46914, Bunker Hill, Indiana Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 46914, Bunker Hill, Indiana is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

78.43 percent of residents in 46914 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.90 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Dukes Memorial Hospital with a distance of 8.01 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Bunker Hill, Indiana (ZIP Code 46914)

The specter of lung cancer casts a long shadow, demanding swift and effective healthcare. For residents of Bunker Hill, Indiana (ZIP Code 46914), access to timely diagnosis and treatment hinges significantly on transportation options. This write-up, a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, examines the available pathways to healthcare, considering drive times, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport, all crucial elements in the fight against this formidable disease. Understanding these factors is paramount for residents and those considering moving to Bunker Hill, ensuring informed decisions about their healthcare access.

The primary healthcare providers serving Bunker Hill are located outside the immediate vicinity. This reality necessitates reliance on transportation. The most common mode is personal vehicle, traversing the network of highways and roads. Interstate 69 (I-69) offers a direct route to larger medical centers in Indianapolis, approximately 70 miles south. The drive, typically taking around 1 hour and 15 minutes, can be affected by traffic, especially during peak hours. U.S. Route 31 (US-31), a major north-south artery, provides an alternative route, although it often involves more stop-and-go driving, potentially adding to travel time.

For shorter trips, State Road 218 (SR-218) and State Road 19 (SR-19) connect Bunker Hill to neighboring towns and healthcare facilities. These roads, while offering convenient access to local clinics and urgent care centers, may not provide the comprehensive services required for advanced lung cancer treatment. The drive to Logansport, Indiana, approximately 15 miles west, via SR-218, takes around 20 minutes. Kokomo, Indiana, about 25 miles south, is accessible via US-31 and SR-26, requiring roughly a 30-minute drive.

Public transportation options are limited in Bunker Hill. The primary provider in the area is the Miami County Transit System, but its routes and frequency are geared towards serving the needs of the county, not specifically Bunker Hill. The current routes may not provide direct access to specialized cancer centers. This lack of robust public transit presents a significant challenge for individuals without personal vehicles or those unable to drive due to illness or disability. The absence of accessible ADA-compliant buses further compounds the difficulties faced by those with mobility limitations.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Bunker Hill area, but their reliability and availability can fluctuate. While these services offer a potential solution for those without access to personal transportation, the cost can be a barrier, especially for frequent appointments like those required for lung cancer treatment. Furthermore, the availability of drivers, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather, is not guaranteed. The reliance on ride-sharing necessitates careful planning and budgeting.

Medical transport services, specifically designed to cater to the needs of patients, offer a more specialized solution. Companies like LifeLine Ambulance and other regional providers offer non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services. These services provide door-to-door transport, often including assistance with mobility and medical equipment. While NEMT services can be a valuable resource, they often require pre-booking and can be subject to insurance coverage limitations. The cost of these services can also be substantial, adding to the financial burden of cancer treatment.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Bunker Hill, therefore, reflects a mixed picture. While the proximity to major highways like I-69 offers access to larger medical centers, the reliance on personal vehicles creates challenges for those without them. The limited public transportation options, coupled with the fluctuating availability and cost of ride-sharing services, highlight potential barriers to healthcare access. The availability of medical transport services provides a crucial lifeline, but their cost and pre-booking requirements must be considered.

For individuals considering moving to Bunker Hill, a thorough assessment of their transportation needs and access to healthcare is essential. Those with existing health conditions, particularly those requiring frequent medical appointments, should carefully evaluate the available transportation options and their associated costs. The absence of robust public transit and the reliance on personal vehicles or potentially expensive ride-sharing services underscore the importance of planning and preparation.

Furthermore, the availability of support services, such as patient navigators and transportation assistance programs offered by hospitals and cancer centers, should be investigated. These programs can help patients navigate the complexities of transportation and access the care they need. Understanding the local healthcare landscape, including the availability of specialists and treatment options, is also crucial.

In conclusion, the "Lung Cancer Score" for Bunker Hill highlights the critical role of transportation in healthcare access. While the community benefits from its proximity to major highways and the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services, the limitations of public transit and the potential costs associated with these options pose challenges. For residents and those considering moving to Bunker Hill, a proactive approach to planning and securing transportation is essential to ensure timely access to diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care in the fight against lung cancer.