39082, Harrisville, Mississippi Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 39082, Harrisville, Mississippi is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

12.37 percent of residents in 39082 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.92 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Simpson General Hospital Cah with a distance of 13.29 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Harrisville, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39082)

The air hangs heavy in Harrisville, Mississippi, a small town nestled in the heart of Simpson County. For residents, the serenity of rural life comes with a unique set of challenges, particularly when it comes to healthcare access. This Lung Cancer Score assessment delves into the complexities of navigating the healthcare landscape for individuals in ZIP Code 39082, focusing on the critical element of transportation. We'll examine the available options, from personal vehicles to public transit, evaluating their feasibility and impact on timely access to potentially life-saving lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment.

The most common mode of transportation in Harrisville is, undoubtedly, the personal vehicle. This reliance underscores the importance of understanding drive times to key healthcare facilities. The nearest major medical center is likely the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) in Jackson, a drive that typically involves navigating **Highway 49** north. The journey, spanning approximately 40 miles, can take anywhere from 50 minutes to an hour and a half, depending on traffic conditions and the specific route taken.

Another viable route to Jackson involves utilizing **Highway 13** north to connect with **Interstate 20** west, then onto **Interstate 55** south to reach the UMMC. This route, while potentially longer in terms of mileage, might offer a smoother, more predictable drive, especially during peak hours. The drive time to Jackson, regardless of the chosen route, represents a significant time commitment, particularly for individuals experiencing symptoms or requiring urgent care.

For those seeking local healthcare options, the Simpson General Hospital in Mendenhall offers a more immediate solution. This facility is a mere 15-minute drive from Harrisville, primarily via **Highway 13** south. While Simpson General Hospital might not possess the specialized resources of a major medical center, it offers essential primary care services, including initial screenings and referrals. This proximity is a crucial factor in the Lung Cancer Score, as it allows for quicker access to diagnostic procedures and facilitates the early detection crucial for effective treatment.

Public transportation options in Harrisville are limited. The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) does not operate a fixed-route bus system in Simpson County. The availability of public transit, therefore, is a major constraint on healthcare access for those who do not own a car or are unable to drive. This lack of public transportation creates a significant barrier for many residents, particularly the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources.

The absence of a robust public transit system necessitates exploring alternative transportation solutions, such as ride-sharing services. Uber and Lyft operate in the Jackson metropolitan area, but their availability in Harrisville and the surrounding rural areas is often sporadic. Securing a ride, especially during off-peak hours or for medical appointments, could prove challenging, adding another layer of complexity to healthcare access. The cost of ride-sharing services can also be a significant financial burden, particularly for frequent medical visits.

Medical transport services, specifically designed to cater to patients requiring specialized assistance, offer another avenue for transportation. Companies like American Medical Response (AMR) and Rural/Metro Corporation provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services in the region. These services are often covered by insurance, including Medicaid and Medicare, for eligible patients. However, availability and scheduling can be a concern, requiring advance planning and coordination.

The availability of NEMT services is particularly crucial for individuals with mobility limitations or those undergoing cancer treatment, who might find it difficult to drive or utilize other transportation options. The ability to access these services is a critical component of the Lung Cancer Score, as it directly impacts the patient's ability to receive timely and appropriate care.

The overall Lung Cancer Score for residents of Harrisville, Mississippi, reflects the challenges posed by limited transportation options. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with the scarcity of public transit and the variable availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services, creates significant barriers to healthcare access. The drive times to major medical centers, the potential for traffic delays, and the logistical complexities of securing transportation all contribute to the score.

The score is further influenced by the potential for delayed diagnosis and treatment due to transportation challenges. Early detection is paramount in lung cancer treatment, and any delay in accessing screening, diagnostic procedures, or treatment can negatively impact patient outcomes. The ability to quickly reach a healthcare facility for a biopsy, imaging, or other necessary procedures is directly linked to the patient's prognosis.

The limited availability of healthcare facilities within Harrisville itself, necessitates travel to larger medical centers, exacerbating the transportation challenges. The need to travel to Jackson for specialized care, such as radiation therapy or complex surgeries, further underscores the importance of reliable transportation options. The Lung Cancer Score, therefore, reflects the overall accessibility of healthcare resources, taking into account the transportation infrastructure and the availability of alternative transportation solutions.

For individuals considering moving to Harrisville, the Lung Cancer Score should be a crucial factor in their decision-making process. The assessment highlights the need for careful consideration of transportation needs and the potential impact on healthcare access. Residents should proactively research available transportation options, explore insurance coverage for NEMT services, and familiarize themselves with the drive times to local and regional healthcare facilities.

Ultimately, improving healthcare access in Harrisville requires a multifaceted approach. This includes advocating for the expansion of public transportation options, promoting the availability of ride-sharing services, and ensuring the accessibility of medical transport services. Encouraging the development of telehealth services and mobile health clinics could also help bridge the gap in healthcare access, bringing essential services directly to the community. The Lung Cancer Score serves as a valuable tool for understanding the healthcare landscape in Harrisville, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for improving access to care and ultimately, improving the lives of its residents.