32073, Orange Park, Florida Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 32073, Orange Park, Florida is 69 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

51.29 percent of residents in 32073 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 4.55 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Hca Florida Orange Park Hospital with a distance of 1.73 miles from the area.

**Lung Cancer Score: Access to Healthcare in ZIP Code 32073**

Navigating a lung cancer diagnosis and treatment plan requires swift and reliable access to specialized healthcare. For residents of ZIP Code 32073 (Orange Park, Florida), the ability to reach essential medical facilities is a crucial factor in their overall well-being and prognosis. This Lung Cancer Score assesses the ease of transportation to healthcare providers, considering various options, from personal vehicles to public transit, and evaluating their impact on timely access to critical care. Considering moving to Orange Park? This score helps you understand the healthcare landscape.

The primary driver for healthcare access in 32073 is the personal vehicle. The area is well-served by major roadways, including Interstate 295 (I-295), which acts as a vital artery connecting Orange Park to Jacksonville and its extensive network of hospitals and clinics. US Highway 17 (US-17), a major north-south thoroughfare, provides direct access to local medical facilities and connects to I-295. County Road 220 (CR-220) offers another route to Jacksonville, and the smaller roads like Blanding Boulevard and Kingsley Avenue facilitate local commutes.

Drive times to key healthcare facilities vary depending on the destination and traffic conditions. For instance, a drive to the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, a renowned cancer treatment center, could take approximately 30 to 45 minutes via I-295, excluding potential delays due to rush hour. Shorter trips, perhaps to a local oncologist's office or diagnostic center in Orange Park, might only require a 10 to 15-minute drive, primarily along US-17 or Blanding Boulevard.

Public transportation, while available, presents a more complex scenario. The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) operates several bus routes that serve the Orange Park area. However, direct routes to major hospitals are limited. Passengers may need to transfer buses, potentially increasing travel time and adding to the stress of medical appointments.

For example, a resident might take the JTA Route 10 to the Jacksonville Regional Transportation Center (JRTC) and then transfer to another route, such as the Route 1, to reach a hospital in downtown Jacksonville. The entire journey could easily consume an hour or more, depending on the transfer times and traffic. ADA accessibility is a priority for the JTA, with all buses equipped with ramps and designated seating for passengers with disabilities.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative transportation option. These services provide on-demand transportation, potentially reducing travel times compared to public transit. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a significant factor, especially for frequent appointments. Availability can also fluctuate, particularly during peak hours or in areas with lower demand.

Medical transport services, such as those offered by companies like Firstat Nursing Services or Senior Helpers, are available for individuals who require assistance with transportation. These services often provide door-to-door assistance, including help with mobility and medical equipment. While these services offer convenience and specialized support, they can be more expensive than other options and may require advance booking.

Healthcare access is not just about physical transportation; it also involves the availability of healthcare providers. The 32073 ZIP code has a selection of medical facilities, including primary care physicians, specialists, and diagnostic centers. However, for specialized cancer care, such as radiation oncology and advanced surgical procedures, residents often need to travel to Jacksonville. This underscores the importance of efficient transportation to access comprehensive care.

The Lung Cancer Score for 32073 considers these factors, weighing the accessibility of different transportation modes, the drive times to key healthcare facilities, and the availability of specialized cancer care. The score reflects the overall ease with which residents can access the necessary medical services for diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care.

The score is not static. It can change based on infrastructure improvements, changes in public transit routes, or the introduction of new healthcare providers. Furthermore, individual circumstances, such as mobility limitations or financial constraints, can influence a person's ability to access healthcare. This score provides a general assessment, but individual needs should be carefully considered.

In conclusion, while 32073 benefits from the convenience of personal vehicles and ride-sharing, the reliance on driving and the limitations of public transit can pose challenges for some residents. Considering moving to Orange Park? Evaluating your transportation needs is crucial. The Lung Cancer Score highlights the importance of efficient transportation for timely access to healthcare, emphasizing the need for residents to carefully assess their transportation options and plan accordingly, particularly when facing the complexities of a lung cancer diagnosis.