32926, Cocoa, Florida Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 32926, Cocoa, Florida is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

59.69 percent of residents in 32926 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 8.99 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Steward Rockledge Hospital with a distance of 5.52 miles from the area.

**Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Cocoa, Florida (ZIP Code 32926)**

The sun-drenched shores of Cocoa, Florida, beckon with promises of a relaxed lifestyle, a stark contrast to the anxieties surrounding a potential lung cancer diagnosis. Understanding the accessibility of healthcare, particularly for those facing such a challenge, is paramount when considering a move to this coastal community. This Lung Cancer Score delves into the transportation landscape of ZIP Code 32926, evaluating the ease with which residents can access vital medical services, considering drive times, public transit, and alternative transportation options.

The ability to promptly reach healthcare facilities is a critical factor in the successful treatment of lung cancer. Early detection and intervention significantly improve patient outcomes. Therefore, the efficiency of transportation becomes a life-or-death consideration. This analysis examines the practicalities of getting to oncology appointments, radiation therapy sessions, and follow-up care, providing a realistic picture of healthcare access in Cocoa.

**Drive Times: The Asphalt Arteries of Care**

The primary arteries of transportation in Cocoa are the major roadways that crisscross the area. Interstate 95 (I-95) serves as the major north-south corridor, offering a relatively swift route to healthcare facilities located further afield. For residents of 32926, the drive to the nearest comprehensive cancer centers, such as those in Melbourne or Orlando, via I-95, can range from 30 minutes to over an hour, depending on traffic.

US Highway 1, a more local route, runs parallel to the coast, providing access to local medical offices and hospitals. However, this route often experiences heavier traffic, especially during peak hours, potentially extending travel times. State Road 520, an east-west thoroughfare, connects Cocoa to the mainland, offering another pathway to healthcare.

The drive to the closest hospital, Health First's Cape Canaveral Hospital, located at 701 W Cocoa Beach Cswy, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931, is typically a short one, about 10 to 15 minutes. This proximity is a significant advantage for those requiring immediate medical attention or frequent appointments.

The drive to the nearest cancer center, Health First's Holmes Regional Medical Center, located at 1350 S Hickory St, Melbourne, FL 32901, is typically a 30 to 45-minute drive. This drive time, while manageable, requires careful planning, especially for patients undergoing treatments that necessitate regular visits.

**Public Transit: Navigating the Wheels of the City**

Brevard County offers public transportation through Space Coast Area Transit (SCAT), providing bus services throughout the region. While SCAT offers a valuable service, its routes and schedules may not always align perfectly with the needs of cancer patients.

Route 1, a major SCAT route, travels along US Highway 1, providing a potential link to some medical facilities. However, the frequency of buses and the potential for multiple transfers could significantly increase travel times. Route 9, which runs along SR 520, offers another option, but again, the schedule must be carefully considered.

ADA accessibility is a crucial factor for many patients. SCAT buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and other features to accommodate passengers with disabilities. However, the availability of accessible routes and the potential for delays should be considered when planning transportation.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport: Alternative Avenues of Access**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a convenient alternative to driving or relying on public transit. These services are readily available in Cocoa and can provide door-to-door transportation to medical appointments. However, the cost of ride-sharing can accumulate, especially for frequent visits.

Medical transportation services, such as those provided by First Call Medical Transportation or American Medical Response, specialize in transporting patients to and from medical appointments. These services often offer specialized vehicles and trained personnel to assist patients with mobility challenges. However, these services may require advance booking and can be more expensive than other options.

**The Score: A Synthesis of Accessibility**

The Lung Cancer Score for ZIP Code 32926 reflects a mixed picture of healthcare access. While the proximity of Cape Canaveral Hospital provides a significant advantage, the need to travel to Melbourne or Orlando for specialized cancer care introduces challenges.

The reliance on personal vehicles is high, and the efficiency of public transit is limited. Ride-sharing services offer a viable alternative, but the cost must be considered. Medical transportation services provide specialized support, but they also add to the financial burden.

**Moving to Cocoa: A Balanced Perspective**

For individuals considering a move to Cocoa, the Lung Cancer Score highlights the importance of careful planning. Assessing the proximity of healthcare facilities, evaluating transportation options, and understanding the potential costs associated with accessing care are crucial steps.

The appeal of Cocoa's coastal lifestyle is undeniable, but the practicalities of healthcare access must be weighed carefully. Researching the availability of specialists, exploring insurance coverage for transportation services, and familiarizing oneself with local transportation options are essential.

Cocoa offers a blend of natural beauty and community spirit. However, the success of a move to this community, particularly for those facing a lung cancer diagnosis, hinges on a clear understanding of the transportation landscape and the ability to navigate the pathways to care. The goal is to find a balance between the allure of a relaxed lifestyle and the practical realities of healthcare access, ensuring that residents can receive the timely and comprehensive care they deserve.