39330, Enterprise, Mississippi Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 39330, Enterprise, Mississippi is 51 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

54.03 percent of residents in 39330 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.57 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Anderson Regional Medical Center South Campus with a distance of 13.47 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Enterprise, MS (ZIP Code 39330)

The journey to healthcare, a fundamental human need, takes on a complex dimension when we consider the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. In ZIP Code 39330, encompassing the town of Enterprise, Mississippi, access to specialized medical care, particularly for oncology, is a crucial factor in patient outcomes. This write-up explores the landscape of healthcare access, focusing on transportation options, drive times, and the availability of public transit and ride-sharing services, all contributing to a "Lung Cancer Score" for residents.

Enterprise, a rural community nestled in Clarke County, presents unique challenges to healthcare access. The nearest comprehensive cancer centers and specialized pulmonology practices are located in larger cities, primarily Meridian, approximately 40 miles to the west, and Hattiesburg, roughly 70 miles south. This geographical reality necessitates a careful evaluation of transportation options, each impacting the ability of patients to receive timely diagnoses, treatments, and follow-up care.

**Drive Times and Roadways: The Asphalt Arteries of Care**

The primary route to Meridian from Enterprise is via **Highway 11**, a major north-south thoroughfare. The drive, typically taking around 50-60 minutes under normal traffic conditions, can be significantly impacted by weather events, particularly during hurricane season or periods of heavy rainfall. A secondary route, utilizing **Highway 80** west, adds approximately 15 minutes to the journey, offering an alternative in case of accidents or road closures on Highway 11.

Traveling to Hattiesburg presents a longer commute. The most direct route involves **Highway 11 South**, followed by a transition to **Highway 98 West**. Expect a drive time of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic. This extended travel time underscores the critical importance of reliable transportation for patients requiring frequent treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

The condition of these roadways, especially during inclement weather, directly affects healthcare access. Poor road maintenance, potholes, and flooding can create significant barriers, delaying appointments and potentially impacting treatment schedules. For patients facing lung cancer, time is often of the essence.

**Public Transit: A Limited Lifeline**

Public transportation options in Enterprise and Clarke County are extremely limited. There is no established local bus system, and the availability of public transit connecting Enterprise to Meridian or Hattiesburg is virtually non-existent. This lack of public transportation disproportionately affects individuals without personal vehicles, the elderly, and those with limited mobility, significantly hindering their ability to access vital healthcare services.

While there are no specific public transit routes serving Enterprise, the potential for future development of ADA-accessible transportation options should be considered. Such a system, even if limited in scope, could provide a crucial lifeline for patients needing to travel to medical appointments.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Meridian and Hattiesburg, but their presence in Enterprise is often sporadic and unreliable. This makes scheduling appointments and ensuring timely transportation a significant challenge. The availability of ride-sharing services is often dependent on driver availability, which can be particularly limited during off-peak hours or in rural areas.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more specialized solution. Companies like American Medical Response (AMR) and local ambulance services may provide non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) within the region. However, these services often require advance booking and may come with significant costs, potentially posing a financial burden for patients.

**Medical Transport Brands and Healthcare Access**

The availability and cost of medical transport are crucial elements in the "Lung Cancer Score." The ability to secure reliable, affordable transportation directly impacts a patient's ability to adhere to treatment plans, attend follow-up appointments, and receive necessary care.

**Healthcare Access and the "Lung Cancer Score"**

The "Lung Cancer Score" for ZIP Code 39330 is significantly impacted by the limited healthcare access. The distance to specialized cancer centers, the lack of public transportation, and the variable availability of ride-sharing services create significant barriers for patients.

The score reflects the challenges faced by individuals diagnosed with lung cancer in Enterprise. A low score indicates a compromised ability to access timely and effective care, potentially leading to poorer health outcomes. Factors considered include:

* **Drive Times:** The time required to travel to specialized cancer centers in Meridian and Hattiesburg.
* **Transportation Availability:** The reliability and affordability of transportation options, including personal vehicles, ride-sharing, and medical transport.
* **Public Transit:** The presence or absence of accessible public transportation options.
* **Road Conditions:** The quality and maintenance of roadways, impacting travel times and safety.
* **Financial Burden:** The cost of transportation and its impact on patients' ability to afford care.

**Moving to Enterprise: A Healthcare Consideration**

For individuals or families considering moving to Enterprise, the availability of healthcare access should be a primary consideration, especially if there is a history of cancer or other chronic illnesses. The need for reliable transportation to specialized medical centers is paramount. Prospective residents should carefully assess their transportation options, including personal vehicles, the availability of ride-sharing services, and the potential need for medical transport.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Enterprise highlights the need for community-based solutions to improve healthcare access. This could include advocating for the development of public transportation, partnering with ride-sharing services to ensure greater availability, and supporting local initiatives that provide transportation assistance to patients in need.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Healthcare Landscape**

The journey to healthcare in Enterprise, MS, for individuals battling lung cancer is fraught with challenges. The geographical distance to specialized cancer centers, the limited public transportation options, and the variable availability of ride-sharing services create significant barriers to timely and effective care. Improving the "Lung Cancer Score" for ZIP Code 39330 requires a multifaceted approach, including infrastructure improvements, community-based transportation solutions, and a commitment to ensuring that all residents have access to the healthcare they need. The health and well-being of the Enterprise community depend on it.