28312, Fayetteville, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 28312, Fayetteville, North Carolina is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

62.29 percent of residents in 28312 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.61 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Cape Fear Valley Medical Center with a distance of 8.03 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in ZIP Code 28312

The journey to healthcare, particularly for something as critical as breast cancer treatment, is a complex one. It extends beyond the walls of the clinic, encompassing the accessibility and reliability of **transportation** options. This write-up delves into the **healthcare access** landscape for residents of ZIP code 28312, a community that includes parts of Fayetteville, North Carolina, assessing the various modes available to navigate the often-challenging terrain of breast cancer care. This information is especially pertinent for those **moving to Fayetteville**, seeking to understand the practical realities of accessing vital medical services.

The "Breast Cancer Score" here is a qualitative assessment, considering factors like drive times, public transit availability, and the presence of ride-sharing and medical transport services. It aims to paint a realistic picture of the challenges and opportunities faced by individuals requiring regular appointments, treatments, and follow-up care.

Driving is a primary mode of **transportation** in Fayetteville. From the heart of 28312, several major medical facilities become accessible. Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, a prominent healthcare provider, is generally reachable within a 10-15 minute drive, depending on traffic. This journey typically involves navigating major thoroughfares like US-401 (Raeford Road) and Murchison Road. The ease of this commute offers a reasonable level of **healthcare access** for those with personal vehicles.

However, the commute can be significantly impacted by rush hour congestion. The morning and evening commutes, especially on US-401, can extend travel times considerably. This is a critical consideration for patients undergoing treatment, as delays can add to stress and potentially disrupt schedules. For those **moving to Fayetteville**, understanding these traffic patterns is crucial for planning daily routines and medical appointments.

Another important facility, the FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital - Hoke Campus, is located further away, typically requiring a 30-40 minute drive via US-401 and NC-211. This longer drive time may present a challenge for individuals without personal vehicles or those with mobility limitations. While the drive is manageable, it underscores the importance of considering distance when choosing a residence and planning healthcare access.

Public **transportation** in Fayetteville is provided by the Fayetteville Area System of Transit (FAST). The availability of public transit is an important factor in **healthcare access**, particularly for those without personal vehicles or who are unable to drive. Several FAST bus routes serve the 28312 area, offering access to medical facilities.

Route 1, for instance, runs along Raeford Road, providing access to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center. Route 7 connects to Murchison Road, another potential route for accessing medical facilities. The frequency of these routes, however, is a crucial consideration. The buses typically run on a schedule, with limited service on weekends and evenings. This can pose a challenge for patients needing appointments outside of regular business hours.

FAST buses are designed with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility features, including ramps and designated seating for individuals with disabilities. This is a significant advantage for patients with mobility limitations. However, the overall convenience of public transit is affected by factors like route coverage and the time it takes to travel to a destination. For individuals **moving to Fayetteville**, researching the specific routes and schedules relevant to their medical needs is essential.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer another **transportation** option. These services can be particularly beneficial for patients who need on-demand rides to appointments. The availability of ride-sharing in Fayetteville is generally good, but it can be affected by driver availability, especially during peak hours or in less populated areas. The cost of ride-sharing is also a factor, as it can add to the overall cost of healthcare.

Medical **transportation** services are specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments. Several companies operate in the Fayetteville area, including First Medical Transportation and Med-Ride. These services often provide door-to-door assistance, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. They can be particularly helpful for patients who have mobility issues or require assistance getting in and out of vehicles. However, these services typically require pre-booking, and the cost can be a factor.

The "Breast Cancer Score" for 28312, therefore, is a mixed bag. The area offers a reasonable level of **healthcare access**, particularly for those with personal vehicles. Drive times to major medical facilities are generally manageable, although traffic congestion can be a factor. Public **transportation** is available, but route frequency and coverage may present challenges. Ride-sharing services provide another option, while medical **transportation** offers specialized assistance.

The experience of a breast cancer patient in 28312 will depend on their individual circumstances. Those with personal vehicles and the ability to drive will likely find it easier to navigate the healthcare landscape. Those relying on public transit, ride-sharing, or medical **transportation** may face more challenges, including longer travel times and increased costs.

For individuals **moving to Fayetteville** and facing a breast cancer diagnosis or treatment, a thorough assessment of **transportation** needs is crucial. This includes considering the location of medical facilities, the availability and reliability of various **transportation** options, and the potential impact of traffic congestion. Understanding the practical realities of **healthcare access** will empower individuals to make informed decisions and navigate the healthcare system with greater confidence. The journey to recovery is challenging enough; ensuring accessible and reliable **transportation** is a vital step in easing the burden.