28382, Roseboro, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 28382, Roseboro, North Carolina is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

41.58 percent of residents in 28382 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.33 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Sampson Regional Medical Center with a distance of 10.48 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Commute to Healthcare in Roseboro, NC (ZIP Code 28382)**

The diagnosis of breast cancer, a life-altering event, necessitates prompt and consistent access to specialized medical care. For residents of Roseboro, North Carolina (ZIP code 28382), the journey to healthcare, particularly for breast cancer treatment, is a critical factor influencing their overall well-being and the efficacy of their care. This analysis delves into the transportation landscape, evaluating the accessibility of healthcare facilities for breast cancer patients in Roseboro, ultimately contributing to a "Breast Cancer Score" reflecting the ease or difficulty of accessing vital services.

Roseboro, a small town nestled in Sampson County, presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. The town’s relative remoteness, combined with limited public transportation options, necessitates a comprehensive understanding of available transportation modalities. This includes personal vehicles, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options, all of which contribute to the overall "Breast Cancer Score." The aim is to provide a realistic assessment of the commute to healthcare, specifically for breast cancer patients, considering the physical and emotional toll of the disease.

The primary mode of transportation for most Roseboro residents is undoubtedly the personal vehicle. The town's location, while offering a sense of tranquility, also dictates the necessity of driving to reach specialized medical facilities. The major roadways impacting healthcare access are crucial. Interstate 95 (I-95), a major north-south artery, is accessible via several routes. However, the nearest major medical centers, such as Cape Fear Valley Medical Center in Fayetteville or Duke Cancer Institute in Durham, necessitate significant travel times.

To reach Fayetteville, a drive of approximately 45 to 60 minutes is typical, primarily via I-95 South and then onto US-401 South. The journey can be affected by traffic, especially during peak hours, potentially extending travel times. For Durham, a longer commute of around 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours is expected, involving I-95 North, I-40 West, and ultimately, the Durham Freeway. This extended travel time poses a significant challenge for patients undergoing treatment, requiring frequent visits for chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and follow-up appointments.

Other key roads, such as NC-24 and NC-41, serve as alternative routes, offering potential shortcuts or detours depending on traffic conditions. However, these roads, while scenic, are often less direct and may involve navigating smaller towns and rural areas, potentially adding to the overall travel time. The condition of these roads, particularly during inclement weather, can also impact accessibility.

Public transportation options in Roseboro are extremely limited, presenting a significant barrier to healthcare access for those without personal vehicles. Sampson County does not have a comprehensive public bus system. The absence of a robust public transit network forces residents to rely on other, often less convenient, modes of transportation. This situation particularly impacts elderly individuals, those with disabilities, and low-income residents who may not have access to a car or the financial resources for alternative transportation.

The lack of ADA-accessible public transit further exacerbates the challenges for individuals with mobility limitations. For breast cancer patients undergoing treatment, the physical demands of travel, including potential side effects like fatigue and nausea, make accessible and convenient transportation a crucial necessity. The absence of such options in Roseboro highlights a critical gap in healthcare access.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative transportation option, but their availability and affordability in Roseboro are variable. The cost of ride-sharing, especially for longer distances to medical centers, can be prohibitive for many residents. Furthermore, the reliability of these services, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather, is not guaranteed.

The availability of medical transport services is another crucial aspect of healthcare access. Several companies specialize in providing transportation for medical appointments, including non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) services. These services often cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those who require assistance during travel. However, the availability of these services in Roseboro and the associated costs need to be carefully considered.

Medical transport brands like First Transit, LogistiCare, and MTM (Medical Transportation Management) often operate within the region. However, the specific coverage areas, service availability, and eligibility requirements vary. The cost of these services, which may be covered by insurance or Medicaid, is a critical factor influencing accessibility.

The emotional toll of breast cancer treatment is substantial, and the added stress of navigating complex transportation challenges can significantly impact a patient's well-being. The physical discomfort, fatigue, and anxiety associated with cancer treatment make the need for convenient and reliable transportation even more critical. The ability to access healthcare services without undue stress is essential for ensuring the best possible patient outcomes.

For individuals considering moving to Roseboro, the availability of healthcare access, particularly for breast cancer treatment, should be a key consideration. Potential residents should carefully evaluate the transportation options available and assess their ability to manage the commute to medical facilities. This assessment should include factors such as the availability of personal vehicles, the cost of ride-sharing services, and the accessibility of medical transport options.

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Roseboro, therefore, would reflect the following: a low score due to the limited public transportation, the reliance on personal vehicles, and the potential challenges associated with ride-sharing and medical transport. The score would emphasize the need for improved transportation infrastructure and services to ensure equitable access to healthcare for all residents, particularly those battling breast cancer. The score serves as a call to action, urging the community and healthcare providers to collaborate on innovative solutions to address transportation barriers and improve healthcare access for Roseboro residents.