28390, Spring Lake, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 28390, Spring Lake, North Carolina is 52 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

63.31 percent of residents in 28390 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.46 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Womack Amc (Ft Bragg) with a distance of 5.69 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Spring Lake, NC (ZIP Code 28390)**

The journey to healthcare, particularly for those facing the complexities of breast cancer, is a multifaceted one. It extends far beyond the medical expertise of the physicians and the efficacy of treatments. It encompasses the practicalities of *transportation*, the availability of resources, and the overall ease of *healthcare access*. For residents of Spring Lake, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28390), this journey is shaped by a unique blend of suburban living and proximity to military installations, creating a distinct landscape for navigating breast cancer care.

This analysis, a "Breast Cancer Score" assessment, delves into the specific challenges and opportunities for those seeking breast cancer care in Spring Lake. It examines the *transportation* infrastructure, the availability of medical facilities, and the options available to ensure timely and convenient access to potentially life-saving treatment. Understanding these factors is crucial for residents and those *moving to Spring Lake*, providing a clearer picture of the support system available during a challenging time.

**The Road to Recovery: Drive Times and Highway Navigation**

The primary mode of *transportation* for most Spring Lake residents is the personal vehicle. This necessitates a close examination of drive times to key healthcare facilities. The nearest major hospital, Cape Fear Valley Medical Center in Fayetteville, is approximately a 15- to 20-minute drive, depending on traffic conditions. The primary route is via US-401 South, a major artery that connects Spring Lake to Fayetteville. This highway, while generally well-maintained, can experience congestion during peak hours, particularly around the All American Freeway interchange.

Another option involves taking NC-210 East, which merges onto I-95 South, offering a faster, albeit potentially longer, route to Fayetteville. This route is approximately 25 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic. However, I-95 is known for its unpredictable traffic flow, and accidents can significantly increase travel times. Patients should always factor in extra time for unexpected delays.

For those seeking specialized breast cancer care, such as radiation therapy or advanced surgical procedures, the drive to Duke Cancer Institute in Durham, NC, is a more significant undertaking. This journey, primarily via I-95 North and then US-15-501 North, can take approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic. This longer drive necessitates careful planning, especially for those undergoing daily radiation treatments.

**Public Transit: Navigating the System**

Public *transportation* options in Spring Lake are limited. The Fayetteville Area System of Transit (FAST) provides bus service in the Fayetteville area, but its routes and frequency do not directly serve Spring Lake with significant convenience. The primary FAST route that comes closest to Spring Lake is Route 1, which operates along Murchison Road, approximately a 10- to 15-minute drive from the heart of Spring Lake.

While FAST buses are ADA-accessible, offering features like ramps and designated seating, the lack of direct routes to key medical facilities in Fayetteville poses a significant challenge for individuals without personal vehicles. This necessitates a combination of bus travel and potentially walking or ride-sharing to reach appointments.

The infrequent service and limited coverage area of FAST make it a less-than-ideal option for many patients, especially those undergoing treatment that requires frequent visits. This highlights a critical gap in *healthcare access* for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Spring Lake and Fayetteville areas. However, the cost of these services can quickly accumulate, particularly for frequent medical appointments. Patients should factor in the expense when budgeting for their care. Ride-sharing also requires reliable cell phone service and the ability to navigate the app-based booking process, which may pose challenges for some individuals.

Medical *transportation* services, such as those offered by medical transport companies, provide a more specialized option for patients who require assistance. These services typically offer door-to-door service, including assistance with mobility and medical equipment. However, these services can be expensive and may require pre-booking, making them less flexible for spontaneous appointments.

Several medical transport companies serve the Spring Lake area, including FirstLight Home Care and Home Instead. These companies offer non-emergency medical *transportation*, providing a valuable service for those who cannot drive or lack access to other forms of *transportation*.

**Evaluating Healthcare Access: A Holistic Approach**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Spring Lake, NC (ZIP Code 28390) reveals a mixed picture regarding *healthcare access*. While the proximity to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center offers convenient access to general medical services, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limitations of public *transportation* pose challenges for many. The longer drive times to specialized cancer centers like Duke Cancer Institute further complicate the landscape.

The availability of ride-sharing and medical *transportation* services provides alternative options, but the associated costs and logistical considerations must be carefully evaluated. For those *moving to Spring Lake*, a thorough assessment of *transportation* options and the ability to navigate the healthcare system is crucial.

**The Score and Recommendations**

Given these factors, the "Breast Cancer Score" for Spring Lake, NC (ZIP Code 28390) is moderate. The score reflects the availability of medical facilities, the challenges of *transportation*, and the need for careful planning to ensure timely and convenient access to care.

Recommendations include:

* **Advocating for improved public *transportation*:** Increased bus routes and frequency, especially those connecting Spring Lake to medical facilities in Fayetteville, would significantly improve *healthcare access*.
* **Exploring community-based *transportation* programs:** Partnering with local organizations to provide volunteer driver programs or subsidized ride-sharing services could alleviate some of the *transportation* burdens.
* **Promoting telehealth services:** Expanding the availability of telehealth appointments could reduce the need for frequent in-person visits, particularly for follow-up care.
* **Educating patients about *transportation* resources:** Providing clear and concise information about available *transportation* options, including ride-sharing services, medical *transportation* companies, and financial assistance programs, is essential.

By addressing these challenges and embracing innovative solutions, Spring Lake can strive to create a more supportive and accessible healthcare environment for all its residents, particularly those facing the challenges of breast cancer. The journey to recovery should be about healing, not about the hurdles of *transportation*.