46128, Fillmore, Indiana Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 46128, Fillmore, Indiana is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

45.73 percent of residents in 46128 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.88 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Putnam County Hospital with a distance of 6.55 miles from the area.

## Prostate Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Fillmore, Indiana (ZIP Code 46128)

The decision to relocate, especially when facing a health concern like prostate cancer, demands a thorough understanding of healthcare access. This analysis, tailored for ZIP code 46128 (Fillmore, Indiana), provides a "Prostate Cancer Score" that assesses transportation options and their impact on accessing vital medical services. This score considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, offering a realistic picture for those considering moving to Fillmore.

Fillmore, a small community in Putnam County, presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. While offering a tranquil lifestyle, its rural setting necessitates careful consideration of transportation logistics for medical appointments, treatments, and follow-up care. This score aims to empower individuals and families to make informed decisions about their healthcare journey.

**Drive Time Dynamics: The Asphalt Arteries**

The primary mode of transportation for residents of 46128 is undoubtedly the personal vehicle. The efficiency of accessing prostate cancer-related healthcare hinges significantly on drive times to specialized medical facilities. The nearest major healthcare hubs, offering comprehensive urology and oncology services, are located in Indianapolis, approximately 50 miles east.

Traveling to Indianapolis from Fillmore primarily involves navigating **US-231 North** and then connecting to **I-70 East**. This route, while straightforward, can be subject to traffic congestion, particularly during peak commuting hours. Expect a drive time of approximately one hour and fifteen minutes under ideal conditions.

Alternatively, residents can utilize **US-36 East**, which eventually merges with **I-465 South** around Indianapolis. This route might offer slightly less traffic, depending on the time of day, but could add an additional ten to fifteen minutes to the journey.

For shorter trips to local healthcare providers, such as family physicians or general practitioners, residents can utilize local roads like **County Road 1000 West** and **County Road 200 South**. These roads provide access to medical offices within Putnam County, which may offer initial consultations and basic care. However, specialized prostate cancer treatments like radiation therapy or surgery are unlikely to be available locally.

The drive time component of the Prostate Cancer Score considers these factors. The score is negatively impacted by longer drive times, acknowledging the increased burden on patients and caregivers. The score will be higher for those who can access care with shorter drive times.

**Public Transit: A Limited Network**

Public transportation options in Fillmore are extremely limited. Putnam County, like many rural areas, lacks a comprehensive public transit system. This presents a significant challenge for individuals without personal vehicles or those unable to drive.

While there is no fixed-route bus service, the Putnam County Transit System (PCTS) offers demand-response transportation. This service, however, requires advance booking and is primarily designed for essential trips, such as medical appointments. The availability of PCTS is limited, and its operational hours may not align with all healthcare appointment schedules.

ADA accessibility on PCTS vehicles is a crucial consideration. The PCTS fleet is equipped with features to accommodate individuals with disabilities, including wheelchair lifts. However, the reliance on pre-booking and the limited service area make it a less-than-ideal solution for regular healthcare needs.

The absence of robust public transit significantly impacts the Prostate Cancer Score. The lack of readily available transportation options diminishes healthcare access, particularly for those unable to drive or who lack access to a personal vehicle.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Fillmore, but their reliability and availability can be inconsistent. The wait times for a ride may be longer than in urban areas, and surge pricing during peak hours or inclement weather could significantly increase the cost.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by various private companies, provide a more specialized option. These services are designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, often with trained personnel and specialized vehicles. However, these services typically come at a higher cost compared to ride-sharing.

The Prostate Cancer Score accounts for the availability and accessibility of ride-sharing and medical transport. While these options offer some relief, their cost and potential unreliability can negatively impact the overall score.

**The Score: A Holistic Assessment**

The Prostate Cancer Score for ZIP code 46128 is a composite measure, reflecting the interplay of drive times, public transit limitations, and the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport. A higher score signifies better healthcare access, while a lower score indicates greater challenges.

Factors contributing to a low score include long drive times to specialized medical facilities, the absence of reliable public transit, and the potential cost and unreliability of ride-sharing and medical transport. Conversely, a higher score would be awarded if there were shorter drive times, a robust public transit system, and readily available, affordable transportation options.

**Moving to Fillmore: A Calculated Decision**

For individuals considering a move to Fillmore, Indiana, and managing prostate cancer, this score serves as a critical tool for informed decision-making. It underscores the importance of carefully evaluating transportation options and their impact on healthcare access.

Before making a move, prospective residents should:

* **Assess their ability to drive:** If driving is not an option, the limited public transit and potential reliance on expensive medical transport services should be a significant consideration.
* **Research healthcare providers:** Identify the closest urologists, oncologists, and treatment centers and determine the anticipated drive times.
* **Explore alternative transportation options:** Investigate the availability and cost of ride-sharing and medical transport services.
* **Consider caregiver support:** Evaluate the availability of family members or friends who can provide transportation assistance.

Moving to Fillmore, or any rural area, with a diagnosis of prostate cancer requires careful planning and a realistic assessment of healthcare access. This Prostate Cancer Score aims to provide a framework for making informed decisions, ensuring that healthcare needs are adequately addressed. The score emphasizes the importance of understanding the transportation landscape and its impact on the patient's well-being.