47635, Rockport, Indiana Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 47635, Rockport, Indiana is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

65.64 percent of residents in 47635 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.14 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Ascension St Vincent Warrick with a distance of 14.55 miles from the area.

## Prostate Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Rockport, Indiana (ZIP Code 47635)

The journey to healthcare, especially when facing a serious diagnosis like prostate cancer, is a complex equation. It involves more than just the expertise of a physician; it encompasses the ease of *transportation*, the availability of specialized care, and the overall *healthcare access* within a community. This write-up provides a "Prostate Cancer Score" for residents of Rockport, Indiana (ZIP code 47635), considering these critical factors. It offers a comprehensive overview of *transportation* options and their impact on accessing necessary medical services, particularly for prostate cancer treatment and management. This information is especially relevant for those *moving to Rockport* or seeking to understand the local healthcare landscape.

Rockport, nestled in Spencer County, Indiana, presents a unique challenge. Its rural setting impacts the availability and accessibility of healthcare services. The nearest major medical centers offering comprehensive prostate cancer care are located in Evansville, approximately 30 miles to the west, and Owensboro, Kentucky, roughly 40 miles to the southeast. The "Prostate Cancer Score" will assess the ease of reaching these centers and the resources available within Rockport to support patients throughout their journey.

**Drive-Time Analysis:**

The primary mode of *transportation* for most Rockport residents is personal vehicles. Accessing Evansville typically involves traveling west on Indiana State Road 66 (SR-66), a two-lane highway that can experience congestion during peak hours. The drive, under ideal conditions, takes about 45 minutes to an hour. This time frame can increase significantly depending on traffic, weather conditions, and the specific location within Rockport.

Alternatively, the route to Evansville can involve using U.S. Route 231 (US-231) south to SR-62 west, then connecting to SR-66. This route may offer a slightly shorter distance but can be affected by traffic in Jasper and Huntingburg. The drive to Owensboro usually entails heading south on US-231 to the Wendell H. Ford Western Kentucky Parkway, a controlled-access highway. The drive to Owensboro takes about an hour, depending on traffic and the specific location within the city.

**Public Transit Challenges:**

Public *transportation* options in Rockport are extremely limited. There is no established public bus system that directly connects Rockport to Evansville or Owensboro. This lack of public *transportation* presents a significant barrier to *healthcare access* for individuals who do not own a vehicle, cannot drive, or prefer not to drive. The absence of public transit necessitates reliance on alternative *transportation* methods.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Rockport area, but their reliability and availability can vary. Waiting times can be longer compared to larger metropolitan areas, and the cost of rides can be substantial, especially for longer distances to Evansville or Owensboro. This makes ride-sharing a less-than-ideal solution for regular medical appointments.

Medical *transportation* services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance, are available in the area. These services often cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring specialized medical support during *transportation*. Several local and regional companies provide non-emergency medical *transportation* (NEMT) services. These services typically require advance booking and may be covered by insurance, depending on the policy.

**ADA Accessibility:**

While ride-sharing services and medical *transportation* providers are generally required to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ensuring accessibility can be a challenge. Individuals with specific needs should confirm the availability of ADA-compliant vehicles and services when booking.

**Healthcare Access Within Rockport:**

Rockport itself has limited healthcare resources. The Spencer County Memorial Hospital provides basic medical services, including primary care, emergency care, and some specialty clinics. However, the hospital does not offer comprehensive prostate cancer treatment, such as radiation therapy or specialized surgical procedures. Patients diagnosed with prostate cancer in Rockport will invariably need to seek treatment at facilities in Evansville or Owensboro.

**The "Prostate Cancer Score" Components:**

The "Prostate Cancer Score" for Rockport (ZIP code 47635) considers the following factors:

* **Drive-Time to Specialized Care:** The time required to reach comprehensive prostate cancer treatment centers in Evansville and Owensboro.
* **Availability of Public Transit:** The presence or absence of public *transportation* options connecting Rockport to these centers.
* **Reliability of Ride-Sharing Services:** The availability and cost-effectiveness of ride-sharing options.
* **Availability of Medical *Transportation*:** The accessibility and cost of medical *transportation* services.
* **Local Healthcare Resources:** The availability of primary care and supportive services within Rockport.

**Scoring Methodology:**

Each factor is assigned a weighted score based on its impact on *healthcare access*. Drive-time is weighted heavily, reflecting the importance of timely access to treatment. Public transit, ride-sharing, and medical *transportation* are also weighted, considering their role in overcoming *transportation* barriers. Local healthcare resources are considered, as they provide vital support and initial care.

**The "Prostate Cancer Score" for Rockport:**

Based on the analysis, the "Prostate Cancer Score" for Rockport (ZIP code 47635) is moderate. The primary challenge is the reliance on personal vehicles for accessing specialized care. The lack of public *transportation* and the variable reliability of ride-sharing services create significant barriers for some residents. The availability of medical *transportation* provides a crucial lifeline, but the cost and advance booking requirements can be challenging. The limited local healthcare resources necessitate travel for comprehensive treatment.

**Recommendations for Improvement:**

To improve the "Prostate Cancer Score" for Rockport, several initiatives are recommended:

* **Advocacy for Enhanced Public Transit:** Efforts to establish or expand public *transportation* routes connecting Rockport to Evansville and Owensboro.
* **Promotion of Ride-Sharing Services:** Initiatives to increase the availability and affordability of ride-sharing services.
* **Support for Medical *Transportation*:** Programs to subsidize or expand access to medical *transportation* services.
* **Community Outreach:** Educational programs to inform residents about *transportation* options and available healthcare resources.
* **Telehealth Integration:** Encouraging the use of telehealth services for follow-up appointments and consultations to reduce the need for frequent travel.

**Conclusion:**

For individuals *moving to Rockport* or already residing in the area, understanding the *transportation* challenges associated with *healthcare access*, particularly for complex conditions like prostate cancer, is crucial. While Rockport offers a peaceful, rural lifestyle, its healthcare landscape presents significant hurdles. By carefully considering the *transportation* options and the availability of local resources, residents can navigate the healthcare system and receive the necessary care. The "Prostate Cancer Score" serves as a valuable tool for assessing the current state of *healthcare access* and identifying areas for improvement, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for residents facing this diagnosis.