40363, Perry Park, Kentucky Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 40363, Perry Park, Kentucky is 19 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

0.00 percent of residents in 40363 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 20.17 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Georgetown Community Hospital with a distance of 33.53 miles from the area.

**Lung Cancer Score: Assessing Healthcare Access in ZIP Code 40363**

The decision to relocate, especially when considering healthcare needs, demands careful evaluation. This report, a "Lung Cancer Score," analyzes healthcare access in ZIP Code 40363 (Perry Park, Kentucky), focusing on transportation options for individuals diagnosed with or at risk of lung cancer. This score considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport, providing a comprehensive view of accessibility to crucial medical care.

Perry Park, nestled in the heart of Kentucky, presents unique transportation challenges. The rural landscape necessitates a reliance on personal vehicles, impacting healthcare access. The "Lung Cancer Score" illuminates the complexities of navigating this environment.

**Drive Times and Road Networks**

For individuals in Perry Park, the nearest comprehensive cancer care facilities are primarily located in Lexington, approximately 60 miles away. The primary route involves navigating **US-60** east, a two-lane highway that can experience heavy traffic, particularly during peak hours. The journey then transitions to **Interstate 64** east, a major thoroughfare leading directly into Lexington.

The drive time to Lexington, under optimal conditions, is approximately one hour and fifteen minutes. However, this estimate is subject to change due to traffic, weather, and road construction. During inclement weather, the drive time on **US-60** can be significantly extended, posing challenges for patients requiring timely medical attention.

Alternative routes exist, though they often involve a greater distance and longer travel times. For instance, taking **KY-330** north to connect with **Interstate 75** offers an alternate route, but this option adds approximately 15 miles to the journey and potentially increases travel time. The condition of secondary roads, such as **KY-227** and **KY-355**, can also impact travel times, especially during winter months.

**Public Transit Accessibility**

Public transportation options within ZIP Code 40363 are extremely limited. The absence of a robust public transit system presents a significant barrier to healthcare access, particularly for individuals who are unable to drive or lack access to a personal vehicle.

The Lexington Transit Authority (Lextran) operates a network of bus routes within the city of Lexington. However, these routes do not extend to Perry Park. This means that individuals relying on public transportation would need to arrange for a ride to Lexington to access the Lextran system.

The lack of public transit options underscores the need for alternative transportation solutions. The absence of readily available public transit significantly impacts the "Lung Cancer Score," reflecting the challenges faced by patients in accessing timely medical care. The lack of ADA-compliant features on any existing public transit further exacerbates these challenges for individuals with mobility limitations.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Lexington, but their presence in Perry Park is less consistent. The availability of these services can vary depending on the time of day, demand, and driver availability. Relying on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments can be unreliable and potentially costly.

Medical transportation services offer a more specialized solution. Companies like CareRide and First Transit provide non-emergency medical transportation. These services typically require advance booking and can be more expensive than ride-sharing. However, they offer a reliable means of transportation for individuals who require assistance.

The cost of medical transport can be a significant financial burden for patients. The "Lung Cancer Score" considers the cost of transportation, including fuel, ride-sharing fees, and medical transport charges, to provide a comprehensive assessment of healthcare accessibility.

**Evaluating the "Lung Cancer Score"**

The "Lung Cancer Score" is not a single number but a composite assessment of various factors. The score considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing reliability, and the cost of medical transport. The score also considers the availability of specialized cancer care facilities, including oncologists, radiation therapists, and support services.

A high "Lung Cancer Score" indicates a greater degree of accessibility to healthcare, while a low score signifies significant challenges. For residents of Perry Park, the "Lung Cancer Score" is likely to be moderate, reflecting the challenges posed by limited transportation options and the distance to comprehensive cancer care facilities.

**Implications for Moving to Perry Park**

For individuals considering moving to Perry Park, the "Lung Cancer Score" is a crucial factor to consider. Individuals with a history of lung cancer or those at high risk should carefully evaluate the transportation options and the availability of medical care.

The lack of public transit and the reliance on personal vehicles necessitate careful planning. Potential residents should assess their ability to drive or arrange for transportation to medical appointments. The cost of transportation, including fuel, ride-sharing fees, and medical transport charges, should be factored into the decision-making process.

The "Lung Cancer Score" serves as a valuable tool for individuals considering a move to Perry Park. It highlights the challenges and opportunities associated with healthcare access, allowing individuals to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

**Recommendations for Improving Healthcare Access**

To improve healthcare access in ZIP Code 40363, several strategies can be implemented. Promoting ride-sharing services through community initiatives could increase availability and reduce costs. Exploring partnerships with medical transport providers could offer subsidized transportation options for low-income patients.

Advocating for the expansion of public transit services is crucial. While the implementation of a full-fledged public transit system may be challenging, exploring the feasibility of a demand-response system, such as a dial-a-ride service, could significantly improve healthcare access.

The "Lung Cancer Score" is a dynamic assessment. By continuously monitoring transportation options, healthcare infrastructure, and patient needs, we can work towards improving healthcare access for all residents of Perry Park. This ongoing effort ensures that individuals diagnosed with or at risk of lung cancer receive the timely and comprehensive care they deserve.