing **Highway 17** to **Highway 98** and then to **I-65**, are available, but these routes are often longer and may involve navigating smaller, less maintained roads. The reliance on personal vehicles underscores the importance of vehicle reliability and the financial burden of fuel costs, especially for frequent trips to and from healthcare appointments.

Public transportation options in Millry are extremely limited. The absence of a comprehensive public transit system significantly impacts healthcare access for individuals who do not own a car or are unable to drive. There are no regularly scheduled bus routes serving Millry. The nearest public transportation options are likely located in Mobile, further exacerbating the challenges of accessing healthcare.

While specific bus routes and ADA features are not readily available in Millry, the lack of public transit options highlights the need for alternative solutions. The absence of public transit necessitates a reliance on private transportation or the development of community-based transportation programs to improve healthcare access. For individuals with lung cancer, the inability to drive due to treatment side effects or the disease itself creates a significant barrier to care.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are another potential transportation option. However, the availability of these services in Millry is uncertain. Rural areas often experience limited ride-share coverage due to lower demand and driver availability. Even if ride-sharing services are available, the cost of long-distance trips to Mobile can be substantial, adding another financial burden for patients.

Medical transport services offer a specialized solution for patients requiring assistance with transportation to and from medical appointments. Several companies specialize in medical transportation, including ambulance services, non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), and wheelchair-accessible vehicles. The availability of these services in Millry and the surrounding areas is critical.

Companies like **American Medical Response (AMR)** and local ambulance services may provide emergency and non-emergency medical transport. **First Choice Medical Transportation** and **CareRide** are examples of NEMT providers that offer transport for ambulatory patients and those requiring wheelchair assistance. The cost of these services can vary depending on the distance, level of care required, and insurance coverage.

For lung cancer patients, medical transportation services can provide a vital lifeline, ensuring safe and reliable transport to chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and other crucial appointments. However, the availability of these services, the cost, and the process of scheduling and coordinating transportation can be complex.

The Lung Cancer Score for Millry, Alabama, is significantly impacted by the challenges of transportation. The reliance on personal vehicles, the lack of public transit, the potential limitations of ride-sharing services, and the complexities of medical transportation all contribute to a lower score. Individuals considering moving to Millry should carefully consider these factors when evaluating their healthcare access.

The need for improved transportation options is clear. Community initiatives, such as volunteer driver programs, carpooling networks, and partnerships with medical transportation providers, can help bridge the gap in healthcare access. The development of a coordinated transportation system, tailored to the specific needs of lung cancer patients and other vulnerable populations, is crucial.

Furthermore, the expansion of telehealth services, allowing for remote consultations and monitoring, can help reduce the need for frequent travel to healthcare facilities. The integration of telehealth with in-person care can improve the efficiency and convenience of healthcare delivery, particularly for patients living in rural areas.

In conclusion, the Lung Cancer Score for Millry, Alabama, reflects the challenges associated with transportation and healthcare access. The remoteness of the community, the limited public transit options, and the potential limitations of ride-sharing services create significant barriers for lung cancer patients. Improving access to healthcare requires a multi-faceted approach, including the development of community-based transportation programs, the expansion of telehealth services, and partnerships with medical transportation providers. Addressing these challenges is essential to ensuring that residents of Millry have access to the timely and effective care they need, regardless of their transportation limitations.