34951, Fort Pierce, Florida Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 34951, Fort Pierce, Florida is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

60.84 percent of residents in 34951 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.62 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Hca Florida Lawnwood Hospital with a distance of 8.18 miles from the area.

## Prostate Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 34951

The decision to relocate, especially when facing health concerns like prostate cancer, necessitates a thorough understanding of healthcare access in your prospective new home. This write-up focuses on ZIP Code 34951 (Fort Pierce, Florida), analyzing the transportation landscape and its impact on prostate cancer care, ultimately assigning a "Prostate Cancer Score" to aid your decision-making process. This score reflects the ease with which residents can access essential medical services, considering drive times, public transit, and alternative transportation options.

The foundation of healthcare access in 34951 lies in its transportation infrastructure. The area is primarily car-dependent, making personal vehicle ownership a significant factor. Interstate 95 (I-95) serves as the primary north-south artery, facilitating access to larger medical centers in Vero Beach to the north and West Palm Beach to the south. However, traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, can significantly impact drive times.

East-west travel is primarily facilitated by State Road 70 (Okeechobee Road), a major thoroughfare connecting 34951 to the city's core and surrounding areas. US Highway 1 provides another crucial route, running parallel to the coastline and offering access to various medical practices and facilities. The efficiency of these roads is paramount, as they directly influence the time it takes to reach crucial appointments, including those for prostate cancer diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care.

For those without personal vehicles, public transportation options are limited. The Indian River County Transit (IRCT) operates a bus system, offering routes within the county. However, the routes are infrequent, and the service area may not adequately cover all of 34951, particularly for residents in more remote areas. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible buses is crucial for individuals with mobility limitations, a consideration especially relevant for those managing prostate cancer.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in 34951, providing an alternative transportation option. However, the cost of these services can accumulate quickly, especially for frequent medical appointments. The availability of ride-sharing can also fluctuate, particularly during off-peak hours or in areas with lower demand.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are another consideration. These services often cater to individuals with specific needs, such as those requiring wheelchair assistance or stretcher transport. Several companies operate in the area, including medical transport brands and specialized transport services.

The primary healthcare providers in and around 34951 include: Lawnwood Regional Medical Center & Heart Institute, located in Fort Pierce, offering comprehensive cancer care services, including urology and radiation oncology. The drive time to Lawnwood from various points within 34951 varies, but is generally under 20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Other facilities, such as the Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital in Vero Beach, are accessible via I-95, but the commute can extend to 30-45 minutes.

The availability of specialists, including urologists, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists, is crucial for prostate cancer care. 34951 and the surrounding areas offer a range of specialists, but the concentration of these professionals may be more significant in larger cities like Vero Beach and West Palm Beach, necessitating longer travel times.

The "Prostate Cancer Score" for 34951 is calculated based on a weighted assessment of the factors discussed above. Drive times to major medical centers, the frequency and accessibility of public transportation, the availability and cost of ride-sharing services, and the presence of medical transport options are all considered.

**Drive Time Analysis:**

* **Lawnwood Regional Medical Center:** Average drive time from within 34951: 10-20 minutes (depending on location and traffic on US-1 or SR-70).
* **Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital (Vero Beach):** Average drive time: 30-45 minutes via I-95.
* **Specialist Appointments:** Drive times vary based on the specialist's location, potentially requiring travel to Vero Beach or West Palm Beach, increasing commute times.

**Public Transit:** Limited availability and frequency of IRCT buses, potentially impacting access for non-drivers. ADA accessibility is present but may not cover all routes or times.

**Ride-Sharing:** Uber and Lyft are available, but costs can be a barrier to frequent medical appointments.

**Medical Transportation:** Several medical transport services operate in the area, offering specialized transport for patients with specific needs.

**Healthcare Access:** A good range of specialists are present, but the concentration is higher in surrounding cities.

**Prostate Cancer Score:**

Considering the factors, the "Prostate Cancer Score" for 34951 is **6.5 out of 10**. This score indicates that while healthcare access is generally good, it is heavily reliant on personal transportation. The limited public transit options and the potential for longer drive times to specialist appointments, especially to Vero Beach or West Palm Beach, contribute to a slightly lower score.

**Recommendations for Prospective Residents:**

* **Prioritize proximity to medical facilities:** When choosing a residence, consider the proximity to Lawnwood Regional Medical Center and other healthcare providers.
* **Assess transportation needs:** Evaluate your transportation options and consider the potential costs of ride-sharing services or the need for medical transportation.
* **Investigate specialist availability:** Confirm the availability of specialists, including urologists, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists, and their proximity to your chosen residence.
* **Explore public transit options:** Familiarize yourself with the IRCT bus routes and schedules to determine their suitability for your transportation needs.
* **Consider the impact of traffic:** Factor in potential traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, when planning your commute to medical appointments.

**Conclusion:**

Moving to Fort Pierce (34951) presents both opportunities and challenges for individuals managing prostate cancer. While the area offers access to essential healthcare services, the reliance on personal transportation and the limitations of public transit require careful consideration. The "Prostate Cancer Score" provides a framework for evaluating healthcare access, empowering prospective residents to make informed decisions about their relocation and ensure they can effectively manage their health needs. The goal is to find a location that provides the best healthcare access, ensuring a smooth transition and continued quality of life while navigating the complexities of prostate cancer treatment and care.