39461, Neely, Mississippi Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 39461, Neely, Mississippi is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

55.48 percent of residents in 39461 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.70 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Greene County Hospital Cah with a distance of 10.98 miles from the area.

## Prostate Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in ZIP Code 39461

The journey to healthcare, particularly when facing a diagnosis like prostate cancer, is more than just a medical appointment. It's a complex navigation of transportation options, resource availability, and the inherent stress of seeking treatment. This write-up examines the accessibility of prostate cancer care within ZIP code 39461, offering a "Prostate Cancer Score" based on transportation factors, specifically for those considering moving to Neely.

ZIP code 39461, encompassing the town of Neely, Mississippi, presents a unique challenge. The area is largely rural, with limited public transportation options, making transportation a critical factor in healthcare access. The "Prostate Cancer Score" will consider drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services to evaluate the ease with which residents can reach essential care.

**The Prostate Cancer Score: A Transportation-Focused Assessment**

Our score will be based on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 representing severely limited access and 5 representing excellent accessibility. This score reflects the ease of reaching a comprehensive cancer center capable of providing prostate cancer diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care.

**Driving Directions: The Primary Route**

For most residents of Neely, driving is the primary mode of transportation. The nearest comprehensive cancer centers are located in larger cities like Hattiesburg and Mobile, Alabama. The primary route involves navigating the state highways and local roads.

The most direct route to Hattiesburg, approximately 35 miles away, involves taking **Highway 15** south. Expect a drive time of around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic and the specific destination within Hattiesburg. This route is generally well-maintained, but rural roads can be subject to weather-related delays.

For those seeking specialized care or additional options, Mobile, Alabama, presents another possibility. The journey to Mobile, roughly 120 miles, requires traveling south on **Highway 15** to **Highway 98**, then eventually merging onto **Interstate 65**. The drive time to Mobile is approximately two to two and a half hours. This longer journey necessitates careful planning, especially for patients undergoing frequent treatments.

**The Score for Driving: 3/5**

While driving offers the most direct route, the distances to comprehensive cancer centers are significant. This necessitates careful planning, especially for patients undergoing frequent treatments.

**Public Transportation: A Limited Option**

Public transportation in 39461 is severely limited. There is no established public bus system that directly serves Neely. This lack of public transit significantly impacts those who cannot drive or lack access to a personal vehicle.

**The Score for Public Transportation: 1/5**

The absence of public transit severely restricts access to healthcare for those who cannot drive or lack access to a personal vehicle.

**Ride-Sharing Services: A Potential Bridge**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft may be available in the area, although availability can fluctuate depending on driver density and demand. Relying on ride-sharing for frequent medical appointments can be expensive and unreliable, especially in a rural area. Confirming availability and booking rides in advance is crucial.

**The Score for Ride-Sharing: 2/5**

Ride-sharing offers a potential, albeit limited, solution. Its reliability and cost-effectiveness for frequent medical appointments remain a concern.

**Medical Transportation: A Critical Resource**

Medical transportation services cater specifically to patients needing assistance. Several providers operate in the region, including ambulance services for emergencies and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) companies. These services can provide transportation to and from medical appointments, often accommodating wheelchair users and other mobility needs.

Researching and securing medical transportation services in advance is critical, as availability and scheduling can vary. Understanding insurance coverage for these services is also essential.

**The Score for Medical Transportation: 3/5**

Medical transportation services offer a valuable resource, particularly for patients with mobility limitations. However, the availability and cost of these services require careful consideration.

**Overall Prostate Cancer Score for 39461: 2.25/5**

Based on the factors above, the overall Prostate Cancer Score for ZIP code 39461 is approximately 2.25 out of 5. This score highlights the challenges in accessing prostate cancer care due to the limited transportation options available.

**Considerations for Moving to Neely**

Individuals considering a move to Neely, especially those with a history of prostate cancer or other health concerns, must carefully assess the transportation landscape. Proximity to a major medical center is crucial for timely diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care.

**Recommendations for Residents**

* **Plan Ahead:** Establish transportation plans well in advance of medical appointments.
* **Explore Medical Transportation:** Research and secure medical transportation services.
* **Consider Proximity:** Factor in travel time to medical facilities when making decisions about where to live.
* **Advocate for Improvement:** Support initiatives aimed at improving transportation options in the area.

**Conclusion**

Access to prostate cancer care in 39461 presents significant challenges due to limited transportation options. While driving is the primary mode of transport, the distances to comprehensive cancer centers require careful planning. Residents must proactively explore all available transportation resources, including medical transport services, and consider the implications of transportation limitations when making healthcare decisions. The "Prostate Cancer Score" serves as a reminder of the importance of transportation in healthcare access and the need for continued efforts to improve access for all residents of Neely.