40170, Stephensport, Kentucky Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 40170, Stephensport, Kentucky is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

58.60 percent of residents in 40170 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.88 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Breckinridge Memorial Hospital with a distance of 11.65 miles from the area.

**Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Stephensport, KY (ZIP Code 40170)**

The journey to healthcare, a critical determinant of health outcomes, takes on heightened significance for residents of Stephensport, Kentucky, a community nestled in the heart of Breckinridge County. This analysis, a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, considers the challenges and opportunities in accessing lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment within ZIP code 40170, focusing on transportation and healthcare access. The score reflects the degree of difficulty and potential delays faced by individuals seeking vital medical services, especially those battling lung cancer. This is a crucial factor when moving to Stephensport.

Stephensport, a small, rural community, presents unique transportation challenges. The primary mode of transportation is the personal vehicle, with limited public transit options. This reliance on personal vehicles can create barriers to healthcare access, particularly for individuals with mobility limitations, those without vehicles, or those facing financial constraints. The geographical isolation of Stephensport, coupled with the distance to specialized medical facilities, further compounds these difficulties.

The nearest major medical centers equipped to handle lung cancer care, including screening, diagnosis, and treatment, are located in larger cities like Louisville and Owensboro. These centers offer comprehensive services, including pulmonologists, oncologists, radiation therapists, and surgical specialists. However, the distance to these facilities poses a significant hurdle for Stephensport residents.

Driving is the most common method of transportation. From Stephensport, the most direct route to Louisville, the largest city with advanced healthcare, involves traveling approximately 90 miles via **US-60 East** and then **I-65 North**. The drive, under normal traffic conditions, typically takes around one hour and 45 minutes. However, traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, can significantly extend travel times.

Alternatively, residents might consider traveling to Owensboro, approximately 60 miles away. This route involves taking **US-60 West**. The drive time is about one hour, assuming no significant traffic delays. While Owensboro offers a closer option, the range of specialized services might be more limited compared to Louisville.

Local roads, such as **KY-144**, **KY-261**, and **KY-259**, provide access to nearby towns and healthcare facilities. However, these roads are generally not suitable for rapid transit due to their rural nature and potential for slower speeds. The condition of these roads, including potholes and lack of adequate lighting, can also impact travel times and safety, especially during inclement weather.

Public transportation options are extremely limited in Stephensport and the surrounding areas. There is no established public bus system serving the area. This lack of public transit significantly impacts individuals who cannot drive, including the elderly, those with disabilities, and individuals who cannot afford a car. The absence of public transportation exacerbates healthcare access disparities.

While dedicated public transit is absent, some options may exist through regional or county-level programs. These programs, often focused on serving the elderly and individuals with disabilities, may provide limited transportation services to medical appointments. However, availability is often restricted, requiring advance booking and may involve shared rides, potentially adding to travel time. These services are often not ADA-compliant, a significant barrier to healthcare access.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Louisville and Owensboro, but their presence in Stephensport is uncertain. Even if available, the cost of ride-sharing for long distances to medical appointments can be prohibitive, particularly for individuals with limited financial resources. Ride-sharing services are not always reliable in rural areas, and availability can be unpredictable.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are another option. Several companies, such as American Medical Response (AMR) and local ambulance services, provide this service. However, medical transport can be expensive and may require pre-authorization from insurance companies. This can add to the complexity and delay of accessing healthcare.

The availability of medical transportation is particularly crucial for patients undergoing cancer treatment, who may experience fatigue, nausea, and other side effects that make driving unsafe or impossible. The lack of readily available and affordable medical transportation services can significantly impact the quality of life for lung cancer patients in Stephensport.

Healthcare access also depends on the availability of local healthcare providers. Stephensport has a limited number of primary care physicians and specialists. Residents often need to travel to larger cities to see specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, who are essential for lung cancer care. This travel adds to the overall burden of healthcare access.

Telehealth offers a potential solution to overcome some of the transportation barriers. Telemedicine consultations, where patients can connect with healthcare providers remotely via video conferencing, can reduce the need for travel. However, the effectiveness of telehealth depends on reliable internet access, which may be limited in rural areas like Stephensport.

The Lung Cancer Score for Stephensport, KY, reflects the challenges associated with transportation and healthcare access. The score is negatively impacted by the long distances to specialized medical facilities, the lack of public transportation, the potential cost and availability of ride-sharing and medical transport, and the limited availability of local healthcare providers. The score would be improved by increased public transportation, wider availability of telehealth services, and a greater presence of specialists in the local area.

The score also considers the potential impact of these factors on patient outcomes. Delays in diagnosis and treatment, caused by transportation barriers, can negatively affect survival rates and quality of life for lung cancer patients. The score underscores the need for interventions to improve healthcare access for Stephensport residents, including expanded transportation options, increased telehealth availability, and efforts to attract more healthcare providers to the area.

In conclusion, the Lung Cancer Score for Stephensport highlights the critical link between transportation, healthcare access, and health outcomes. Addressing the transportation challenges faced by residents is essential to ensure that they can access the timely and appropriate care they need, particularly those battling lung cancer. This is a crucial factor to consider when moving to Stephensport.