34607, Spring Hill, Florida Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 34607, Spring Hill, Florida is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

59.41 percent of residents in 34607 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.57 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Hca Florida Oak Hill Hospital with a distance of 6.08 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Spring Hill (ZIP Code 34607)

The insidious nature of lung cancer demands swift and efficient access to specialized healthcare. In Spring Hill, Florida (ZIP code 34607), the ability to navigate the transportation landscape directly impacts the timeliness and quality of care. This report assesses the "Lung Cancer Score" for this area, considering drive times, public transit, and alternative transportation options, all critical factors determining healthcare access for residents. The goal is to paint a clear picture for individuals considering moving to Spring Hill or already residing there, especially those with lung cancer or at high risk.

The primary artery for vehicular travel within Spring Hill is **US-19**, a bustling thoroughfare with significant traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours. Traveling south on US-19, the drive to **Oak Hill Hospital**, a primary healthcare provider in the area, is generally manageable, averaging approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on the specific location within the ZIP code. However, this time can easily balloon to 20-30 minutes during rush hour, potentially delaying critical care.

Further afield, **Bayfront Health Spring Hill** offers another option. Reaching this facility from various points within 34607 requires navigating a network of local roads, including **Spring Hill Drive** and **Mariner Boulevard**. Travel times vary depending on the starting point, but generally range from 10-20 minutes, with the same caveats regarding peak-hour congestion.

For specialized lung cancer treatment, residents often need to travel outside of Spring Hill. **HCA Florida Regional Hospital – Tampa** and **Moffitt Cancer Center** in Tampa offer comprehensive oncology services. The journey to Tampa necessitates utilizing **Suncoast Parkway**, providing a relatively quick and direct route. Drive times to these facilities from Spring Hill typically range from 45 minutes to an hour, assuming favorable traffic conditions. The **Veterans Affairs (VA) Hospital** in Tampa is another option for eligible patients, adding another layer of complexity to the transportation equation.

Public transportation presents a different set of challenges. The **Hernando County Transit (HCT)** operates a limited bus service within the county. Route 10, for example, offers service along US-19, providing a potential link to healthcare facilities. However, the frequency of buses is limited, and routes are often circuitous, significantly increasing travel times. Accessibility for individuals with mobility limitations is a crucial consideration. HCT vehicles are equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, including ramps and designated seating, but the overall system's limited reach and frequency can still impede access to timely care.

The availability of ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offers a more flexible transportation option. While these services are readily available in Spring Hill, the cost can be a significant barrier, especially for frequent appointments. Furthermore, surge pricing during peak hours or periods of high demand can exacerbate the financial burden.

Medical transportation services cater specifically to individuals with medical needs. Several companies, including **American Medical Response (AMR)** and **First Choice Medical Transport**, operate in the area. These services offer non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. However, these services often require prior scheduling and can be costly, particularly for long-distance trips to Tampa or other specialized facilities.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Spring Hill (34607) is therefore nuanced. While local healthcare facilities are accessible within a reasonable drive time, the reliance on personal vehicles and the potential for traffic delays on major thoroughfares like US-19 present challenges. The limited public transit options, while ADA-compliant, restrict access for many. Ride-sharing and medical transportation services provide alternatives, but the cost and scheduling requirements can create obstacles.

For individuals considering moving to Spring Hill, particularly those with lung cancer or at high risk, a thorough assessment of their transportation needs is essential. Proximity to healthcare facilities, the ability to navigate traffic, and the availability of reliable and affordable transportation are critical factors to consider. This includes evaluating the proximity of residences to major roads, the availability of alternative transportation options, and the potential financial implications of transportation costs.

The overall picture suggests that while Spring Hill offers healthcare access, it's not without its complexities. The Lung Cancer Score is impacted by the need for robust planning and consideration of all available transportation options. This includes a careful evaluation of the costs, the time involved, and the accessibility of each option, especially for those facing the challenges of lung cancer treatment.