46070, Summitville, Indiana Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 46070, Summitville, Indiana is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

51.46 percent of residents in 46070 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.87 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Ascension St Vincent Mercy with a distance of 11.15 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Summitville, Indiana (ZIP Code 46070)

Navigating the healthcare landscape, especially when facing a diagnosis like lung cancer, demands more than just medical expertise. It necessitates readily available and reliable **transportation** to appointments, treatments, and follow-up care. This assessment, the "Lung Cancer Score," considers the **transportation** infrastructure and **healthcare access** options available to residents of Summitville, Indiana (ZIP Code 46070), providing a crucial lens through which to understand the realities of living with this disease in this community.

Summitville, a small town nestled in Madison County, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities when it comes to accessing specialized medical care. The town's relative isolation from major metropolitan areas necessitates reliance on personal vehicles and limited public **transportation** options. The Lung Cancer Score for this area will analyze the commute times, the availability of public transit, and the accessibility of ride-sharing and medical **transportation** services.

The most direct route for many Summitville residents seeking specialized lung cancer care involves traveling to Indianapolis, approximately 60 miles southwest. This journey primarily utilizes Interstate 69 (I-69), a major north-south thoroughfare. The drive, under optimal conditions, typically takes around one hour and fifteen minutes. However, traffic congestion, especially during peak commuting hours, can significantly extend this travel time, potentially adding 30 minutes or more to the trip.

Another option involves driving east to Muncie, Indiana, approximately 20 miles away. While Muncie offers some healthcare facilities, it may not provide the comprehensive oncology services available in Indianapolis. The route to Muncie primarily utilizes State Road 28 (SR-28) and State Road 9 (SR-9). The drive to Muncie is generally shorter, taking around 30 minutes, but the level of care available might not be sufficient.

The availability of public **transportation** in Summitville is extremely limited. The primary public transit provider for Madison County is the Madison County Transit System (MCTS). However, MCTS's services are primarily focused on providing local routes within Anderson, the county seat, and do not offer direct routes to Indianapolis or other major healthcare hubs. Furthermore, the MCTS system may not have the resources to provide ADA-compliant features, like wheelchair lifts, on all its vehicles.

For those without personal vehicles or unable to drive, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer an alternative. However, the availability of these services in Summitville can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing to Indianapolis can also be substantial, potentially posing a significant financial burden for patients undergoing frequent treatments.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed to assist patients with medical appointments, are another option. Companies like CareRide and LogistiCare provide non-emergency medical **transportation**, often coordinating rides to and from medical facilities. However, the availability and coverage areas of these services in Summitville need to be confirmed. Furthermore, these services often require advance booking and may have limitations on the distance they cover.

The Lung Cancer Score for Summitville, therefore, reflects a complex interplay of factors. The primary reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with the limited public **transportation** and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services, presents a significant challenge for patients. The long drive times to Indianapolis, where the most comprehensive lung cancer care is likely to be found, can exacerbate the physical and emotional toll of the disease.

The absence of readily accessible and affordable **transportation** options can create barriers to timely diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. Patients may be forced to miss appointments, delay treatment, or experience increased stress and anxiety related to their **transportation** needs. This can negatively impact their overall health outcomes and quality of life.

For individuals and families considering **moving to Summitville**, the availability of **healthcare access** should be a paramount concern. Prospective residents with a history of lung cancer or other serious medical conditions need to carefully assess the **transportation** options and the proximity to specialized medical facilities.

Furthermore, the community needs to consider initiatives that improve **healthcare access** for residents. This might involve advocating for expanded public **transportation** services, exploring partnerships with ride-sharing companies to provide subsidized rides for medical appointments, or supporting the development of telehealth programs to reduce the need for frequent travel.

The Lung Cancer Score for Summitville is not merely a numerical rating. It is a reflection of the community's ability to support its residents in their fight against a life-threatening disease. It underscores the importance of **transportation** infrastructure, the availability of **healthcare access**, and the need for collaborative efforts to ensure that all residents, regardless of their health status or **transportation** capabilities, have access to the care they need.

The evaluation of the Lung Cancer Score also highlights the crucial role of family and friends in supporting patients. Providing rides, offering emotional support, and helping navigate the complexities of **transportation** and **healthcare access** can significantly ease the burden on patients and improve their overall well-being.

In conclusion, the Lung Cancer Score for Summitville, Indiana, is a complex assessment. While the community offers a quiet, rural setting, the limitations in **transportation** options and the distance to specialized healthcare facilities pose significant challenges for individuals diagnosed with lung cancer. The score underscores the need for ongoing efforts to improve **transportation** infrastructure, enhance **healthcare access**, and foster a supportive community that prioritizes the health and well-being of all its residents.