46017, Anderson, Indiana Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 46017, Anderson, Indiana is 65 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

70.21 percent of residents in 46017 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 7.24 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Ascension St Vincent Anderson with a distance of 4.04 miles from the area.

## Prostate Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Anderson, IN (ZIP Code 46017)

Considering a move to Anderson, Indiana (ZIP code 46017), and concerned about prostate cancer healthcare access? This write-up provides a comprehensive overview of transportation options and potential drive times to medical facilities, offering a "Prostate Cancer Score" to help you assess healthcare accessibility. This score isn't a formal medical assessment, but rather a practical gauge of how easily you can reach essential appointments and treatments.

The primary focus will be on transportation, recognizing its critical role in healthcare access, particularly for individuals managing a chronic condition like prostate cancer. We’ll explore various modes, from personal vehicles to public transit and ride-sharing services, assessing their feasibility and highlighting potential challenges. This is especially relevant for those considering moving to Anderson, as understanding the local infrastructure is key to informed decision-making.

**Understanding the Score:**

Our "Prostate Cancer Score" is based on a simple scale:

* **Excellent (4 points):** Multiple readily accessible options with minimal travel time.
* **Good (3 points):** Several options available, with reasonable travel times.
* **Fair (2 points):** Limited options, potentially longer travel times, or accessibility issues.
* **Poor (1 point):** Few options, significant travel times, or major accessibility barriers.

Each category (drive time, public transit, ride-share/medical transport) will be scored individually, and the overall score will be the average of these.

**Drive Time Assessment:**

For residents of 46017, the most common transportation method for healthcare is likely a personal vehicle. The primary arteries for navigating Anderson are **Interstate 69 (I-69)**, **State Road 32 (SR-32)**, and **State Road 9 (SR-9)**. These roads are crucial for accessing healthcare facilities.

The nearest major healthcare provider is **Community Hospital Anderson**, located at 1515 N Madison Ave, Anderson, IN 46012. Driving from most points within 46017 to Community Hospital Anderson typically takes between 5-15 minutes, depending on the specific location within the zip code and traffic conditions. This is a significant advantage, especially for frequent appointments.

For specialized cancer care, including potential radiation therapy or advanced treatments, patients may need to travel to Indianapolis. This journey involves using **I-69 South** and can take approximately 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the destination and traffic. This longer travel time necessitates careful planning and consideration of potential delays.

**Drive Time Score: Good (3 points)** – While local access is excellent, the need for specialized care in Indianapolis adds a layer of complexity.

**Public Transit Evaluation:**

Anderson's public transit system, operated by the **Anderson Transit System (ATS)**, offers a limited but potentially valuable option. The ATS operates several fixed routes throughout the city, but service frequency and coverage are limited, particularly during evenings and weekends. This is a significant consideration for healthcare appointments, which may not always align with the transit schedule.

For residents of 46017, the accessibility of ATS routes varies. Some areas may have direct access to routes, while others require a significant walk to a bus stop. The ATS does offer **ADA-accessible buses**, ensuring that individuals with mobility impairments can utilize the service. However, the need to book rides in advance and the potential for longer travel times can be a drawback.

The routes are numbered, but information about specific routes and schedules can be found on the ATS website. Planning your healthcare journey using public transit requires careful research to ensure it aligns with appointment times.

**Public Transit Score: Fair (2 points)** – The availability of ADA-accessible buses is a positive, but limited route coverage and frequency pose challenges.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport Analysis:**

Ride-sharing services like **Uber** and **Lyft** are available in Anderson, providing another transportation option. These services offer on-demand transportation, potentially offering greater flexibility than public transit. However, availability can fluctuate, particularly during peak hours or in less populated areas.

Medical transport services, such as **Logistics Health Incorporated (LHI)** and **American Medical Response (AMR)**, are also available. These services cater specifically to individuals with medical needs, providing door-to-door transportation and assistance. They may be covered by insurance or offer specialized vehicles.

The cost of ride-sharing and medical transport can be a significant factor, especially for frequent appointments. The availability of these services should be assessed based on individual needs and financial resources.

**Ride-Share/Medical Transport Score: Fair (2 points)** – While available, the cost and potential for availability issues limit their overall accessibility.

**Overall Prostate Cancer Score:**

The overall "Prostate Cancer Score" for transportation and healthcare access in 46017 is calculated as follows:

* Drive Time: 3 points
* Public Transit: 2 points
* Ride-Share/Medical Transport: 2 points

**Average Score: 2.33 (Rounded to Fair)**

**Conclusion:**

The "Prostate Cancer Score" for 46017 is "Fair." While access to Community Hospital Anderson is generally convenient, the need for specialized care in Indianapolis introduces longer travel times. Public transit and ride-sharing options offer alternative transportation, but their limitations must be considered.

For those considering moving to Anderson and managing prostate cancer, careful planning is essential. Assess your individual needs, including the frequency of appointments, the type of treatment required, and your mobility. Consider factors such as the proximity of your home to healthcare facilities, the availability of public transit routes, and the cost of ride-sharing services.

This assessment highlights the importance of understanding the local transportation landscape when making decisions about healthcare access. While Anderson offers a reasonable level of access, it's crucial to be prepared and proactive in planning your healthcare journey. This includes researching transportation options, establishing relationships with healthcare providers, and understanding the resources available to support your healthcare needs.