47515, Bristow, Indiana Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 47515, Bristow, Indiana is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

36.64 percent of residents in 47515 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 21.48 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Memorial Hospital And Health Care Center with a distance of 20.62 miles from the area.

**Lung Cancer Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 47515 (Bristow, Indiana)**

The air hangs heavy with the scent of possibility in Bristow, Indiana (ZIP Code 47515), a rural community nestled amidst the rolling hills of Spencer County. For those considering a move to this tranquil haven, the promise of a slower pace of life often overshadows the practicalities of healthcare access, a critical consideration, particularly for individuals at risk of or battling lung cancer. This write-up provides a detailed examination of transportation options and their impact on healthcare access, culminating in a Lung Cancer Score specific to this ZIP code.

Healthcare access, especially for specialized treatment like lung cancer care, is inextricably linked to transportation. The ability to reach oncologists, pulmonologists, diagnostic centers, and radiation therapy facilities can be a matter of life and death. For residents of Bristow, the challenge is amplified by the community's rural location, necessitating reliance on personal vehicles, ride-sharing services, or medical transport. Public transit options are limited, and the availability of these services directly influences the quality of life and survivability for those facing a lung cancer diagnosis.

The primary artery for residents of Bristow is Indiana State Road 62, which snakes its way through the county, connecting the community to larger towns and cities. Driving times to healthcare facilities are a crucial factor. The closest major medical center, Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville, is approximately a 50-mile drive, typically taking around an hour and fifteen minutes via IN-62 West and the Lloyd Expressway. This journey is a significant time commitment, especially for frequent appointments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Another viable route involves traveling north on IN-62 to US-231, then south to Owensboro, Kentucky. Owensboro Health Regional Hospital is a potential option, offering a range of services. This drive, approximately 45 miles, takes around an hour, depending on traffic. The roads are generally well-maintained, but rural highways can be susceptible to weather-related delays, especially during the winter months.

Public transportation options in Bristow are virtually nonexistent. There are no established bus routes or train lines that serve the area, leaving residents almost entirely reliant on personal vehicles or alternative transportation methods. This lack of public transit significantly limits healthcare access for those who cannot drive, have mobility issues, or cannot afford the cost of private transportation.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Evansville area, but their presence in Bristow is less reliable. Availability is often contingent on driver proximity and demand, potentially leading to longer wait times and higher fares. For those needing regular appointments, relying solely on ride-sharing can be financially unsustainable and logistically challenging.

Medical transport services offer a more specialized solution for individuals with medical needs. Companies like AMR (American Medical Response) and Priority Ambulance provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) to and from medical appointments. These services are typically more expensive than ride-sharing, but they offer the advantage of trained personnel and specialized vehicles equipped to accommodate individuals with mobility limitations or medical equipment.

The availability of medical transport services is crucial for individuals unable to drive themselves or utilize ride-sharing. However, the cost can be a significant barrier, especially for those with limited financial resources. The lack of public transportation and the variable availability of ride-sharing services underscore the importance of medical transport as a lifeline for accessing healthcare in Bristow.

The implications of these transportation limitations are profound. Lung cancer patients require frequent appointments for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. The time and cost associated with traveling to these appointments can be a significant burden, adding to the emotional and physical toll of the disease. This can lead to delayed diagnosis, missed appointments, and ultimately, a diminished quality of life.

For individuals considering a move to Bristow, a thorough assessment of transportation options is essential. Factors to consider include the availability of personal vehicles, the ability to drive, the financial resources to cover transportation costs, and the availability of support networks to assist with transportation needs.

**Lung Cancer Score Calculation:**

The Lung Cancer Score is calculated based on the following factors:

* **Drive Time to Nearest Comprehensive Cancer Center:** (Weighted 30%) – The longer the drive, the lower the score.
* **Availability of Public Transportation:** (Weighted 25%) – The absence of public transportation significantly lowers the score.
* **Reliability of Ride-Sharing Services:** (Weighted 20%) – Unreliable ride-sharing lowers the score.
* **Cost and Availability of Medical Transport:** (Weighted 15%) – High cost and limited availability lower the score.
* **Presence of Local Support Services:** (Weighted 10%) – The availability of volunteer drivers or community resources improves the score.

**Score for ZIP Code 47515:**

Based on the analysis above, the Lung Cancer Score for ZIP Code 47515 is considered **Low**. The long drive times to specialized cancer centers, the absence of public transportation, the variable reliability of ride-sharing services, and the high cost of medical transport all contribute to this low score.

**Recommendations:**

* **Prioritize a personal vehicle:** Owning a reliable vehicle is essential for accessing healthcare.
* **Explore Medical Transport Options:** Research local medical transport providers and understand the associated costs.
* **Build a Support Network:** Establish a network of friends, family, or community members who can assist with transportation.
* **Advocate for Improved Healthcare Access:** Support initiatives aimed at improving healthcare access in rural communities, such as the expansion of telehealth services or the establishment of mobile medical clinics.
* **Consider Proximity to Healthcare:** When choosing a home, consider the proximity to healthcare facilities, even if it means a longer commute to work or other activities.

Moving to Bristow offers the allure of a close-knit community and a slower pace of life. However, for individuals at risk of or battling lung cancer, the challenges of healthcare access must be carefully considered. Understanding the transportation landscape and proactively planning for healthcare needs is crucial for ensuring the best possible outcomes. The Lung Cancer Score serves as a critical reminder of the importance of healthcare access in a rural setting, urging potential residents to make informed decisions that prioritize their health and well-being.