46254, Indianapolis, Indiana Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 46254, Indianapolis, Indiana is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

72.27 percent of residents in 46254 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 5.91 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Ascension St Vincent Hospital with a distance of 5.75 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 46254

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a diagnosis as life-altering as lung cancer, is a crucial aspect of patient well-being. This analysis, focusing on ZIP code 46254 in Indianapolis, Indiana, delves into the complexities of **transportation** options and **healthcare access**, providing a "Lung Cancer Score" to assess the ease and efficiency of reaching vital medical resources. For those **moving to Indianapolis**, understanding this landscape is essential.

ZIP code 46254, a sprawling area encompassing the far northeast side of Indianapolis, presents a unique challenge. It balances suburban residential pockets with commercial hubs, influencing the availability of **transportation** and, consequently, **healthcare access**. The "Lung Cancer Score" will weigh factors like drive times, public transit reliability, and accessibility of ride-sharing services, ultimately painting a picture of the practical hurdles individuals face when seeking lung cancer care.

Drive times form the cornerstone of our assessment. Primary access points to major hospitals and cancer centers in Indianapolis are significantly impacted by traffic patterns. From the heart of 46254, a drive to Community Hospital North, a key healthcare provider, typically involves navigating the bustling corridors of I-465. During peak hours, this commute can stretch to 20-30 minutes, even longer if there’s an accident. Further east, reaching the Indiana University Health North Hospital requires navigating 96th Street and Keystone Avenue, routes prone to congestion.

The drive to the Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital, located downtown, presents a more significant challenge. This route involves traversing I-465, often experiencing heavy traffic, and then navigating city streets. Expect a drive time of 30-45 minutes, potentially longer during rush hour. This underscores the importance of planning and considering alternative routes, especially for patients undergoing treatment who may experience fatigue or other treatment-related side effects.

Public **transportation** offers an alternative, albeit with limitations. The Indianapolis Public **Transportation** Corporation (IndyGo) operates several bus routes that serve the 46254 area. Route 18, running along 86th Street, offers a connection to the east side and the broader IndyGo network. Route 86, running along 86th street, and Route 39, traversing Fall Creek Parkway, provide access to the downtown area. However, these routes often have limited frequency, especially during evenings and weekends, and may require multiple transfers to reach specialized cancer centers.

ADA accessibility is a crucial consideration. IndyGo strives to provide accessible buses, equipped with ramps and other features to accommodate passengers with disabilities. However, the availability of accessible stops and the overall travel time can still pose challenges for individuals with mobility limitations. Furthermore, the distance from bus stops to medical facilities can be a factor, particularly for those undergoing treatment.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a more flexible option. Their availability in 46254 is generally good, providing on-demand **transportation** to various medical facilities. However, the cost can be a significant factor, especially for frequent appointments. For patients with limited financial resources, the expense of ride-sharing can become a burden, potentially impacting their ability to adhere to treatment schedules.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed for patients with medical needs, offer a specialized solution. Companies like LogistiCare and Access2Care provide non-emergency medical **transportation**, often coordinating rides to and from appointments. These services typically offer door-to-door service and can accommodate patients with mobility limitations. While they offer a valuable resource, their availability and coverage can vary, and patients should investigate their insurance coverage and eligibility requirements.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for 46254 reflects these factors. Drive times, particularly during peak hours, are a significant challenge. Public transit, while offering an alternative, faces limitations in frequency, accessibility, and travel time. Ride-sharing provides flexibility but can be costly. Medical **transportation** services offer a specialized solution but may have coverage limitations.

The overall score will be influenced by the proximity of residential areas within 46254 to major medical facilities. Areas closer to I-465 and major thoroughfares like 96th Street and Allisonville Road may have slightly better scores due to quicker access to hospitals. However, even these areas face the inherent challenges of Indianapolis traffic.

For individuals **moving to Indianapolis** and considering 46254, the "Lung Cancer Score" serves as a vital tool. It highlights the importance of carefully evaluating **transportation** options and planning for potential travel challenges. Patients with lung cancer need consistent and reliable access to care. The score underscores the need to consider factors beyond just the cost of housing and the appeal of the neighborhood.

Further complicating the picture is the need for comprehensive cancer care, which often involves multiple appointments for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. This includes consultations with oncologists, radiologists, surgeons, and other specialists, as well as appointments for chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and other treatments. The cumulative impact of these appointments on **transportation** needs can be significant.

The "Lung Cancer Score" also underscores the importance of considering the availability of support services within the 46254 area. This includes access to support groups, counseling services, and other resources that can help patients navigate the emotional and practical challenges of living with lung cancer. The proximity of these services can significantly improve the quality of life for patients and their families.

In conclusion, the "Lung Cancer Score" for 46254 reflects a complex landscape. While the area offers various **transportation** options, challenges exist, particularly regarding drive times and the limitations of public transit. Ride-sharing and medical **transportation** services provide valuable alternatives, but cost and availability can be factors. For those **moving to Indianapolis** and considering this ZIP code, careful planning and awareness of these **healthcare access** challenges are crucial. The score serves as a reminder that the journey to healthcare, particularly for lung cancer patients, is not just about the destination, but also about the complexities of the path taken.