39322, Buckatunna, Mississippi Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 39322, Buckatunna, Mississippi is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

57.16 percent of residents in 39322 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.95 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wayne General Hospital with a distance of 10.15 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Buckatunna, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39322)

Buckatunna, Mississippi, a community nestled in the heart of Wayne County, presents unique challenges when it comes to healthcare access, particularly for individuals facing a lung cancer diagnosis. This write-up aims to provide a comprehensive "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, focusing on the crucial aspect of transportation. Understanding the available transportation options is paramount for timely diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care, especially for those considering moving to Buckatunna or currently residing within ZIP Code 39322.

The score will consider drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation options. Each category will be evaluated to provide a clear picture of the accessibility landscape for individuals battling lung cancer. The ultimate goal is to equip residents and potential newcomers with the knowledge needed to navigate the healthcare system effectively, fostering better outcomes and peace of mind.

**Drive Times: The Road to Care**

For residents of Buckatunna, the journey to specialized lung cancer care often involves driving. The nearest comprehensive cancer centers are located in larger cities, necessitating travel along various highways and roads. The primary artery connecting Buckatunna to the wider world is **Highway 45**, a major north-south route. Driving north on Highway 45 offers access to Meridian, approximately 50 miles away. This drive, depending on traffic and speed, can take around an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes.

Another crucial route is **Highway 84**, which provides access to larger cities like Laurel and Hattiesburg, both of which may offer specialized medical facilities. Traveling east on Highway 84 requires a drive of approximately 60 miles to Laurel, a trip that could take around an hour and a half. Further east, Hattiesburg, about 100 miles away, would require a drive of roughly two hours. These drive times are estimates and can vary depending on traffic conditions, which are generally lighter in this rural area.

The roads within Buckatunna itself, including **County Road 12** and various local roads, are generally well-maintained, though some may be narrow and winding. Residents should factor in potential delays due to weather conditions, especially during periods of heavy rain or occasional snow.

**Public Transit: Limited Options**

Public transportation options in Buckatunna are extremely limited, presenting a significant barrier to healthcare access for individuals without personal vehicles. There is no established public bus system that directly serves Buckatunna. The nearest public transit options may be available in Meridian, but the distance and lack of direct routes make this a challenging option.

The absence of public transit necessitates reliance on personal vehicles, ride-sharing services, or medical transportation. This lack of accessibility can disproportionately affect individuals with mobility limitations, those unable to drive, or those who cannot afford the costs associated with private transportation. ADA-compliant features on potential transit options are non-existent within the immediate vicinity of Buckatunna.

**Ride-Sharing: A Partial Solution**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the larger cities surrounding Buckatunna, including Meridian and Laurel. However, the availability of these services in Buckatunna itself is highly variable and unpredictable. Drivers may be scarce due to the rural location and limited demand.

Relying on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments can be costly and unreliable. Patients may face significant wait times, surge pricing during peak hours, and the uncertainty of driver availability. This makes ride-sharing a less-than-ideal solution for individuals requiring frequent transportation to and from cancer treatment. The cost factor also needs to be considered when assessing healthcare access.

**Medical Transportation: Specialized Support**

Several medical transportation providers offer services in the Buckatunna area. These companies specialize in transporting patients to and from medical appointments, including those related to cancer treatment. These services often provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel to assist patients with mobility limitations.

Some prominent medical transportation brands operating in the region include, but are not limited to, **MedStar Ambulance Service** and **American Medical Response (AMR)**. These services typically require pre-booking and can be expensive, especially for long-distance trips. The cost of medical transportation can be a significant financial burden for patients and their families. Insurance coverage for medical transportation varies, and it is essential to verify coverage details with insurance providers.

**Lung Cancer Score: A Summary**

Based on the assessment of transportation options, Buckatunna, Mississippi, receives a relatively low "Lung Cancer Score." The score reflects the limited availability of public transit, the variable reliability of ride-sharing services, and the reliance on personal vehicles or costly medical transportation. The drive times to specialized cancer centers are significant, and the lack of readily available transportation options poses a considerable challenge for individuals undergoing treatment.

For those considering moving to Buckatunna, it is imperative to carefully evaluate the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access. Individuals with lung cancer or those at high risk should prioritize proximity to comprehensive cancer centers or establish a reliable transportation plan before relocating. This plan should include exploring all available options, including family support, medical transportation services, and financial assistance programs to mitigate the challenges of accessing healthcare.

The overall "Lung Cancer Score" for Buckatunna underscores the importance of proactive planning and resourcefulness in navigating the healthcare system. While the community may offer a peaceful and rural lifestyle, the limitations in transportation access demand careful consideration for individuals prioritizing convenient and reliable healthcare access.