The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 46182, Waldron, Indiana is 56 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
75.37 percent of residents in 46182 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.
When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.98 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Major Hospital with a distance of 9.33 miles from the area.
Health Scores in 46182, Waldron, Indiana
Lung Cancer Score | 73 |
---|---|
People Score | 87 |
Provider Score | 32 |
Hospital Score | 51 |
Travel Score | 56 |
Housholds with Cars (%) | 46182 | Waldron | Indiana |
---|---|---|---|
No Cars | 0.00 | 0.00 | 2.65 |
1 Car | 12.21 | 12.21 | 18.52 |
2 Cars | 32.95 | 32.95 | 41.91 |
3 or More Cars | 54.83 | 54.83 | 36.91 |
Vehicular Access in 46182, Waldron, Indiana
## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Waldron, Indiana (ZIP Code 46182)
The specter of a lung cancer diagnosis casts a long shadow, demanding swift and efficient access to specialized medical care. For residents of Waldron, Indiana (ZIP code 46182), this access hinges critically on the complex interplay of transportation options and the availability of healthcare facilities. This write-up, a “Lung Cancer Score” assessment, delves into the realities of healthcare access for those in Waldron, considering drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, all crucial elements in a patient's journey from diagnosis to treatment.
The very notion of “healthcare access” is multifaceted. It encompasses not just the presence of medical facilities, but also the ease with which patients can reach them. For residents of Waldron, a small rural community nestled in Shelby County, Indiana, this ease is often dictated by the limitations of its transportation infrastructure. The ability to navigate these limitations directly impacts the prognosis and quality of life for anyone facing a lung cancer diagnosis.
The primary artery for vehicular transportation in and out of Waldron is **State Road 44**. This two-lane highway provides the most direct route to major healthcare hubs. Driving east on SR 44 leads to Shelbyville, approximately 15 minutes away, where Major Hospital offers a range of services. However, for specialized lung cancer care, patients often need to venture further afield.
Heading west on SR 44, the drive to Indianapolis, a city boasting comprehensive cancer centers, becomes the next critical consideration. The journey involves merging onto **Interstate 74**, a major thoroughfare. This drive, typically lasting around an hour, can be significantly impacted by traffic congestion, particularly during peak commuting hours. The variability in travel time introduces an element of uncertainty, which can be especially stressful for patients undergoing treatment.
Other roads, such as **County Road 600W** and **County Road 400S**, offer alternative routes, but they tend to be less direct and may involve navigating rural roads that could be poorly maintained, especially during inclement weather. These secondary routes are often not recommended for patients requiring urgent medical attention.
Public transportation options in Waldron are limited. The primary provider is the **Shelby County Transit System**, which offers demand-response service. This means riders must schedule their trips in advance, potentially creating delays in accessing healthcare. The system’s routes are not fixed, and they are designed to serve the general public, not specifically patients with complex medical needs.
ADA accessibility, crucial for patients with mobility limitations, is a key consideration. While the Shelby County Transit System is required to offer accessible vehicles, the availability of these vehicles and the scheduling process can pose challenges. The lack of readily available, fixed-route public transit underscores the reliance on personal vehicles or alternative transportation methods for healthcare access in Waldron.
Ride-sharing services, such as **Uber** and **Lyft**, are available in the Indianapolis metropolitan area and may extend their service to Waldron, but availability can be inconsistent, especially during off-peak hours or in rural areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant barrier for patients, particularly those undergoing long-term treatment and facing financial constraints.
Medical transport services, like **American Medical Response (AMR)** and **Care Ambulance Service**, offer specialized transportation for patients with medical needs. These services are often equipped with trained medical personnel and can provide a higher level of care during transport. However, medical transport is generally reserved for patients who require assistance beyond the capabilities of a standard ride-sharing service, and the cost can be substantial.
For individuals **moving to Waldron**, the Lung Cancer Score highlights the importance of considering healthcare access as a primary factor. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limitations of public transit, and the potential challenges of ride-sharing services necessitate a careful assessment of one's ability to navigate the transportation landscape.
The Lung Cancer Score for Waldron, therefore, reflects a moderate level of healthcare access. While Major Hospital in Shelbyville provides basic services, the need for specialized lung cancer care necessitates travel to Indianapolis, increasing the time and effort required to access treatment. The absence of robust public transit options and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services further complicate the situation.
The score is not static; it can fluctuate based on individual circumstances, such as the availability of a reliable vehicle, the financial resources to utilize ride-sharing or medical transport, and the patient's physical condition. For those facing a lung cancer diagnosis, proactive planning and a clear understanding of the transportation options are essential for ensuring timely access to the best possible care.
The Lung Cancer Score for Waldron serves as a crucial reminder that healthcare access extends beyond the physical presence of medical facilities. It underscores the importance of considering the practical realities of transportation, the potential challenges, and the strategies for navigating them. This is especially true for patients facing the complexities of a lung cancer diagnosis.
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