39525, Diamondhead, Mississippi Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 39525, Diamondhead, Mississippi is 53 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

44.05 percent of residents in 39525 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.18 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Ochsner Medical Center-Hancock with a distance of 5.10 miles from the area.

## Prostate Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Diamondhead, MS (ZIP Code 39525)

The sun-drenched shores of Diamondhead, Mississippi, beckon with promises of a tranquil lifestyle. For those considering a move, especially those with health concerns like prostate cancer, understanding **healthcare access** is paramount. This write-up delves into the realities of navigating **transportation** to medical facilities for prostate cancer care within and around ZIP code 39525, providing a "Prostate Cancer Score" based on available options.

The "Prostate Cancer Score" isn't a formal medical assessment, but rather a practical evaluation of the ease with which a resident can access essential prostate cancer services: screening, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. It considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options. A higher score reflects better access, while a lower score indicates potential challenges.

Diamondhead, a master-planned community, offers a relatively convenient location. However, its proximity to larger medical centers in Gulfport and Biloxi necessitates understanding the available **transportation** infrastructure. This is especially crucial for individuals managing prostate cancer, where timely and consistent access to care is vital.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The primary arteries connecting Diamondhead to the broader healthcare landscape are Interstate 10 (I-10) and Highway 607. I-10 provides the most direct route to Gulfport and Biloxi, home to major hospitals and specialized cancer centers. Driving times are generally favorable, but traffic, particularly during peak hours, can impact accessibility.

Reaching Memorial Hospital at Gulfport, a prominent healthcare provider, typically takes around 20-30 minutes via I-10 East. The drive is relatively straightforward, but potential bottlenecks at the I-10/Highway 49 interchange should be considered. For appointments at the Gulf Coast Urology Clinic, located in Gulfport, the drive time is comparable.

Heading east on I-10 to Biloxi, the journey to facilities like the Singing River Health System's Ocean Springs Hospital, which offers cancer care, can take approximately 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic. This drive requires navigating the I-10/Highway 90 interchange, another area prone to congestion.

Highway 607 offers an alternative route, especially for those seeking to avoid I-10 traffic. However, this road is less direct and may add travel time, particularly to facilities located further east in Biloxi. Local roads within Diamondhead, such as Diamondhead Drive and Country Club Drive, provide internal **transportation**, but are not designed for rapid transit to healthcare facilities.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transit options in the area are limited. The Coast Transit Authority (CTA) operates bus routes throughout Harrison County. However, service within Diamondhead is infrequent, and routes to major medical centers are not direct.

The CTA Route 12, for example, travels along Highway 90, providing a connection to Gulfport and Biloxi. However, the route does not directly serve Diamondhead. Residents would need to utilize local **transportation** to reach a bus stop, adding to travel time and complexity.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features on CTA buses are available, ensuring accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges. However, the overall limited service and indirect routes make public transit a less-than-ideal option for many prostate cancer patients, especially those undergoing treatment that may cause fatigue or mobility issues.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Diamondhead, offering a convenient alternative to driving. However, availability can fluctuate, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Ride-sharing costs can also accumulate, potentially impacting the affordability of frequent medical appointments.

Medical **transportation** services cater specifically to individuals with medical needs. These services, such as AirMedCare Network or American Medical Response (AMR), provide non-emergency and emergency medical transport. While offering a reliable option, medical transport services can be expensive and may require pre-authorization from insurance providers.

**Healthcare Access Considerations:**

The "Prostate Cancer Score" for Diamondhead, MS (39525) reflects a mixed bag. While drive times to major medical centers are generally manageable, reliance on personal vehicles is high. Public transit is limited, and ride-sharing availability can be variable. Medical transport services offer a viable but potentially costly alternative.

For individuals considering **moving to Diamondhead** with a prostate cancer diagnosis or a family history of the disease, proactive planning is crucial. This includes:

* **Assessing Healthcare Needs:** Determine the frequency and type of medical appointments required (e.g., screening, radiation therapy, chemotherapy).
* **Evaluating Transportation Options:** Consider the reliability and cost-effectiveness of driving, ride-sharing, and medical transport.
* **Exploring Insurance Coverage:** Verify insurance coverage for medical transport and out-of-network providers if necessary.
* **Building a Support Network:** Identify family, friends, or community resources who can provide **transportation** assistance.
* **Researching Healthcare Providers:** Investigate the availability of urologists, oncologists, and other specialists in the Gulfport and Biloxi areas.

**Conclusion:**

Diamondhead offers a desirable lifestyle, but **healthcare access**, especially for prostate cancer patients, presents some challenges. While drive times are reasonable, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limitations of public transit necessitate careful planning. Ride-sharing and medical transport services provide alternatives, but their availability and cost should be considered. A proactive approach to **transportation** and healthcare planning is essential for ensuring timely and consistent access to prostate cancer care in Diamondhead.