33708, Saint Petersburg, Florida Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 33708, Saint Petersburg, Florida is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

57.59 percent of residents in 33708 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 3.53 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Bay Pines Va Medical Center with a distance of 1.60 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 33708

Moving to Saint Petersburg, Florida, and specifically settling in ZIP Code 33708, presents a unique set of considerations, particularly when factoring in healthcare access. This write-up provides a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, not in a medical sense, but as a proxy for evaluating the ease with which residents can access critical lung cancer diagnosis and treatment facilities. The score considers transportation options, drive times, public transit availability, and the presence of ride-share and medical transport services. This information is crucial for individuals, especially those with existing health concerns or a family history of lung cancer, to make informed decisions about their relocation.

The central challenge in 33708, when assessing healthcare access, lies in the geographical distribution of medical facilities and the reliance on various transportation modes. While the area boasts a relatively dense population, the availability of specialized care, such as comprehensive lung cancer treatment, is not evenly dispersed. This necessitates a thorough understanding of how residents can navigate the transportation landscape to reach these vital services.

**Driving Times and Roadways:**

For those who prefer the autonomy of a personal vehicle, the primary arteries for accessing healthcare in and around 33708 are the major roadways. Interstate 275 (I-275) acts as the central spine, connecting the area to hospitals and cancer centers in both Saint Petersburg and Tampa. Driving to the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, a nationally recognized facility, typically takes between 30 and 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Alternatively, accessing healthcare facilities within Saint Petersburg, such as Bayfront Health St. Petersburg or Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, involves navigating city streets and major thoroughfares like 4th Street North, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street North, and 34th Street North. Drive times to these locations are generally shorter, ranging from 10 to 20 minutes, but traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, can significantly impact these estimates.

The efficiency of driving is also affected by the specific location within 33708. Residents closer to I-275 will have an advantage in accessing facilities in Tampa, while those residing near 4th Street North or Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street North will find it easier to reach hospitals and clinics within Saint Petersburg. Careful consideration of these factors is essential when choosing a residence, especially for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring frequent medical appointments.

**Public Transit and Accessibility:**

For residents without personal vehicles, the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) offers public transportation options. Several bus routes serve the 33708 area, providing access to healthcare facilities. Route 9, for instance, travels along 4th Street North, connecting to various medical offices and hospitals. Route 18 serves the downtown area, offering connections to other routes and destinations.

The accessibility of PSTA buses is a crucial factor. All PSTA buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and other features to accommodate passengers with disabilities, adhering to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines. However, the frequency of service and the potential for longer travel times compared to driving can be a significant drawback. The lack of direct routes to certain specialized cancer centers might necessitate transfers, adding to the overall journey time and complexity.

The availability of accessible public transit is particularly important for individuals undergoing cancer treatment, who may experience fatigue, nausea, or other side effects that make driving or navigating complex transportation networks challenging. The "Lung Cancer Score" must therefore weigh the accessibility and convenience of public transit options against the potential for longer travel times and the need for transfers.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport:**

Ride-share services, such as Uber and Lyft, provide another layer of transportation options within 33708. These services offer on-demand transportation to healthcare facilities, providing a convenient alternative to driving or relying on public transit. The availability of ride-share services can be particularly beneficial for individuals who need to attend appointments at irregular hours or who are unable to drive themselves.

Medical transport services, like MedRide or CareRide, specialize in providing transportation for patients with medical needs. These services often offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel to assist patients. While medical transport can be more expensive than ride-share services or public transit, they provide a higher level of care and support, which can be crucial for individuals undergoing cancer treatment or those with mobility limitations.

The "Lung Cancer Score" should consider the cost, availability, and accessibility of ride-share and medical transport services. The ability to access these services can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals undergoing cancer treatment, allowing them to attend appointments and receive care with greater ease and comfort.

**Overall Assessment and Considerations:**

The "Lung Cancer Score" for 33708, when viewed through the lens of transportation and healthcare access, reveals a mixed picture. The area benefits from its proximity to major roadways, such as I-275, providing relatively quick access to specialized cancer centers in Tampa. However, the reliance on personal vehicles, the potential for traffic congestion, and the limitations of public transit necessitate careful consideration.

The availability of ride-share and medical transport services offers additional options, but these services come with associated costs and potential availability challenges. The best "Lung Cancer Score" will therefore depend on an individual's specific needs, preferences, and mobility limitations.

For individuals considering moving to 33708, a thorough assessment of their transportation needs and healthcare requirements is essential. Researching the location of healthcare facilities, evaluating drive times, exploring public transit options, and investigating the availability of ride-share and medical transport services are crucial steps. This proactive approach will ensure that residents can access the necessary healthcare services with minimal stress and disruption, contributing to a higher quality of life, especially for those facing the challenges of lung cancer.