27583, Timberlake, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 27583, Timberlake, North Carolina is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

40.72 percent of residents in 27583 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.53 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Person Memorial Hospital with a distance of 9.75 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Timberlake (ZIP Code 27583)

The decision to relocate, especially when considering healthcare access, is a deeply personal one. In the context of a breast cancer diagnosis or the heightened need for preventative care, understanding the landscape of **transportation** options and the proximity of treatment centers becomes paramount. This write-up offers a comprehensive assessment of **healthcare access** in ZIP Code 27583, Timberlake, North Carolina, focusing on the journey to and from breast cancer-related medical services. We'll consider drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, providing a “Breast Cancer Score” based on accessibility.

The core of this analysis centers on the reality of **moving to Timberlake**. For individuals facing breast cancer, the location of specialized care, the ease of reaching it, and the available support systems are crucial. This score aims to illuminate these factors, empowering informed decisions.

**Drive Times and Road Networks**

Timberlake, nestled in Person County, enjoys a relatively rural setting. This translates to a reliance on personal vehicles for most **transportation** needs. The primary thoroughfares impacting access to breast cancer care are US-501, NC-49, and NC-57. The most significant medical facilities for breast cancer treatment are located in Durham, approximately 30-45 minutes away, depending on traffic.

Traveling to Duke Cancer Institute, a renowned center for comprehensive breast cancer care, necessitates navigating US-501 South. This route, while typically straightforward, can experience congestion during peak commuting hours, particularly around the Durham city limits. The drive, averaging 30 miles, is generally manageable, but the variability of traffic conditions adds a layer of complexity.

Alternatively, some individuals might choose to access care at UNC Health in Chapel Hill, which might involve a slightly longer drive. The route would involve taking NC-49 South to US-15/501 South. This option, while potentially less congested than US-501 directly, adds miles to the journey.

For those seeking local care, the Person County Health Department offers some basic services. However, for specialized breast cancer treatment, the journey to larger facilities is almost unavoidable. The quality of the roads themselves is generally good, but the lack of alternative routes can pose a challenge during accidents or road closures.

**Public Transit: A Limited Landscape**

Public **transportation** options in Timberlake are limited. The Triangle Transit Authority (GoTriangle) provides bus services in the broader Triangle area, but these routes are not designed to efficiently serve Timberlake residents. The frequency of these buses is also limited, making them impractical for regular medical appointments.

The lack of accessible public transit is a significant drawback for individuals who cannot drive or prefer not to. The absence of a robust public transit system exacerbates the challenges of **healthcare access**, particularly for those with mobility limitations or financial constraints.

Furthermore, the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance of available public transit options is crucial. While GoTriangle aims to meet ADA standards, the practicality of using these services for frequent medical appointments from Timberlake requires careful consideration.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Timberlake, providing an alternative to driving. However, the cost of these services can quickly accumulate, especially with frequent appointments. The reliability of ride-sharing also hinges on the availability of drivers, which can be unpredictable in a rural area.

Medical **transportation** services, such as those offered by private companies, are specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments. These services often provide door-to-door service, including assistance with mobility. While convenient, medical transport is often the most expensive option.

Some non-profit organizations and local community groups may offer transportation assistance to individuals with medical needs. Researching these resources is essential for those who require support.

**Medical Transport Brands**

Several medical transport brands operate in the area. These include:

* **FirstLight Home Care:** Offers non-emergency medical transportation.
* **CareRide:** Focuses on non-emergency medical transport.
* **American Medical Response (AMR):** Provides ambulance and non-emergency transport.

**Breast Cancer Score: A Summary**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Timberlake, ZIP Code 27583, reflects the challenges and opportunities in accessing breast cancer care.

**Factors considered:**

* **Drive Time:** Moderate, with reliance on personal vehicles.
* **Public Transit:** Limited and impractical for regular appointments.
* **Ride-Sharing:** Available but can be costly and unreliable.
* **Medical Transport:** Available but expensive.
* **Proximity to Specialized Care:** Requires travel to Durham or Chapel Hill.

**Score:** A moderate score reflecting the need for personal vehicles and the limitations of public transit. The score is lowered by the lack of readily available and affordable **transportation** options.

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

1. **Assess Driving Ability:** The ability to drive or access a reliable driver is essential.
2. **Budget for Transportation:** Factor in the cost of gas, car maintenance, ride-sharing, or medical transport.
3. **Explore Support Networks:** Research local community groups and non-profit organizations that offer transportation assistance.
4. **Consider Proximity to Care:** Evaluate the distance to specialized breast cancer treatment centers and the ease of access.
5. **Plan for Appointments:** Schedule appointments strategically to avoid peak traffic times.

This "Breast Cancer Score" aims to provide a realistic picture of the **healthcare access** landscape in Timberlake. While the area offers a peaceful environment, the need for reliable **transportation** to specialized medical care is a critical factor for anyone facing a breast cancer diagnosis or seeking preventative care. The decision of **moving to Timberlake** should be informed by a thorough understanding of these realities.