39440, Laurel, Mississippi Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 39440, Laurel, Mississippi is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

80.90 percent of residents in 39440 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.32 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is South Central Reg Med Ctr with a distance of 0.59 miles from the area.

## Prostate Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Laurel, MS (ZIP Code 39440)

Considering a move to Laurel, Mississippi, and concerned about prostate cancer healthcare access? This analysis provides a comprehensive "Prostate Cancer Score" for ZIP Code 39440, evaluating transportation options to medical facilities offering prostate cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. We’ll delve into drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services, offering a practical guide to navigating healthcare in this area. This information is crucial for informed decision-making, especially for individuals prioritizing healthcare access.

The core of our score hinges on **transportation** accessibility. Prostate cancer, a prevalent disease, necessitates timely diagnosis and treatment. Limited **healthcare access** can significantly impact patient outcomes. Our assessment considers the practicality of reaching healthcare providers from various locations within 39440.

Laurel, a city steeped in Southern charm, presents a unique set of transportation challenges and opportunities. The city’s layout, coupled with its limited public transit infrastructure, necessitates a thorough understanding of available options. This is especially true for individuals considering **moving to Laurel** and needing to establish their healthcare network.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The primary artery for travel within and around Laurel is U.S. Highway 84, a major east-west thoroughfare. Traveling east on Highway 84 leads to Jones County Regional Hospital, the primary healthcare facility in the area. From central Laurel, expect a drive time of approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. This short commute contributes positively to our Prostate Cancer Score.

For those residing on the outskirts of Laurel, particularly in the more rural areas of 39440, access to Highway 84 is crucial. Secondary roads like MS-15, MS-53, and various county roads provide access points to Highway 84. Drive times from these areas to the hospital can range from 15-30 minutes, impacting the score.

Navigating Laurel’s streets, such as Magnolia Street and Beacon Street, often involves navigating residential areas, which can add to travel time. While these roads offer convenient access to local businesses, they may present challenges for those needing to quickly reach medical appointments.

**Public Transit Options:**

Laurel's public transit system is limited. The Jones County Transit System (JCTS) provides bus services within the county, but its routes and frequency are limited. Information regarding specific routes, schedules, and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is vital.

Currently, the JCTS offers a limited number of routes that may serve areas within 39440. However, these routes might not directly connect to all healthcare facilities. Detailed route maps and schedules are essential to assess the feasibility of relying on public transit for prostate cancer-related healthcare.

ADA accessibility is a critical factor. Ensuring buses are equipped with ramps or lifts and offer priority seating for individuals with disabilities is paramount. Information regarding ADA-compliant features on JCTS buses is crucial for calculating the Prostate Cancer Score.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Laurel, offering an alternative to personal vehicles and public transit. However, availability can fluctuate, particularly during off-peak hours or in less populated areas of 39440. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a factor, especially for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance, provide another option. Companies like First Call Medical Transportation and others offer specialized transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. These services are particularly valuable for individuals with mobility limitations.

Assessing the availability, cost, and reliability of ride-sharing and medical transport services is crucial for determining the Prostate Cancer Score. The ability to secure timely and dependable transportation is vital for maintaining continuity of care.

**Healthcare Facilities and Their Accessibility:**

Jones County Regional Hospital is the primary healthcare provider in Laurel, offering a range of medical services, including urology. Evaluating the hospital's urology department's capabilities, including screening, diagnosis, and treatment options for prostate cancer, is a core component of our score.

The availability of specialists, such as urologists, oncologists, and radiation therapists, is crucial. The proximity of these specialists to the hospital and their ease of access via various transportation modes significantly impact the Prostate Cancer Score.

Additionally, assessing the availability of other healthcare facilities within a reasonable driving distance, such as clinics or specialized cancer centers, is essential. Locations in nearby cities, such as Hattiesburg (approximately 30-45 minutes away via U.S. Highway 98) or Meridian (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes away via I-59), might offer additional healthcare options.

**Calculating the Prostate Cancer Score:**

The Prostate Cancer Score for 39440 is calculated by weighting several factors:

* **Drive Time:** The average drive time from various locations within 39440 to Jones County Regional Hospital and other relevant healthcare facilities.
* **Public Transit Accessibility:** The availability, frequency, and ADA-compliance of JCTS routes serving healthcare facilities.
* **Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport Availability:** The availability, cost, and reliability of ride-sharing and medical transport services.
* **Healthcare Facility Capabilities:** The range of services offered by Jones County Regional Hospital and other facilities, including screening, diagnosis, and treatment options for prostate cancer.
* **Specialist Availability:** The proximity and accessibility of urologists, oncologists, and radiation therapists.

Each factor is assigned a score, and the weighted average determines the overall Prostate Cancer Score. The higher the score, the better the healthcare access.

**Recommendations for Individuals Considering Moving to Laurel:**

For individuals considering moving to Laurel and concerned about prostate cancer healthcare access, we recommend the following:

* **Assess Your Transportation Needs:** Evaluate your ability to drive, the availability of family or friends to provide transportation, and your comfort level with public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services.
* **Research Healthcare Providers:** Contact Jones County Regional Hospital and other healthcare facilities to inquire about their urology services, specialist availability, and appointment scheduling processes.
* **Explore Insurance Coverage:** Confirm your insurance coverage for prostate cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment, and determine the network of providers available in the Laurel area.
* **Consider Location:** When choosing a residence within 39440, prioritize locations with easy access to major roadways and healthcare facilities.
* **Plan for Contingencies:** Have a backup transportation plan in place, such as ride-sharing services or medical transport, in case of emergencies or unforeseen circumstances.

**Conclusion:**

The Prostate Cancer Score for 39440 provides a valuable framework for understanding healthcare access in Laurel. By carefully evaluating transportation options, healthcare facility capabilities, and specialist availability, individuals can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs. While Laurel may present some transportation challenges, the presence of Jones County Regional Hospital and the availability of alternative transportation options provide reasonable access to prostate cancer healthcare. Thorough research and planning are essential for ensuring optimal healthcare access when **moving to Laurel**.