47143, Memphis, Indiana Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 47143, Memphis, Indiana is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

59.53 percent of residents in 47143 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.17 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wellstone Regional Hospital with a distance of 10.57 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in ZIP Code 47143

This analysis delves into the intricate relationship between **transportation** and **healthcare access** for residents of ZIP Code 47143, a crucial factor in assessing the potential impact of a lung cancer diagnosis. We'll explore the practical realities of reaching essential medical services, vital information for anyone considering **moving to Memphis** or residing within this area. Understanding the challenges and opportunities in this landscape is paramount for informed decision-making, especially when facing a serious illness.

ZIP Code 47143, encompassing the town of New Albany, Indiana, sits adjacent to Louisville, Kentucky. This geographical proximity offers a blend of healthcare options, but also presents **transportation** hurdles. The primary challenge lies in crossing the Ohio River, a necessary journey for many medical appointments. The availability of efficient and reliable **transportation** becomes a critical determinant of timely access to diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care for lung cancer patients.

The most common mode of **transportation** is undoubtedly personal vehicles. The major thoroughfare connecting New Albany to Louisville is Interstate 64 (I-64). This highway provides relatively direct access to major medical centers in Louisville, including Baptist Health Louisville, Norton Healthcare, and the University of Louisville Hospital. During peak traffic hours, however, particularly on weekday mornings and evenings, I-64 can become severely congested, significantly increasing drive times. Another option is the Sherman Minton Bridge, which carries I-64 across the Ohio River. This bridge often experiences significant delays due to its age and frequent maintenance.

Alternative routes include surface streets like State Street in New Albany, which becomes Market Street in Louisville. These routes, while potentially avoiding highway congestion, are often slower due to traffic lights and local traffic. The journey could also involve using US-150, a more rural road that connects New Albany to Louisville, but this route adds significant travel time. Therefore, the drive time to healthcare facilities can fluctuate considerably depending on the time of day and chosen route, impacting the ability of patients to attend appointments and access life-saving treatments.

Public **transportation** options in the area are primarily provided by the Transit Authority of River City (TARC), the Louisville metropolitan area's public transit system. TARC operates several bus routes that serve New Albany and connect to Louisville. Route 18, the "Market Street" route, is a key connector, running through New Albany and crossing the Ohio River via the Big Four Bridge, a pedestrian and bicycle bridge. The route then continues into downtown Louisville, providing access to many medical facilities.

However, the limitations of public **transportation** must be considered. Bus schedules may not always align with appointment times, and the frequency of service can be limited, especially on weekends and evenings. Furthermore, while TARC strives to provide ADA-accessible buses, ensuring wheelchair accessibility and other accommodations, the overall travel time via public **transportation** is significantly longer than driving. This can be particularly challenging for patients experiencing fatigue, shortness of breath, or other symptoms associated with lung cancer.

Ride-share services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer another **transportation** alternative. These services provide on-demand **transportation**, potentially offering greater flexibility than public transit. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a significant barrier for some patients, especially those with limited financial resources. The availability of ride-share services may also be affected by demand, particularly during peak hours or in areas with limited driver availability.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed for patients with medical needs, represent another option. These services typically offer non-emergency medical **transportation** in specialized vehicles equipped to accommodate wheelchairs, stretchers, and other medical equipment. Companies like FirstMed and MedStar may operate in the area. While these services can provide a crucial lifeline for patients who are unable to drive or use public **transportation**, they often come with a higher cost than ride-sharing or public transit.

The impact of **transportation** on **healthcare access** extends beyond simply getting to appointments. It also affects the ability to access supportive care services, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and mental health counseling. These services are essential for managing the symptoms and side effects of lung cancer treatment and improving the overall quality of life. Limited **transportation** options can make it difficult for patients to attend these appointments, hindering their recovery and well-being.

The location of a patient's residence within ZIP Code 47143 also influences **healthcare access**. Residents closer to the Ohio River, with easier access to I-64 or the Big Four Bridge, may have a shorter travel time to Louisville medical facilities. Those residing further from these major arteries may face longer commute times and greater challenges in accessing care.

For individuals considering **moving to Memphis** or residing in this area, the **transportation** landscape must be carefully evaluated. The proximity to Louisville offers a wide range of healthcare options, but the challenges of crossing the Ohio River and the limitations of public transit must be factored into the decision. Patients with lung cancer, or those at high risk, require reliable and efficient **transportation** to ensure timely access to medical care.

The ideal scenario involves a multifaceted approach. This includes access to a personal vehicle, readily available ride-share services, and a well-functioning public transit system. The presence of medical **transportation** services provides a crucial safety net for those unable to utilize other options. However, the financial burden of these services, particularly for patients with limited income, must be considered.

Ultimately, the **Lung Cancer Score** for ZIP Code 47143 reflects the interplay between **transportation** infrastructure, the availability of healthcare providers, and the financial resources of the residents. While the area benefits from proximity to Louisville's medical centers, the challenges of crossing the Ohio River, the limitations of public transit, and the cost of ride-sharing and medical **transportation** services can significantly impact **healthcare access** for lung cancer patients. Careful consideration of these factors is essential for anyone considering **moving to Memphis** or residing within this area, particularly those with existing health concerns.