27843, Hobgood, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 27843, Hobgood, North Carolina is 17 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

53.96 percent of residents in 27843 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.13 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Vidant Edgecombe Hospital with a distance of 10.39 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Hobgood, NC (ZIP Code 27843)**

The journey to quality breast cancer care is a complex one, involving not only the medical expertise of oncologists and surgeons but also the often-overlooked challenges of transportation. In the rural community of Hobgood, North Carolina (ZIP Code 27843), access to timely and convenient healthcare, specifically for breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, hinges significantly on the availability of transportation options. This analysis, our "Breast Cancer Score," delves into the realities of commuting to healthcare facilities, examining drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services, all crucial elements determining the ease of healthcare access for residents.

For those residing in Hobgood, the nearest comprehensive healthcare facilities are primarily located in the neighboring towns of Roanoke Rapids, Scotland Neck, and potentially as far as Greenville, NC. The primary thoroughfare connecting Hobgood to these destinations is US-258, a two-lane highway that can experience delays during peak hours or due to unforeseen circumstances. The drive to Roanoke Rapids, home to the nearest hospital, Vidant North, typically takes around 20-30 minutes, assuming ideal traffic conditions. However, this time can easily extend with traffic, especially during school drop-off and pick-up times, or if accidents occur.

Heading south towards Scotland Neck, the drive is shorter, around 10-15 minutes via NC-125. Scotland Neck offers some primary care facilities, but specialized breast cancer services, such as mammography and oncology consultations, are limited. This means that even a shorter commute to Scotland Neck may not fulfill all healthcare needs.

The journey to Greenville, a larger city with more extensive medical resources, including the Vidant Medical Center, is a more significant undertaking. The drive involves taking US-258 south, then connecting to US-64 East. This route typically takes between 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. This longer commute can be a considerable burden for patients undergoing regular treatments like chemotherapy or radiation, adding to the physical and emotional toll of their illness.

Public transportation options in Hobgood and the surrounding areas are limited. The primary mode of public transit is provided by the Roanoke-Chowan Community Action Agency (RCCAA). While RCCAA offers demand-response services, meaning rides are scheduled in advance, the availability and frequency of these services are often constrained by funding and staffing. These services may have limited hours of operation, and it is crucial to book rides well in advance, particularly for appointments that require precise timing.

Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible vehicles is crucial for patients with mobility limitations. While RCCAA strives to provide accessible transportation, the availability of these vehicles may be limited, and advance notice is essential. The lack of readily available public transit significantly impacts healthcare access for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle. This is especially true for individuals undergoing breast cancer treatment, who may experience fatigue, weakness, and other side effects that make driving difficult or unsafe.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are present in the area, but their availability is variable. The presence of these services is often dependent on driver availability, which can be limited in rural areas like Hobgood. Relying on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments can be unreliable, as wait times can be unpredictable, and the cost can accumulate quickly, especially for frequent trips.

Medical transport services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more specialized solution. Companies like AMR (American Medical Response) and local ambulance services may provide non-emergency medical transportation. These services typically require pre-booking and can be more expensive than ride-sharing. However, they offer the advantage of trained personnel and vehicles equipped to accommodate patients with specific needs, such as those requiring wheelchairs or oxygen.

For someone moving to Hobgood, understanding the transportation landscape is critical for healthcare access. Before relocating, potential residents should thoroughly investigate the availability of transportation options to the nearest healthcare facilities. Consider factors such as drive times, public transit schedules, and the availability of ride-sharing or medical transport services. Researching the specific services and their associated costs is also essential.

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Hobgood, NC (ZIP Code 27843) reveals a landscape where transportation challenges can significantly impact healthcare access. While the community is served by a few highways and roads, the limited availability of public transit, the variable presence of ride-sharing services, and the cost of medical transport services all contribute to a complex transportation environment. This situation highlights the need for community initiatives to improve transportation options, particularly for vulnerable populations, including those battling breast cancer.

Enhancing healthcare access in Hobgood requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes exploring options for expanding public transit services, partnering with ride-sharing companies to improve availability, and providing financial assistance for medical transportation. Furthermore, promoting awareness of existing transportation resources and educating residents on how to access these services is crucial.

Ultimately, the "Breast Cancer Score" for Hobgood underscores the importance of addressing transportation barriers to healthcare. By understanding the transportation challenges and working towards solutions, the community can improve healthcare access for all residents, ensuring that those facing breast cancer can receive the timely and convenient care they deserve.