28394, Vass, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 28394, Vass, North Carolina is 53 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

50.40 percent of residents in 28394 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.12 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Firsthealth Moore Regional Hospital with a distance of 12.77 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Vass, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28394)**

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a diagnosis as life-altering as breast cancer, involves more than just medical expertise. It encompasses the complex dance of **transportation**, **healthcare access**, and the resources available within a community. This analysis, tailored for residents and those **moving to Vass**, NC (ZIP Code 28394), provides a "Breast Cancer Score," a qualitative assessment of accessibility to breast cancer care, considering commute times, public transit options, and alternative **transportation** solutions.

Vass, a charming town nestled in Moore County, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. Its relative isolation, coupled with the rural nature of the surrounding areas, significantly impacts the ease with which residents can receive timely and comprehensive breast cancer care. This score aims to illuminate these factors, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

**Drive Times and Roadways: The Asphalt Arteries of Care**

The primary challenge in accessing breast cancer care from Vass lies in the distances involved. The nearest comprehensive cancer centers are not immediately adjacent. This necessitates reliance on personal vehicles, and the condition of the roadways can influence the journey.

For residents of Vass, the most direct route to Pinehurst, home to FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital, often involves traveling east on US-15/501. This route, typically a 15-20 minute drive, offers relatively smooth passage. However, traffic can be a factor, especially during peak hours.

Traveling further afield to larger cancer centers in Fayetteville or Raleigh requires longer drives. Heading north on US-1, then connecting to I-95, provides access to Fayetteville, a journey of approximately 1 hour. This route can be subject to heavy traffic, particularly near Fayetteville.

For those seeking care in Raleigh, the drive extends to roughly 1.5 to 2 hours, primarily via US-1 and I-95, or alternatively, US-1 and US-64. This longer commute necessitates careful planning, especially considering the need for regular appointments, chemotherapy, and radiation treatments. The condition of these highways is generally good, but construction and inclement weather can cause delays.

**Public Transit: A Limited Safety Net**

Public transit options in Vass and the surrounding area are limited, posing a significant barrier for those without personal vehicles. Moore County does offer a public transit system, but it is primarily designed for local travel and does not directly connect to major cancer centers in Pinehurst, Fayetteville, or Raleigh.

The availability of ADA-accessible buses is crucial for individuals with mobility limitations. The Moore County transit system does provide ADA-compliant services, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can access the available routes. However, the limited scope of the system means that it might not be a viable option for frequent trips to cancer treatment centers.

The absence of robust public transit highlights the importance of alternative **transportation** solutions for breast cancer patients. Reliance on family, friends, or specialized medical **transportation** services becomes crucial for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a vehicle.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gap**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Vass area, offering a potential solution for some **transportation** needs. However, the availability of these services can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Furthermore, the cost of frequent rides can quickly become a financial burden.

Medical **transportation** services offer a more specialized approach, catering specifically to the needs of patients requiring regular medical appointments. Companies like FirstHealth and other regional providers offer non-emergency medical **transportation**, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services often require advance booking and may have specific eligibility requirements.

The availability and cost of these services vary, and it is essential for patients to research and compare options. Insurance coverage for medical **transportation** can also vary, so it is crucial to understand the terms of one’s health insurance policy.

**The Breast Cancer Score: Assessing Healthcare Access**

Considering the factors outlined above, the Breast Cancer Score for Vass, NC (ZIP Code 28394) can be assessed as "Moderate." While Pinehurst offers relatively convenient access to care, the longer distances to Fayetteville and Raleigh, coupled with the limited public transit options, present significant challenges.

The reliance on personal vehicles or alternative **transportation** solutions adds complexity to the healthcare journey. Patients must navigate these challenges while managing the physical and emotional demands of their treatment.

**Recommendations for Improvement**

Several strategies could improve **healthcare access** for breast cancer patients in Vass:

* **Increased Public Transit:** Expanding the Moore County transit system to include direct routes to cancer centers in Pinehurst, Fayetteville, and Raleigh would significantly improve accessibility.
* **Partnerships with Ride-Share Services:** Exploring partnerships between healthcare providers and ride-sharing companies to offer subsidized **transportation** options could reduce the financial burden on patients.
* **Enhanced Medical Transport Services:** Expanding the availability and coverage of medical **transportation** services, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles, would be beneficial.
* **Community Support Programs:** Establishing support programs to assist patients with **transportation** costs, such as gas cards or volunteer driver programs, would provide valuable assistance.

**Conclusion: Empowering Informed Decisions**

The Breast Cancer Score for Vass, NC, serves as a starting point for understanding the complexities of **healthcare access**. By considering the factors discussed, individuals can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

For those **moving to Vass**, this analysis underscores the importance of evaluating **transportation** options and understanding the resources available. Proactive planning, including identifying potential **transportation** solutions, is crucial for ensuring timely and comprehensive breast cancer care. It also emphasizes the need for continued community efforts to improve **healthcare access** and support the well-being of all residents.