27861, Parmele, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 27861, Parmele, North Carolina is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

91.89 percent of residents in 27861 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.81 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Martin General Hospital with a distance of 13.69 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Parmele, NC (ZIP Code 27861)

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a diagnosis as life-altering as breast cancer, is a complex equation. It’s not simply about the quality of care, but also about the ease with which that care can be accessed. This analysis provides a "Breast Cancer Score" for residents of Parmele, North Carolina (ZIP code 27861), focusing on transportation options and their impact on healthcare access for those facing this challenging disease. Considering a move to Parmele? This score can help you assess the realities of healthcare access.

Parmele, a small town nestled in Martin County, North Carolina, presents a unique set of transportation challenges. The rural nature of the area means that residents often rely heavily on personal vehicles for transportation. This reliance significantly impacts healthcare access, especially for those with mobility limitations or those undergoing treatment that can impair driving abilities. The availability and practicality of alternative transportation options are crucial factors in determining the Breast Cancer Score.

The primary healthcare facilities serving the Parmele area are located in larger towns and cities, necessitating travel. The closest significant medical centers are in Greenville, approximately 30 miles east, and Rocky Mount, roughly 40 miles west. This distance immediately introduces the element of transportation into the equation, making it vital to understand the options available.

**Drive Time Analysis:**

Driving is undoubtedly the most common mode of transportation for residents of Parmele. The primary route to Greenville is via US-64 East. The drive typically takes between 45 minutes and an hour, depending on traffic and the specific location within Parmele. The journey to Rocky Mount involves a combination of US-64 West and US-301 North, resulting in a drive time of approximately one hour to an hour and fifteen minutes.

These drive times, while manageable for some, can be a significant burden for patients undergoing breast cancer treatment. Frequent appointments for chemotherapy, radiation, and follow-up care can quickly become exhausting and financially draining. The physical toll of treatment, including fatigue and nausea, can also make driving unsafe and undesirable.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transportation options in the Parmele area are limited. Martin County does not have a dedicated public transit system. The nearest public transit access point would be in Greenville, where the Greenville Area Transit (GRAT) system operates. However, reaching Greenville from Parmele requires a personal vehicle or ride-sharing service.

GRAT operates several bus routes, but none directly serve Parmele. Even with ride-sharing to Greenville, the use of GRAT would require multiple transfers and extended travel times, making it an impractical option for most residents needing regular medical appointments. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible buses within the GRAT system is crucial for individuals with mobility impairments. While GRAT strives to provide accessible services, the reliability of these services and the convenience of their routes remain key considerations.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Greenville and Rocky Mount areas, but their presence in Parmele is less consistent. The availability of these services can vary depending on the time of day and the demand. Relying on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments is often unreliable and can be costly, especially given the distance to healthcare facilities.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more specialized solution. Several companies operate in the region, including MedTrans and First Transit. These services typically provide door-to-door transportation, including assistance with mobility and medical equipment. While these services offer a valuable alternative, they often require prior booking and can be expensive, especially for those without adequate insurance coverage.

**Breast Cancer Score Calculation:**

The Breast Cancer Score for Parmele (ZIP code 27861) is calculated based on the following factors: drive times to major healthcare facilities, the availability and practicality of public transit, the reliability and cost of ride-sharing services, and the accessibility and affordability of medical transportation.

The score is weighted towards the challenges presented by the limited transportation options. The long drive times to Greenville and Rocky Mount significantly impact healthcare access, particularly for patients undergoing treatment. The lack of a local public transit system and the variable availability of ride-sharing services further exacerbate the challenges. While medical transportation services offer a viable solution, their cost and the need for prior booking limit their accessibility for many residents.

**Impact on Healthcare Access:**

The limited transportation options in Parmele directly impact healthcare access for breast cancer patients. The long drive times can lead to increased fatigue and stress, potentially affecting treatment adherence. The financial burden of transportation costs, including gas, vehicle maintenance, and ride-sharing fees, can create additional strain on patients and their families. The lack of readily available transportation options can also delay or prevent patients from attending essential appointments, leading to poorer health outcomes.

**Recommendations for Improving Healthcare Access:**

To improve the Breast Cancer Score for Parmele, several initiatives are recommended. Firstly, advocating for increased public transportation options, potentially through partnerships with neighboring counties or the expansion of existing services, is crucial. Secondly, exploring partnerships with ride-sharing companies to offer discounted rates or subsidized transportation for medical appointments would significantly enhance accessibility.

Furthermore, increasing awareness of medical transportation services and providing financial assistance to eligible patients would alleviate the financial burden of transportation costs. Finally, supporting initiatives that promote telehealth and remote monitoring can reduce the need for frequent in-person appointments, thereby minimizing the impact of transportation challenges.

**Conclusion:**

The Breast Cancer Score for Parmele, NC (ZIP code 27861) reflects the significant challenges faced by residents in accessing healthcare due to limited transportation options. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with the absence of a robust public transit system, creates barriers to care, particularly for those undergoing breast cancer treatment. While medical transportation services offer a valuable solution, their cost and availability can be limiting.

For those considering moving to Parmele, understanding these transportation realities is essential. The Breast Cancer Score highlights the need for proactive measures to improve healthcare access, including expanding public transit options, promoting ride-sharing partnerships, and providing financial assistance for medical transportation. By addressing these challenges, the community can better support breast cancer patients and ensure they receive the timely and comprehensive care they deserve. Navigating this complex system requires careful planning and resourcefulness.