32073, Orange Park, Florida Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 32073, Orange Park, Florida is 69 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

51.29 percent of residents in 32073 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 4.55 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Hca Florida Orange Park Hospital with a distance of 1.73 miles from the area.

**Prostate Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Orange Park (ZIP Code 32073)**

The journey to healthcare, particularly when facing a diagnosis like prostate cancer, becomes a critical factor in patient well-being. This analysis focuses on transportation and healthcare access for residents of Orange Park, Florida (ZIP code 32073), assessing the Prostate Cancer Score, a metric reflecting the ease with which individuals can reach urological specialists and treatment facilities. This score considers drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing availability, painting a picture of the landscape for those seeking care.

Orange Park, a vibrant community south of Jacksonville, offers a blend of suburban living and convenient access to urban amenities. However, proximity to specialized healthcare, including prostate cancer treatment, can significantly impact the quality of life for patients. The Prostate Cancer Score aims to provide a clear understanding of the transportation challenges and opportunities within this area.

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

The primary mode of transportation for most Orange Park residents is the automobile. The major thoroughfares influencing healthcare access include US-17 (Roosevelt Boulevard), Blanding Boulevard, and I-295. These roadways act as the arteries, carrying patients to various medical facilities.

From the heart of Orange Park, a drive to the Baptist Medical Center South, a prominent healthcare provider, typically takes approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. This hospital offers comprehensive urological services, including prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment. The route usually involves navigating Blanding Boulevard and then connecting to I-295.

Another key destination is the Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, known for its specialized cancer care. The drive to Mayo Clinic, usually taking 30-40 minutes, involves traveling north on Blanding Boulevard, merging onto I-295, and then transitioning to JTB (Butler Boulevard) before reaching the destination. Traffic, especially during peak hours, can significantly extend these travel times.

Smaller clinics and urology practices are scattered throughout the area, offering more localized options. These facilities, often accessible within a 10-15 minute drive, provide initial consultations, diagnostic testing, and follow-up care. However, for advanced treatments, such as radiation therapy or surgery, patients may still need to travel to larger hospitals.

**Public Transit: A Patchwork of Options**

The public transportation landscape in Orange Park presents a more limited picture. The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) provides bus service, but the routes serving Orange Park are not extensive. The primary route connecting Orange Park to downtown Jacksonville is Route 10, which runs along Blanding Boulevard. This route provides access to some medical facilities, but the travel time can be significantly longer than driving, often exceeding an hour to reach downtown hospitals.

ADA accessibility is a critical consideration. JTA buses are equipped with features to accommodate passengers with disabilities, including wheelchair lifts and designated seating. However, the frequency of bus service, particularly on weekends and evenings, can be limited, making it challenging for patients to attend appointments.

The availability of public transportation to specific medical facilities, such as Baptist Medical Center South or Mayo Clinic, is limited. Patients relying on public transit may need to combine bus routes with ride-sharing services or taxis to reach their appointments.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a convenient alternative to driving or relying solely on public transit. These services are readily available in Orange Park and can provide door-to-door transportation to medical appointments. However, the cost of ride-sharing can add up, especially for frequent appointments.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients with mobility limitations, also operate in the area. These services offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained drivers to assist patients with their transportation needs. Companies like First Coast Medical Transport and American Medical Response (AMR) provide these services. The cost of medical transportation is generally higher than ride-sharing and may require pre-booking.

**The Prostate Cancer Score: A Composite Assessment**

The Prostate Cancer Score for Orange Park (ZIP code 32073) reflects a moderate level of healthcare access. The availability of multiple transportation options, including driving, ride-sharing, and, to a lesser extent, public transit, provides patients with choices. However, the reliance on automobiles, traffic congestion, and limited public transit options can create challenges.

The score considers the following factors:

* **Drive Time to Major Hospitals:** The proximity to Baptist Medical Center South (15-20 minutes) and the Mayo Clinic (30-40 minutes) is considered favorable, but traffic can impact these times.
* **Public Transit Accessibility:** The limited bus routes and longer travel times reduce the score.
* **Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport Availability:** The presence of ride-sharing services and medical transportation providers improves the score.
* **ADA Accessibility:** The availability of ADA-compliant public transit and medical transport services enhances the score.

**Moving to Orange Park: Considerations for Prostate Cancer Patients**

For individuals considering moving to Orange Park, the Prostate Cancer Score provides valuable insights. While the area offers a desirable lifestyle, prospective residents with prostate cancer should carefully consider the transportation options and potential travel times to healthcare facilities.

Factors to consider include:

* **Proximity to Specialists:** The location of urologists and cancer treatment centers relative to potential residences.
* **Transportation Needs:** The ability to drive, access ride-sharing services, or rely on public transit.
* **Cost of Transportation:** The financial implications of ride-sharing or medical transport.
* **Traffic Patterns:** The impact of traffic congestion on travel times.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Healthcare Landscape**

The Prostate Cancer Score for Orange Park highlights the importance of understanding transportation options when managing prostate cancer. While the area offers reasonable access to healthcare, patients should carefully plan their transportation needs, considering drive times, public transit limitations, and the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services. This information empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare journey and to advocate for their well-being within the community.