27967, Powellsville, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 27967, Powellsville, North Carolina is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

82.00 percent of residents in 27967 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.07 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Vidant Roanoke Chowan Hospital with a distance of 5.81 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Powellsville (ZIP Code 27967)**

The journey to healthcare, particularly for something as critical as breast cancer screening and treatment, is a complex equation. It's not just about the availability of medical professionals; it's a multifaceted challenge involving transportation, accessibility, and the overall ease of navigating the system. This report, a "Breast Cancer Score" assessment for residents of Powellsville, North Carolina (ZIP Code 27967), delves into the realities of healthcare access, focusing on the crucial element of transportation. For those considering moving to Powellsville, this analysis provides vital insights.

Powellsville, a rural community nestled in Bertie County, presents unique transportation challenges. The nearest comprehensive healthcare facilities, offering specialized breast cancer services, are located in neighboring towns and cities. This necessitates reliance on personal vehicles, public transit, or alternative transportation options. The distance, coupled with potential traffic, significantly impacts the time and effort required to access potentially life-saving care. This report assesses the available options, providing a clear picture of the transportation landscape.

The primary arteries connecting Powellsville to healthcare hubs are US-17 and NC-45. Traveling south on US-17, one can reach Vidant Bertie Hospital in Windsor, a drive of approximately 15 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic. This facility offers basic diagnostic services. However, for more specialized care, such as mammograms and oncology consultations, patients often need to travel further.

Continuing south on US-17, the next major healthcare destination is Chowan Hospital in Edenton, a drive of roughly 40 to 45 minutes. This hospital provides a broader range of services, including diagnostic imaging and some cancer treatment options. The drive is generally straightforward, but potential delays can occur during peak traffic hours, especially around Edenton.

For more advanced breast cancer care, including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, patients typically need to travel to larger medical centers. The closest of these is Sentara Albemarle Medical Center in Elizabeth City. The drive from Powellsville to Elizabeth City involves traveling north on US-17, a journey of approximately 50 to 60 minutes. The distance increases the time commitment, and the potential for traffic congestion, particularly around the Albemarle area, adds another layer of complexity.

Public transportation options in Bertie County are limited. The primary provider is the Bertie County Transportation Department. While this service offers demand-response transportation, it may not be a practical option for routine medical appointments. Scheduling and availability can be restrictive, and the service may not be equipped to handle the specific needs of breast cancer patients. Riders should check the availability of ADA-accessible vehicles. The lack of a robust public transit system significantly impacts healthcare access, especially for those without personal vehicles or the ability to drive.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area but may have limited availability in Powellsville and the surrounding rural areas. The cost of these services can be prohibitive for frequent medical appointments, and the reliability of service is not guaranteed. Patients should check for availability, especially during off-peak hours or when medical appointments are scheduled.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are another option. Several companies, such as MedTrans and Firstat Nursing Services, operate in the region. These services offer specialized transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel to assist patients. However, these services typically require prior arrangements and can be costly.

For individuals moving to Powellsville, understanding these transportation challenges is essential. Healthcare access is not simply a matter of proximity to a hospital; it’s a complex interplay of factors, including the availability of transportation, the cost of travel, and the overall ease of navigating the healthcare system. The Breast Cancer Score for Powellsville reflects these realities, providing a comprehensive assessment of the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access.

The Breast Cancer Score is not a single number but a holistic assessment. It considers the drive times to various healthcare facilities, the availability and reliability of public transit, the presence of ride-sharing services, and the availability of medical transportation options. It also takes into account the potential financial burden of transportation costs and the overall impact on patient well-being.

The challenges in Powellsville underscore the critical need for improved healthcare access initiatives. These could include expanding public transportation options, increasing the availability of ride-sharing services, and providing financial assistance for transportation costs. Furthermore, telehealth services could play a vital role in bridging the gap between patients and healthcare providers, reducing the need for frequent travel.

The Breast Cancer Score for Powellsville is a call to action. It highlights the transportation barriers that residents face when seeking breast cancer care and emphasizes the need for community-based solutions to improve healthcare access. For those considering moving to Powellsville, understanding these challenges is crucial. It allows for informed decision-making and the proactive development of strategies to ensure access to quality healthcare. The journey to healthcare should not be a barrier; it should be a pathway to wellness.