27009, Belews Creek, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 27009, Belews Creek, North Carolina is 53 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

46.05 percent of residents in 27009 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.59 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Lifebrite Community Hospital Of Stokes with a distance of 13.34 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Belews Creek (ZIP Code 27009)

Moving to a new community involves a multitude of considerations, from schools and housing to the availability of essential services. For individuals, particularly women, concerned about breast cancer screening and treatment, understanding the accessibility of healthcare becomes paramount. This write-up provides a "Breast Cancer Score" for ZIP Code 27009 (Belews Creek, North Carolina), focusing on transportation options to healthcare facilities specializing in breast health. We'll assess drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, painting a vivid picture of healthcare access in this rural community.

Belews Creek, nestled in Stokes County, presents a unique challenge. Its rural setting means residents often rely on personal vehicles for transportation. The nearest comprehensive healthcare facilities are located in neighboring cities like Winston-Salem and Kernersville, necessitating a commute. This geographic reality significantly influences the "Breast Cancer Score." The score, though subjective, will consider the ease and efficiency of reaching facilities, acknowledging that timely access to screening and treatment is critical for positive outcomes.

The primary arteries for transportation in and out of Belews Creek are Highway 158 and Highway 65. These roads, while offering scenic routes, can become congested during peak hours, potentially impacting drive times. Highway 158, heading east, connects Belews Creek to Kernersville, a town with several medical facilities. Highway 65 leads west towards Walnut Cove and eventually connects to Winston-Salem via Highway 52. These are the main roadways to consider when evaluating healthcare access.

For residents with personal vehicles, the drive to the Novant Health Kernersville Medical Center, approximately 15 miles east via Highway 158, typically takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. This facility offers comprehensive breast cancer services, including screening mammograms, diagnostic imaging, and surgical consultations. The drive is relatively straightforward, but residents should factor in potential delays during rush hour.

Reaching Wake Forest Baptist Health in Winston-Salem, a larger facility with specialized cancer centers, requires a longer commute. The journey, approximately 25 miles west via Highway 65 and then Highway 52, can take 35-45 minutes, or longer during peak traffic. This longer drive time necessitates careful planning, especially for appointments and treatments. The availability of parking at these larger facilities is another factor to consider.

Public transportation options are limited in Belews Creek and the surrounding areas. The Winston-Salem Transit Authority (WSTA) does not currently serve the immediate area of Belews Creek. This lack of public transit significantly impacts the "Breast Cancer Score," particularly for individuals without access to a personal vehicle. This highlights a critical need for alternative transportation solutions.

For those unable to drive or lacking access to a personal vehicle, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer an alternative. However, availability in Belews Creek might be inconsistent, and surge pricing during peak hours or periods of high demand could increase costs. The reliability of these services for scheduled appointments and treatments is a key consideration. Booking in advance is highly recommended.

Medical transportation services provide a crucial lifeline for individuals with mobility limitations or medical needs. Several companies operate in the Winston-Salem and Kernersville areas, offering non-emergency medical transportation. These services often require advance booking and can be more expensive than ride-sharing. Investigating the availability and cost of these services is essential for residents requiring assistance.

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Belews Creek, considering the transportation options, is moderate. While residents with personal vehicles have relatively accessible options for healthcare, the lack of public transit and the potential limitations of ride-sharing significantly impact healthcare access for those without personal transportation. The distance to comprehensive cancer centers and the potential for traffic delays further influence the score.

Healthcare access is inextricably linked to transportation. The ability to reach medical facilities promptly and reliably is a critical determinant of health outcomes, especially for breast cancer patients. Moving to Belews Creek requires a careful evaluation of these transportation factors.

For residents without personal vehicles, the reliance on ride-sharing or medical transportation increases the complexity and cost of accessing healthcare. Careful planning and pre-booking appointments are crucial. Exploring local community resources, such as volunteer driver programs or assistance programs, can help bridge the transportation gap.

The availability of telehealth services, offering virtual consultations and follow-up appointments, can mitigate some of the transportation challenges. However, telehealth is not a substitute for in-person screenings, diagnostic procedures, or treatments. The availability of telehealth services should be considered as a supplementary tool, not a primary solution.

In conclusion, while Belews Creek offers a degree of healthcare access for residents with personal vehicles, the transportation limitations for those without cars significantly impact the "Breast Cancer Score." Individuals considering a move to this community should carefully assess their transportation needs and explore all available options to ensure timely and reliable access to breast cancer screening and treatment. This includes researching medical transportation services, understanding the limitations of ride-sharing, and exploring potential community resources. Proactive planning is essential for navigating the healthcare landscape in Belews Creek.