33704, Saint Petersburg, Florida Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 33704, Saint Petersburg, Florida is 79 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

71.75 percent of residents in 33704 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 1.98 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is St Anthonys Hospital with a distance of 1.46 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 33704

The journey to healthcare, particularly for those facing a lung cancer diagnosis, is a complex one. Beyond the medical treatments and emotional challenges, there's the practical hurdle of transportation. For residents of ZIP Code 33704 in Saint Petersburg, Florida, understanding the options available is crucial. This analysis aims to provide a "Lung Cancer Score," a practical assessment of transportation accessibility to healthcare facilities, considering drive times, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport. This score will hopefully empower individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare journey, especially for those considering moving to Saint Petersburg.

The 33704 ZIP code encompasses a significant portion of central Saint Petersburg, a vibrant area with a diverse population. Its proximity to downtown, the beaches, and various healthcare providers makes it a desirable location. However, the ease of healthcare access varies depending on location within the ZIP code and the chosen mode of transportation. The "Lung Cancer Score" will consider these factors, offering a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities for patients.

**Driving to Healthcare: A Network of Roads**

For many, driving remains the primary mode of transportation. The network of roads in and around 33704 plays a critical role in healthcare access. Major arteries like **Interstate 275 (I-275)** provide rapid access to hospitals and specialized clinics. Driving south on I-275 offers a direct route to **Bayfront Health St. Petersburg**, a major medical center known for its comprehensive cancer care. The drive time can vary significantly depending on traffic, but generally, it’s a swift journey, usually under 15 minutes from most locations within 33704.

**US-19 (34th Street North)** is another critical route, providing access to various medical offices and clinics. While often congested, especially during peak hours, US-19 offers a more direct route to some facilities than I-275. Other important roads include **4th Street North**, **Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street North (9th Street North)**, and **66th Street North**, all of which provide access to a variety of healthcare providers and support services.

Drive times to healthcare facilities within and surrounding 33704 will be a crucial factor in the "Lung Cancer Score." These times will be influenced by traffic conditions, the time of day, and the specific location of the patient within the ZIP code. Rush hour can significantly increase travel times, particularly on I-275 and US-19.

**Public Transit: A Network of Buses**

Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) provides public transportation within Pinellas County, including 33704. The PSTA bus system offers a crucial alternative to driving, especially for those unable to drive or who prefer not to. Several bus routes serve the 33704 area, connecting residents to hospitals, clinics, and medical offices.

**Route 9** is a key route, running along 4th Street North, offering access to several medical facilities. **Route 18** provides service along Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street North, another vital artery for healthcare access. **Route 34** runs along 66th Street North, connecting residents to various healthcare providers in that corridor.

The "Lung Cancer Score" will consider the frequency of these bus routes, the average travel times to healthcare facilities, and the accessibility features of the buses. All PSTA buses are equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, including ramps and designated seating for individuals with disabilities. This is a critical factor for patients with mobility issues. However, bus schedules and travel times can be unpredictable, and transfers may be required, potentially adding significant time to the journey.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: On-Demand Options**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer on-demand transportation options, providing a convenient alternative to driving or relying on public transit. These services can be particularly beneficial for patients who need to attend appointments at irregular hours or who have difficulty navigating public transportation. The availability of these services in 33704 is generally good, with wait times typically being relatively short.

Medical transportation services specialize in transporting patients to and from medical appointments. These services often provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained staff to assist patients. Several medical transport companies operate in the Saint Petersburg area, including **American Medical Response (AMR)** and **First Response Medical Transportation**. The "Lung Cancer Score" will assess the availability, cost, and reliability of these services.

**The "Lung Cancer Score" – A Comprehensive Evaluation**

The "Lung Cancer Score" will be a composite score based on several factors:

* **Drive Times:** Average drive times to major healthcare facilities from various locations within 33704, considering peak and off-peak traffic.
* **Public Transit Accessibility:** Frequency of bus routes, travel times, and ADA accessibility of PSTA buses.
* **Ride-Sharing Availability and Cost:** Availability of Uber and Lyft, average wait times, and estimated costs for trips to healthcare facilities.
* **Medical Transport Options:** Availability, cost, and reliability of medical transport services.
* **Proximity to Healthcare Facilities:** The density of healthcare providers within and surrounding 33704.

The score will be presented on a scale, allowing residents to understand the relative ease of access to healthcare. This score will be a valuable tool for individuals considering moving to Saint Petersburg, especially those with existing health conditions or those who may be at risk for lung cancer.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Healthcare Landscape**

Access to healthcare is a fundamental right, and transportation plays a vital role in ensuring that right is realized. For residents of 33704, a clear understanding of the transportation options available is crucial. The "Lung Cancer Score" aims to provide this understanding, empowering individuals to navigate the healthcare landscape with confidence. By considering drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport options, residents can make informed decisions about their healthcare journey. This information is particularly relevant for those considering moving to Saint Petersburg, ensuring they can make informed decisions about their healthcare access. The goal is to provide a practical and useful tool for residents to navigate their healthcare needs, especially for those facing the challenges of a lung cancer diagnosis.