47574, Rome, Indiana Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 47574, Rome, Indiana is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

10.98 percent of residents in 47574 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.85 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Perry County Memorial Hospital with a distance of 10.17 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in ZIP Code 47574

The air in Rome, Indiana (ZIP Code 47574), whispers tales of rolling hills and a close-knit community. But when the shadow of a lung cancer diagnosis falls, the landscape shifts. The ease of **transportation** becomes paramount, dictating **healthcare access** and influencing the patient’s journey. This write-up assesses the challenges and opportunities facing residents of 47574, providing a “Lung Cancer Score” based on the available resources. We'll explore the practicalities of getting to treatment, considering drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport options.

Rome, Indiana, sits nestled in Daviess County, a rural expanse where personal vehicles reign supreme. The primary artery connecting residents to specialized medical care is State Road 57. This two-lane highway, while offering a direct route to Evansville, can be subject to slower speeds due to traffic or inclement weather. The drive to the major healthcare hub, Deaconess Midtown Hospital, is approximately 60 miles, translating to a drive time of around one hour and fifteen minutes under ideal conditions. The journey utilizes State Road 57, which seamlessly transitions into the Lloyd Expressway (Highway 62) as you approach Evansville.

For those needing radiation therapy or advanced diagnostics, the drive to Indianapolis might be necessary. This significantly extends the travel time. The most direct route involves taking State Road 57 north to Interstate 64 East, then connecting to Interstate 65 North. The total distance is roughly 150 miles, with a drive time of approximately two and a half hours, barring any unforeseen delays. This long-distance **transportation** requirement underscores the need for careful planning and support.

Public **transportation** options in 47574 are extremely limited. The absence of a robust public transit system poses a significant barrier to **healthcare access** for those who cannot drive or lack access to a personal vehicle. The closest semblance of public **transportation** would be the Evansville Transit System (ETS). However, the ETS primarily serves the Evansville metropolitan area and does not extend its routes to Rome. Even if a resident could somehow reach Evansville, the ETS routes might not directly serve the healthcare facilities, necessitating additional transfers and extended travel times. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible buses, while present within the ETS fleet, would be of little use without a viable route to Evansville.

Ride-sharing services, like Uber and Lyft, offer a potential solution, yet their availability in rural areas can be inconsistent. While Evansville has a more established presence of these services, their availability in Rome itself is likely limited, particularly during off-peak hours or in emergencies. Relying on ride-sharing for regular appointments or urgent care could be unreliable, necessitating pre-planning and potentially longer wait times. The cost of these services, especially for long-distance trips to Evansville or Indianapolis, can also quickly become a financial burden.

Medical **transportation** services provide a crucial lifeline for patients who cannot drive or require specialized assistance. Several companies operate in the region, including ambulance services for emergency situations and non-emergency medical **transportation** (NEMT) providers. These NEMT services typically offer door-to-door service, assisting patients with mobility and providing **transportation** to and from medical appointments. However, availability and cost vary significantly. Patients should research local providers, such as AMR or Priority Ambulance, to determine their service area, pricing, and eligibility requirements. Booking in advance is crucial, especially for appointments outside of regular business hours.

The “Lung Cancer Score” for 47574 is negatively impacted by the reliance on personal vehicles and the lack of public **transportation**. The long distances to specialized care centers in Evansville and Indianapolis present a significant challenge, especially for patients experiencing fatigue or other symptoms. The limited availability of ride-sharing and the potential cost of medical **transportation** further exacerbate these challenges.

The community must explore strategies to improve **healthcare access**. This could involve advocating for expanded NEMT services, exploring partnerships with local volunteer organizations to provide **transportation** assistance, or investigating the feasibility of establishing a shuttle service to Evansville or other regional healthcare centers.

For individuals considering **moving to Rome**, or those already residing there, the **transportation** landscape is a critical factor in their healthcare planning. Understanding the limitations and exploring alternative solutions is essential. Proactive planning, including securing reliable **transportation** options and establishing support networks, is crucial for navigating the challenges of lung cancer treatment in this rural environment. The “Lung Cancer Score” for 47574 reflects the need for enhanced **healthcare access** and a community-wide effort to support those facing this difficult journey.