42782, Summersville, Kentucky Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 42782, Summersville, Kentucky is 25 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

21.72 percent of residents in 42782 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.24 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Jane Todd Crawford Hospital with a distance of 9.09 miles from the area.

**Prostate Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Summersville, KY (ZIP Code 42782)**

The decision to relocate, particularly when considering healthcare needs, demands careful consideration. For those contemplating a move to Summersville, Kentucky (ZIP code 42782), understanding the accessibility of prostate cancer care is paramount. This analysis delves into the transportation landscape surrounding this rural community, assessing the ease of access to necessary medical services, ultimately providing a "Prostate Cancer Score" reflecting the challenges and opportunities for patients. The score will be based on drive times, public transit availability, and the presence of ride-sharing and medical transport options.

Summersville, nestled within Green County, presents a unique set of circumstances regarding healthcare access. The town itself is small, and specialized medical facilities are not readily available. This means that residents will likely need to travel to larger towns and cities for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care related to prostate cancer. The primary concern is transportation. The ability to get to appointments, especially for frequent treatments like radiation therapy or chemotherapy, is crucial for patient well-being and adherence to treatment plans.

**Drive Times and Roadways**

The most common mode of transportation for healthcare in this area will undoubtedly be personal vehicles. The primary roadways serving Summersville are Kentucky Route 55 and Kentucky Route 56. These roads offer relatively easy access to nearby towns, but the distances involved can still pose a challenge, especially for those experiencing fatigue or other side effects of treatment.

The nearest major healthcare hubs are likely to be in Campbellsville, approximately 20 miles away, and Elizabethtown, roughly 60 miles distant. Traveling to Campbellsville via KY-55 and US-68 can be achieved in around 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions. This drive provides access to Taylor Regional Hospital, which may offer some urological services and potentially initial screening for prostate cancer.

Reaching Elizabethtown, a larger city with more comprehensive medical facilities, including specialized cancer centers, necessitates a longer journey. The route, primarily utilizing KY-55, US-68, and the Bluegrass Parkway, will take approximately 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes. This longer drive time could be a significant factor for patients undergoing frequent treatments or those with mobility issues.

**Public Transportation Options**

Public transportation options in this rural area are extremely limited. Green County does not have a readily available public bus system. The lack of public transit presents a significant barrier to healthcare access for individuals who do not own a vehicle, cannot drive, or are unable to afford the costs of personal vehicle ownership and maintenance.

The absence of public transit disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including the elderly, low-income individuals, and those with disabilities. This lack of access to transportation significantly impacts their ability to receive timely and consistent medical care, including prostate cancer screening and treatment.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their availability can be inconsistent, particularly in rural areas. The frequency of service and the potential for surge pricing could be problematic, especially for those needing to schedule appointments in advance or requiring transportation at unusual hours.

Medical transportation services are available, but their costs can be substantial. These services often specialize in transporting patients to and from medical appointments. They may offer door-to-door service and assistance with mobility. However, the cost of these services can be prohibitive for many individuals, making them a less viable option for frequent or long-term transportation needs.

**ADA Accessibility**

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that public transportation systems and facilities be accessible to individuals with disabilities. However, the lack of public transit in Summersville leaves those with mobility challenges with limited options. Even if ride-sharing services are available, they may not always be equipped to accommodate specific needs, such as wheelchair accessibility. The absence of accessible transportation options further exacerbates healthcare access challenges for individuals with disabilities.

**Healthcare Access and Moving to Summersville**

For individuals considering moving to Summersville, the availability of healthcare access is a critical factor. The lack of readily available public transportation and the reliance on personal vehicles or potentially expensive medical transportation services pose significant challenges for prostate cancer patients.

Before making a move, prospective residents should carefully assess their transportation needs and the ability to meet them. This includes considering the distance to healthcare facilities, the availability and cost of ride-sharing services, and the potential need for medical transportation.

**Prostate Cancer Score Calculation**

The "Prostate Cancer Score" for Summersville, KY (42782) is based on the following factors:

* **Drive Time to Nearest Healthcare Hubs:** Moderate (30-75 minutes)
* **Public Transportation Availability:** Very Low (Virtually Non-Existent)
* **Ride-Sharing Availability:** Limited and Potentially Unreliable
* **Medical Transportation Options:** Available but Potentially Expensive
* **ADA Accessibility of Transportation:** Very Limited

Considering these factors, the Prostate Cancer Score for Summersville, KY (42782) is **Low**. This score reflects the significant transportation challenges faced by prostate cancer patients in this area. The lack of public transit, the reliance on personal vehicles, and the potential costs of ride-sharing and medical transportation create significant barriers to healthcare access.

**Conclusion**

Summersville, Kentucky, presents a beautiful rural setting, but those considering a move must acknowledge the healthcare access challenges. The transportation landscape is a significant consideration for individuals managing prostate cancer. While the area offers a peaceful lifestyle, the lack of readily available transportation options necessitates careful planning and consideration. Prospective residents should thoroughly evaluate their ability to navigate the transportation challenges to ensure they can access the necessary medical care. The "Prostate Cancer Score" highlights the need for individuals to plan for their healthcare transportation needs when moving to this area.