36346, Jack, Alabama Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 36346, Jack, Alabama is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

52.90 percent of residents in 36346 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.41 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Troy Regional Medical Center with a distance of 13.09 miles from the area.

## Prostate Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Enterprise, Alabama (ZIP Code 36346)

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a diagnosis like prostate cancer, is a complex one. It’s not just about the medical expertise available, but also about the practicalities of getting there. This assessment, the "Prostate Cancer Score," focuses on transportation and healthcare access within ZIP Code 36346, Enterprise, Alabama, a community nestled in the heart of Coffee County. This score considers the ease with which a resident can reach essential medical services, especially those critical for prostate cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. For anyone considering moving to Jack, this is a crucial consideration.

Enterprise, Alabama, presents a unique landscape for healthcare access. Its location, primarily served by the US Highway 84 (US-84) and Alabama State Route 27 (AL-27), dictates much of the transportation options. These highways, while generally well-maintained, are the arteries of movement in and out of the city. The presence of these routes significantly impacts drive times to the nearest comprehensive medical facilities.

The primary medical hub for residents of 36346 is likely to be Medical Center Enterprise (MCE), located within the city limits. This hospital provides a range of services, including primary care, urology, and potentially some aspects of prostate cancer treatment. Drive times to MCE are generally short, reflecting the city's compact nature. However, the availability of specialized oncology services might necessitate travel to larger regional centers.

For advanced care, including radiation therapy and specialized surgical procedures, patients may need to travel to Dothan, Alabama, approximately 30 miles east. This journey is primarily via US-84. Drive times to Dothan can vary depending on traffic, but typically range from 30 to 45 minutes. The ease of this commute is a critical factor in the Prostate Cancer Score.

Further afield, larger medical centers in Montgomery, Alabama, and Tallahassee, Florida, offer additional options. These trips, however, significantly increase travel time. Montgomery, accessible via AL-27 and then I-65 North, is a drive of approximately 2 hours. Tallahassee, reached via US-84 East and then I-10 East, is a drive of approximately 2.5 hours. These longer distances demand careful planning and consideration, particularly for frequent appointments or treatments.

Public transportation options in Enterprise are limited. The city's infrastructure is not designed for extensive public transit. There is no established bus system or subway system. This lack of public transportation poses a significant challenge for individuals who cannot drive or who prefer not to drive. This is a crucial factor in the Prostate Cancer Score.

For those reliant on public transit, the options are restricted to taxis or ride-sharing services. The availability and affordability of these services are crucial considerations. Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, operate in Enterprise, but their availability can be variable, especially during off-peak hours or in less populated areas. The cost of these services can also be a significant burden, particularly for frequent medical appointments.

ADA accessibility is another crucial aspect of public transit. The absence of a public transit system means that ADA-compliant transportation options are limited. Individuals with mobility challenges will likely need to rely on specialized medical transport services or private vehicles. This further highlights the importance of accessible transportation options for individuals facing prostate cancer.

Medical transport services, such as MedTrans and other private companies, offer specialized transportation for medical appointments. These services often provide door-to-door service, including assistance with mobility and medical equipment. However, the cost of these services can be substantial, and their availability may be limited, especially in rural areas.

The Prostate Cancer Score must also consider the availability of support services. Support groups, counseling, and access to patient navigators can be invaluable for individuals navigating a prostate cancer diagnosis. The proximity and accessibility of these services are important factors in the overall healthcare experience.

For individuals considering moving to Jack, the availability of healthcare access is paramount. The Prostate Cancer Score provides a framework for understanding the transportation challenges and opportunities within the community. The score will be lower for individuals who do not drive or who have limited access to transportation.

The score will be higher for those who live close to MCE and have reliable access to a vehicle. The availability of ride-sharing services, medical transport, and support services will also contribute to the score. The ultimate goal of the Prostate Cancer Score is to provide a comprehensive assessment of healthcare access, enabling individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

The overall Prostate Cancer Score for ZIP Code 36346 is moderate. While the presence of MCE provides a local healthcare option, the lack of robust public transportation and the reliance on private vehicles for accessing specialized care pose challenges. Individuals with limited mobility or without access to a vehicle may face significant difficulties in accessing necessary medical services.

The score can be improved by increasing the availability of ride-sharing services, expanding medical transport options, and promoting awareness of available support services. The community could also benefit from initiatives to improve pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, making it easier for residents to access healthcare facilities.

Ultimately, the Prostate Cancer Score serves as a tool for assessing healthcare access and identifying areas for improvement. By understanding the transportation challenges and opportunities within Enterprise, Alabama, residents can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs and advocate for policies that promote greater access to care.