39564, Ocean Springs, Mississippi Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 39564, Ocean Springs, Mississippi is 56 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

60.51 percent of residents in 39564 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.05 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Merit Health Biloxi with a distance of 7.54 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Ocean Springs (ZIP Code 39564)

The salty air whispers promises of coastal living in Ocean Springs, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39564). Yet, for those considering a move, particularly individuals concerned about their health, a crucial question arises: how accessible is healthcare, specifically when considering lung cancer treatment? This write-up delves into the complexities of **transportation** options and **healthcare access** within and around Ocean Springs, providing a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment to help prospective residents make informed decisions. We'll explore drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, offering a detailed picture of the landscape.

Ocean Springs, nestled along the Gulf Coast, offers a charming blend of art, history, and natural beauty. However, its relative isolation from major metropolitan areas presents a unique challenge: ensuring timely and reliable access to specialized medical care, a critical factor in lung cancer treatment. The success of treatment often hinges on prompt diagnosis, staging, and access to oncologists, radiation therapists, and supportive care.

The primary hospital serving Ocean Springs is Singing River Health System's Ocean Springs Hospital, located within the city limits. While offering essential services, including emergency care and some cancer treatment, it may not provide the full spectrum of specialized lung cancer care, such as advanced radiation therapy or complex surgical procedures. This necessitates travel to larger medical centers, primarily in Biloxi and Mobile, Alabama.

**Driving the Distance: The Asphalt Arteries**

The most common mode of **transportation** in Ocean Springs is, undoubtedly, the personal vehicle. Drive times are heavily influenced by traffic, weather conditions, and the specific destination. To reach the primary regional cancer center, the Gulfport Memorial Hospital in Gulfport, the journey typically involves a drive west along U.S. Highway 90. The distance is approximately 15 miles, and the drive time can range from 20 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic.

For more specialized care, such as at the University of South Alabama Mitchell Cancer Institute in Mobile, Alabama, the drive becomes significantly longer. The route primarily involves Interstate 10 (I-10) east, covering a distance of roughly 80 miles. Expect a drive time of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic and the location within Mobile. This longer commute can be a significant factor for patients undergoing frequent treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Another option is the Ochsner Medical Center – Hancock in Bay St. Louis. This route involves a drive west on U.S. Highway 90. The distance is approximately 30 miles, with a drive time of 35 to 50 minutes.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public **transportation** options in Ocean Springs and the surrounding areas are limited. The Mississippi Coast Transportation Authority (MCTA) provides bus service along the coast, but routes and frequency are not ideal for regular medical appointments. Route 40, which runs along U.S. Highway 90, serves Ocean Springs. While this route offers a connection to Biloxi and Gulfport, the schedule may not align with the demanding schedules of cancer treatments. The limited frequency and potential for delays can be a significant barrier for patients.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a crucial consideration. MCTA buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts, and the agency strives to provide accessible services. However, the overall reliance on public transit for frequent medical appointments is not recommended.

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

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Ocean Springs, offering a convenient, albeit potentially expensive, **transportation** alternative. Availability can vary, particularly during peak hours or in less populated areas. The cost of rides to and from medical appointments can quickly accumulate, posing a financial burden for patients.

Medical **transportation** services, such as non-emergency medical **transportation** (NEMT) providers, offer a more specialized solution. These services cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those who require assistance during travel. Companies like American Medical Response (AMR) and local providers may offer services in the area. However, availability, insurance coverage, and cost vary, requiring careful research and planning.

**Lung Cancer Score: Assessing Healthcare Access**

Based on the available information, we can formulate a "Lung Cancer Score" for Ocean Springs (ZIP Code 39564). This score is not a definitive metric but rather a qualitative assessment of **healthcare access** based on the factors discussed.

* **Proximity to Primary Care:** Ocean Springs offers local primary care options, including the Singing River Health System's Ocean Springs Hospital, which is a positive factor.
* **Specialized Cancer Care:** Access to specialized cancer care is limited within Ocean Springs. Patients often need to travel to Gulfport, Biloxi, or Mobile.
* **Drive Times:** Drive times to major cancer centers range from 20 minutes to over an hour and a half, depending on the destination and traffic. This is a significant consideration for frequent treatments.
* **Public Transit:** Public transit options are limited and may not be reliable for regular medical appointments.
* **Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:** Ride-sharing is available but can be costly. Medical **transportation** services are an option but require careful planning and may not be universally covered by insurance.

**Overall Assessment:**

Ocean Springs offers a pleasant environment for **moving to Ocean Springs**, but its "Lung Cancer Score" for **healthcare access** is moderate. While primary care is readily available, access to specialized cancer care requires travel. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with limited public transit options, can pose challenges for patients. Ride-sharing and medical **transportation** services provide alternatives but come with potential financial and logistical considerations. Prospective residents with a history of lung cancer or those at high risk should carefully weigh these factors when considering a move to Ocean Springs. Thorough research into insurance coverage, **transportation** options, and the specific needs of their treatment plan is essential.