46773, Monroeville, Indiana Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 46773, Monroeville, Indiana is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

52.93 percent of residents in 46773 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.51 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Adams Memorial Hospital with a distance of 11.53 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Monroeville, Indiana (ZIP Code 46773)

The insidious nature of lung cancer demands timely and accessible healthcare. For residents of Monroeville, Indiana (ZIP Code 46773), the journey to diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care is significantly impacted by the available **transportation** options. This write-up assesses the accessibility of lung cancer-related healthcare services, focusing on **healthcare access** and the practicalities faced by individuals and families considering **moving to Monroeville**. We will construct a "Lung Cancer Score" based on the feasibility of reaching key medical facilities.

The score will consider drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing options, and medical transport services, painting a comprehensive picture of the challenges and opportunities in accessing vital healthcare. Our assessment considers the realities of living in a rural setting, where the distance to specialized medical care can be a significant barrier.

**Drive Time Dynamics: The Asphalt Arteries of Care**

Monroeville, a charming community nestled in Allen County, relies heavily on personal vehicles for **transportation**. The primary routes connecting Monroeville to major healthcare providers are the well-maintained highways and roads. The most direct route to Parkview Regional Medical Center (PRMC), a major regional hospital in Fort Wayne, involves navigating **U.S. Route 27** north. The drive, approximately 20 miles, typically takes around 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions.

Another crucial destination is Lutheran Hospital of Indiana, also located in Fort Wayne. This journey involves taking **U.S. Route 27** north, then transitioning onto **Interstate 69** north. This route is roughly 25 miles and may take approximately 40-50 minutes, again depending on traffic. These drive times are crucial considerations for individuals facing lung cancer, where prompt access to specialists and treatments is paramount.

Smaller, more local clinics and primary care physicians are accessible via county roads like **County Road 100**, **County Road 1000**, and **County Road 1000E**. These routes, while shorter in distance, may be less direct and could be impacted by seasonal road conditions. The efficiency of these routes is a key factor in assessing the overall accessibility of healthcare.

**Public Transit: A Limited Lifeline**

Public **transportation** options in Monroeville are extremely limited. The Allen County Public **Transportation** (ACPT) system, while offering services within Fort Wayne, does not provide regular routes to Monroeville. This absence of public transit poses a significant challenge for individuals who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle.

While ACPT does offer ADA-compliant services, including lift-equipped vehicles and door-to-door service, these are primarily focused on serving the needs of the disabled and elderly within the city of Fort Wayne. Accessing these services from Monroeville would require prior arrangements and a significant time commitment, making them less viable for urgent medical needs. The lack of robust public transit is a major drawback for residents needing to access specialized lung cancer care.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Fort Wayne area and can provide a **transportation** alternative. However, the availability of these services in Monroeville itself may be inconsistent, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Relying solely on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments could be unreliable and potentially expensive.

Medical **transportation** services, such as those offered by medical transport companies, are another option. These services provide non-emergency medical **transportation** for individuals who require assistance. Companies like CareRide and First Choice Medical **Transportation** are available in the Fort Wayne area. However, these services can be costly and require advance booking. They are often used for patients with mobility issues or those who cannot drive themselves.

**The Lung Cancer Score: A Composite Assessment**

Based on the factors outlined above, we can construct a preliminary "Lung Cancer Score" for Monroeville, Indiana. This score is not a precise numerical value but a qualitative assessment of **healthcare access** challenges.

* **Drive Time Accessibility:** The primary challenge is the distance to specialized care. While the drive times to Fort Wayne hospitals are manageable, they can be a significant burden for individuals undergoing treatment or experiencing acute symptoms.
* **Public Transit Deficiency:** The lack of public **transportation** severely limits access for those without personal vehicles.
* **Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport Limitations:** While ride-sharing and medical transport services offer alternatives, their availability, cost, and reliability are potential barriers.

**Overall Assessment:**

Considering these factors, the "Lung Cancer Score" for Monroeville, Indiana (ZIP Code 46773) is **moderate**. While residents have access to essential healthcare, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transit options create significant challenges. The score suggests that individuals considering **moving to Monroeville** and those already residing there should carefully consider their **transportation** options and plan for potential difficulties in accessing specialized lung cancer care.

**Recommendations:**

* Individuals with lung cancer or at high risk should establish a strong relationship with a primary care physician in the area.
* Explore options for carpooling or arranging rides with family and friends.
* Investigate the availability and cost of medical transport services.
* Advocate for improved public transit options to and from Fort Wayne.
* Consider the location of medical facilities when choosing a place to live.
* Seek support groups and resources for lung cancer patients in the Fort Wayne area.

Ultimately, the accessibility of healthcare in Monroeville requires a proactive approach. Understanding the **transportation** landscape and planning accordingly is essential for navigating the challenges of lung cancer care. The "Lung Cancer Score" serves as a reminder of the importance of accessible healthcare and the need for ongoing efforts to improve **healthcare access** for all residents.