39561, Mc Henry, Mississippi Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 39561, Mc Henry, Mississippi is 25 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

45.72 percent of residents in 39561 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 21.91 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Va Gulf Coast Healthcare System with a distance of 23.58 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in ZIP Code 39561

The air hangs heavy with the scent of salt and the promise of the Gulf in Mc Henry, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39561). For those facing a lung cancer diagnosis, the journey to healthcare transcends the physical; it becomes a complex navigation of time, resources, and accessibility. This write-up assesses the transportation landscape, providing a "Lung Cancer Score" to gauge the ease and challenges of accessing vital medical care in this coastal community.

The score considers factors like drive times to oncology centers, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transportation services. Understanding these elements is crucial for patients and their families, especially when considering moving to Mc Henry or seeking treatment within the area.

The primary healthcare hub for lung cancer treatment in this region is the Singing River Health System, with its main hospital, Ocean Springs Hospital, located a considerable distance from Mc Henry. The drive, primarily along **Highway 609** and then **Highway 90**, can take upwards of 45 minutes, depending on traffic. This journey becomes significantly more challenging for patients experiencing fatigue, shortness of breath, or other debilitating symptoms associated with lung cancer. The score reflects this extended travel time as a considerable hurdle to healthcare access.

Another option is the Gulfport Memorial Hospital, a bit closer to Mc Henry, requiring a drive on **Highway 609** to **I-10 East**, then **Highway 49 South**, which might take 35 minutes. The drive can be exhausting for patients. This hospital also offers oncology services, making it a viable alternative, though the travel time still impacts the score.

Public transportation in Mc Henry is limited. The Coast Transit Authority (CTA) provides some bus routes, but direct routes to major hospitals are infrequent and may involve multiple transfers. For a patient, this can be a major issue. The CTA's website offers route planning, but the sparse schedule and potential for long wait times drastically impact the "Lung Cancer Score."

The CTA routes, while offering some accessibility, are not designed with the specific needs of cancer patients in mind. ADA accessibility is available on all CTA buses, which is a positive factor. However, the infrequency of service and the potential for long travel times significantly diminish their usefulness for timely and convenient healthcare access. The score acknowledges the presence of public transit but highlights its limitations.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area, offering a more flexible transportation option. However, the cost of frequent rides to and from appointments can quickly become a financial burden. Furthermore, the reliability of these services in a rural area like Mc Henry can be unpredictable, potentially leading to delays and missed appointments. The score acknowledges ride-sharing as a viable option but factors in its cost and dependability concerns.

Medical transportation services are crucial for patients who cannot drive or have limited mobility. Companies like MedTrans and First Choice Medical Transportation operate in the area, offering non-emergency medical transportation. These services provide a more specialized level of care, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained drivers. However, these services come at a higher cost, adding to the financial strain of cancer treatment. The score recognizes the value of medical transportation but accounts for its financial implications.

The "Lung Cancer Score" also considers the impact of weather. Hurricanes and severe storms are common along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, potentially disrupting transportation and delaying access to care. This vulnerability to environmental factors adds another layer of complexity to the equation.

The score reflects the cumulative impact of these factors. The extended drive times to oncology centers, the limitations of public transit, the cost and reliability of ride-sharing, and the financial burden of medical transportation all contribute to a lower score.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for accessing lung cancer healthcare in ZIP Code 39561 is moderately challenging. While healthcare is available, the transportation infrastructure presents significant obstacles. Patients and their families must carefully consider these challenges when making decisions about treatment and care.

Moving to Mc Henry or seeking treatment in this area necessitates proactive planning. Patients should investigate all transportation options, explore financial assistance programs to offset transportation costs, and establish a strong support network to navigate the complexities of accessing healthcare.

The score is not a definitive judgment but a snapshot of the realities of healthcare access in this specific location. It serves as a guide, prompting a deeper understanding of the challenges and encouraging proactive planning to ensure that patients receive the timely and comprehensive care they deserve. The journey with lung cancer is arduous enough without the added burden of transportation barriers.