28379, Rockingham, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 28379, Rockingham, North Carolina is 25 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

68.88 percent of residents in 28379 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.89 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Atrium Health Anson with a distance of 19.85 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Rockingham, NC (ZIP Code 28379)**

The specter of a breast cancer diagnosis casts a long shadow, demanding swift, efficient, and compassionate care. When considering a move to Rockingham, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28379), understanding healthcare access, specifically for breast cancer treatment, becomes paramount. This analysis, a "Breast Cancer Score," evaluates the available transportation options, crucial for timely appointments, treatments, and follow-up care.

The primary healthcare provider in Rockingham is FirstHealth Richmond Memorial Hospital. Its proximity is a significant advantage for residents, but the quality of transportation options amplifies or diminishes this benefit. This score considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation alternatives.

**Drive Time Dynamics:**

For those relying on personal vehicles, navigating to and from medical appointments is the most common scenario. From central Rockingham, the hospital is easily accessible. Expect a drive of approximately 5-10 minutes, a testament to the town's manageable size. Major thoroughfares like US-74 Business and US-1 North provide direct routes.

However, the commute expands when considering specialist appointments or advanced treatments. Heading to larger medical centers in neighboring cities, such as Pinehurst or Fayetteville, becomes necessary. Pinehurst, home to FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital, is a drive of roughly 45-60 minutes via US-1 North and NC-211. This journey, while manageable, requires careful planning, particularly for those undergoing frequent treatments.

Fayetteville, with its broader range of specialists and the Cape Fear Valley Health System, presents a longer commute. Expect a drive of 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, mainly via US-74 East and I-95 South. Traffic conditions, especially during peak hours, can significantly impact these travel times. This factor highlights the importance of flexibility and alternative transportation options.

**Public Transit's Role:**

Public transit in Rockingham is limited, presenting a challenge for those without personal vehicles. The Richmond County Transit System offers fixed-route bus service, but its coverage is primarily within the county. Information on specific routes, schedules, and ADA accessibility is crucial.

While the transit system may provide some access to local destinations, it may not directly serve the hospitals in Pinehurst or Fayetteville. This limitation underscores the need for alternative transportation solutions, especially for those with mobility limitations or who cannot drive.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services, like Uber and Lyft, are available in Rockingham, offering an on-demand transportation alternative. However, their availability and reliability can vary, particularly during off-peak hours or in areas with limited demand. This factor warrants investigation into the consistent availability of these services.

Medical transportation services are specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments. These services often provide door-to-door service, assisting with mobility challenges and offering a more comfortable experience. Several medical transport providers operate in the region, including MedTrans and First Medical Transportation. Investigating these services, their coverage area, and associated costs is essential.

**The Breast Cancer Score: A Holistic View:**

The Breast Cancer Score considers the interplay of these factors. A high score reflects easy access to healthcare facilities, diverse transportation options, and minimal travel time. Conversely, a lower score indicates challenges in accessing care, such as limited public transit, long drive times, and potential reliance on less reliable transportation options.

For Rockingham (ZIP Code 28379), the score is moderately positive. The proximity of FirstHealth Richmond Memorial Hospital provides a strong foundation. However, the reliance on personal vehicles for specialist appointments and the limited public transit options introduce challenges.

**Recommendations for Prospective Residents:**

Individuals considering moving to Rockingham, especially those with a history of breast cancer or at high risk, should proactively research the transportation options. Contact the Richmond County Transit System to confirm route availability and ADA accessibility. Investigate the reliability of ride-sharing services and the availability of medical transportation providers.

Furthermore, consider the location of specialist appointments and treatment centers. If frequent travel to Pinehurst or Fayetteville is anticipated, factor in the commute times and potential traffic delays.

**Conclusion: Navigating Healthcare in Rockingham**

Moving to a new community requires careful consideration of all aspects of life, including healthcare access. For individuals concerned about breast cancer care, the transportation landscape in Rockingham plays a crucial role. By understanding the drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transportation services, prospective residents can make informed decisions and ensure timely access to the care they need. This "Breast Cancer Score" offers a starting point for this crucial assessment, empowering individuals to navigate the healthcare system with confidence and peace of mind.