46911, Amboy, Indiana Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 46911, Amboy, Indiana is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

58.75 percent of residents in 46911 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.58 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Marion General Hospital with a distance of 14.22 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Amboy, Indiana (ZIP Code 46911)

This analysis provides a comprehensive "Lung Cancer Score" for residents of Amboy, Indiana (ZIP Code 46911), focusing on transportation infrastructure and its impact on healthcare access, specifically for individuals needing lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. This score considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, offering a realistic picture of the challenges and opportunities facing those dealing with this serious disease. The goal is to empower residents, especially those considering moving to Amboy, with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about their healthcare journey.

Amboy, a small town nestled in Miami County, presents unique challenges regarding healthcare access due to its rural location. While the community itself offers a close-knit environment, the availability of specialized medical services, particularly those related to lung cancer, necessitates travel to larger urban centers. This dependence on **transportation** significantly influences the quality of care and the overall well-being of patients.

**Drive Times: The Road to Treatment**

The primary routes for accessing lung cancer-related healthcare from Amboy involve driving. The closest hospitals and specialized clinics are located in Kokomo, Marion, and Peru. The primary artery connecting Amboy to the outside world is State Road 19, a crucial thoroughfare for daily commutes and medical appointments.

To reach Howard Regional Health System in Kokomo, a common destination for comprehensive medical services, the drive typically takes around 25-35 minutes, covering approximately 20 miles. This journey primarily utilizes State Road 19, which merges into US-31. Traffic conditions, particularly during peak hours, can extend this travel time, potentially adding stress and anxiety for patients.

Venturing further to Marion, where facilities like Marion Health are located, the drive is roughly 30-45 minutes, spanning about 25 miles. This route also relies on State Road 19, connecting to State Road 18. This route, while generally less congested than the Kokomo route, is still subject to potential delays.

Peru, a closer option, offers some medical services. Driving to Peru, utilizing State Road 19 and US-31, takes approximately 15-20 minutes, covering about 10 miles. This shorter drive time can be beneficial for routine check-ups and less intensive treatments, but may not offer the same level of specialization as Kokomo or Marion.

These drive times, while seemingly manageable, can become significant obstacles for patients undergoing chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or frequent follow-up appointments. The physical toll of the disease, combined with the stress of travel, can negatively impact treatment adherence and overall patient outcomes. The availability of reliable **transportation** becomes paramount.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transit options in Amboy and the surrounding area are extremely limited. Miami County does not have a comprehensive public transportation system. Therefore, relying on buses or trains for healthcare appointments is generally not feasible. This lack of public **transportation** significantly restricts **healthcare access** for individuals who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle.

The absence of robust public transit disproportionately affects elderly residents, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources. The lack of **healthcare access** can lead to delayed diagnoses, missed appointments, and ultimately, poorer health outcomes. The lack of ADA-compliant features further exacerbates the challenges for individuals with mobility impairments.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Amboy area, although their availability can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant barrier for some patients, especially when multiple trips are required for treatment.

Medical transport services offer a more specialized solution, providing transportation specifically designed for patients with medical needs. These services typically involve vehicles equipped with necessary medical equipment and trained personnel. While these services offer a valuable resource, they can be expensive, and their availability may be limited, requiring advance booking.

Several medical transport providers serve the area, including but not limited to, FirstCall Medical Transport and American Medical Response. The cost of these services varies depending on the distance, the level of care required, and the insurance coverage.

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

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Amboy, Indiana, reflects the interplay of these factors. It considers the following:

* **Drive Time:** The average drive time to the nearest hospitals and specialized clinics.
* **Public Transit Availability:** The presence or absence of reliable public transit options.
* **Ride-Sharing Availability:** The consistency and affordability of ride-sharing services.
* **Medical Transport Services:** The availability and cost of medical transport options.

Based on these factors, the "Lung Cancer Score" for Amboy is moderately low. While drive times to Kokomo and Marion are relatively short, the lack of public transit and the potential limitations of ride-sharing and medical transport services pose significant challenges.

**Implications for Moving to Amboy**

For individuals considering **moving to Amboy**, especially those with a history of lung cancer or at risk of developing the disease, understanding the **healthcare access** landscape is crucial. The reliance on personal vehicles and the potential challenges associated with **transportation** necessitate careful planning.

Individuals should assess their ability to drive or arrange for reliable **transportation** to medical appointments. They should also investigate the availability and cost of medical transport services and explore options for insurance coverage.

**Conclusion: Prioritizing Healthcare Access**

The "Lung Cancer Score" highlights the importance of addressing **healthcare access** challenges in Amboy. Improving public transit options, increasing the availability of affordable ride-sharing services, and expanding access to medical transport are critical steps towards ensuring that residents have the resources they need to receive timely and effective lung cancer care. This is especially important for those **moving to Amboy** and seeking a supportive community. The journey to better health requires not only medical expertise but also a reliable **transportation** network.