34614, Brooksville, Florida Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 34614, Brooksville, Florida is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

66.24 percent of residents in 34614 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.87 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Hca Florida Oak Hill Hospital with a distance of 6.95 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Brooksville (ZIP Code 34614)

The specter of a lung cancer diagnosis casts a long shadow, demanding swift and comprehensive healthcare. For residents of Brooksville, Florida (ZIP Code 34614), the ability to efficiently access specialized care is paramount. This write-up assesses the "Lung Cancer Score" for this area, considering the critical element of **transportation** to and from essential medical facilities. We'll delve into drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, painting a picture of **healthcare access** for those facing this challenging illness, especially for those **moving to Brooksville**.

The foundation of this analysis lies in understanding the geographical realities. Brooksville, the county seat of Hernando County, offers a blend of suburban and rural landscapes. While the town itself provides some local medical services, specialized lung cancer treatment often necessitates travel to larger medical centers, particularly those in Tampa, approximately 50 miles south. This distance significantly impacts the Lung Cancer Score.

For those relying on personal vehicles, the primary arteries for **transportation** are US-19, a major north-south corridor, and the Suncoast Parkway (SR 589), a toll road offering a faster route to Tampa. Travel times fluctuate based on traffic, time of day, and weather conditions. A drive to Tampa General Hospital, a leading cancer center, via the Suncoast Parkway typically takes around an hour, assuming moderate traffic. Utilizing US-19, while potentially free of tolls, could extend the journey to 1.5 hours or more, especially during peak hours.

Navigating the local roads, such as Spring Hill Drive and Cortez Boulevard (SR 50), can be challenging due to traffic congestion, particularly near shopping centers and during school hours. These roads, while vital for local errands and access to nearby medical offices, are less efficient for reaching Tampa's specialized cancer centers. The Lung Cancer Score suffers from these potential delays, emphasizing the need for reliable and timely **transportation**.

Public transit options in Hernando County are limited. The county's transit system, known as TheBus, offers fixed-route services, but its reach and frequency are restricted. Route 1, the primary route for travel within Brooksville, might provide access to local medical facilities, but it does not directly connect to Tampa's major hospitals. Route 10, while covering a wider area, still lacks the direct connectivity needed for timely cancer treatment.

Furthermore, ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a crucial factor. TheBus vehicles are equipped with wheelchair lifts and other accommodations, ensuring accessibility for individuals with mobility limitations. However, the limited routes and infrequent schedules can present significant challenges for patients requiring frequent appointments or experiencing debilitating side effects from treatment. This limits the positive impact on the Lung Cancer Score.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Brooksville. However, their reliability and cost can vary. Surge pricing during peak hours or periods of high demand could significantly impact the financial burden on patients. Availability can also be an issue, especially in more rural areas of the county. While ride-sharing offers a degree of flexibility, it may not be a consistently dependable solution for frequent medical appointments, impacting the Lung Cancer Score negatively.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for patients requiring assistance, offer a crucial lifeline. Companies like Firstat Nursing Services and MedTrans Corporation provide non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and stretcher services. These services, while offering specialized care, come at a cost. The financial implications, combined with the potential for scheduling delays, can further strain patients and their families, lowering the Lung Cancer Score.

The availability of cancer treatment centers within Brooksville itself is limited. Oak Hill Hospital offers some oncology services, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy. However, for complex cases or specialized treatments like surgery, patients often must travel to Tampa. This reliance on external healthcare facilities underscores the importance of efficient **transportation** options.

The overall Lung Cancer Score for ZIP Code 34614 reflects the complex interplay of factors. The geographical distance to specialized cancer centers, the limitations of public transit, the variability of ride-sharing services, and the cost of medical transport services all contribute to a lower score. While the availability of local medical services provides a foundation, the need for travel to Tampa significantly impacts **healthcare access**.

For individuals considering **moving to Brooksville**, the Lung Cancer Score should be a critical consideration. Prospective residents with a history of lung cancer or those at high risk should carefully evaluate the **transportation** options and the potential impact on their access to care. Researching insurance coverage for medical **transportation** and exploring the availability of support services within the community is crucial.

Furthermore, the development of improved public transit options, including direct routes to Tampa's cancer centers, would significantly enhance the Lung Cancer Score. Encouraging the expansion of ride-sharing services and ensuring their affordability would also improve **healthcare access**. Ultimately, a higher Lung Cancer Score reflects a community's commitment to providing timely, accessible, and affordable care for all its residents, particularly those battling this devastating disease.