28511, Atlantic, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 28511, Atlantic, North Carolina is 9 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

53.24 percent of residents in 28511 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 34.58 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Carteret General Hospital with a distance of 25.59 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 28511**

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a diagnosis as life-altering as breast cancer, necessitates more than just medical expertise. It demands accessible and reliable transportation, a factor that significantly impacts the patient experience and, ultimately, their health outcomes. In the context of ZIP code 28511, which encompasses the coastal community of Atlantic, North Carolina, we delve into the complexities of healthcare access, focusing on the critical element of transportation. This write-up provides a comprehensive "Breast Cancer Score" assessment, examining the available transportation options and their suitability for individuals facing the challenges of breast cancer treatment.

The assessment considers drive times to key healthcare facilities, the availability of public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options. The goal is to paint a realistic picture of healthcare access for residents of 28511, especially those considering or undergoing breast cancer treatment. This analysis is particularly relevant for those moving to Atlantic, as it highlights the logistical considerations that must be factored into their healthcare planning.

**Drive Times: The Road to Treatment**

For residents of 28511, the primary destinations for breast cancer care are likely to be located in larger towns and cities, necessitating travel by car. The closest major medical center is Carteret Health Care in Morehead City, approximately 30 miles away. A drive to this facility usually takes around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic and the specific location within 28511. The primary route involves taking NC-70 East, a major thoroughfare connecting Atlantic to the larger coastal communities.

Further afield, the Vidant Health System in Greenville, North Carolina, offers comprehensive cancer care, including specialized breast cancer treatment. The drive to Greenville is significantly longer, spanning roughly 90 miles and requiring approximately two hours of travel time. This route typically involves taking NC-70 East to US-17 North, a major highway that provides access to Greenville.

The drive times are crucial considerations, especially for patients undergoing chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or frequent follow-up appointments. Long commutes can exacerbate fatigue, nausea, and other side effects of treatment, impacting the patient’s quality of life. Furthermore, the financial burden of fuel costs and vehicle maintenance adds to the already significant financial strain associated with cancer treatment.

**Public Transit: A Limited Solution**

Public transportation options in 28511 are severely limited, posing a significant barrier to healthcare access. Carteret County operates a public transit system, but its routes and schedules are infrequent and may not adequately serve the needs of cancer patients. The system primarily caters to essential trips and may not offer convenient access to medical appointments.

The availability of ADA-accessible buses is a critical factor for patients with mobility limitations. While the county transit system is mandated to provide ADA-compliant services, the limited frequency of service and the potential for long wait times can still create challenges. Patients requiring assistance with boarding or disembarking the bus may face additional difficulties.

The lack of robust public transit highlights the need for alternative transportation solutions, especially for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle. This underscores the importance of exploring ride-sharing and medical transport options.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a potential solution for individuals seeking transportation to medical appointments. However, the availability of these services in 28511 is variable and may be limited, particularly during off-peak hours or in rural areas. Patients must rely on the availability of drivers and be prepared for potential delays or cancellations.

Medical transport services, specifically designed to provide transportation for medical appointments, offer a more specialized solution. These services often provide door-to-door transportation, assistance with mobility, and trained personnel to assist patients. Several medical transport providers operate in the region, including but not limited to, Care-A-Van and Firstat Medical Transport. However, these services may require advance booking and can be costly, adding to the financial burden of cancer treatment.

The reliance on ride-sharing and medical transport highlights the vulnerability of patients who lack reliable transportation. These services can be expensive and may not always be readily available, creating potential barriers to accessing timely and necessary medical care.

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

Based on the assessment of transportation options in 28511, the "Breast Cancer Score" reflects the challenges and limitations faced by individuals seeking breast cancer care. The score considers drive times, the availability of public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options.

The score is influenced by the following factors:

* **Drive Time:** The relatively long drive times to major medical centers, especially those offering specialized breast cancer treatment, negatively impact the score.
* **Public Transit:** The limited availability and infrequent schedules of public transit significantly reduce the score.
* **Ride-Sharing:** The variable availability and potential cost of ride-sharing services moderately affect the score.
* **Medical Transport:** The availability of medical transport services provides a positive influence, but the cost and need for advance booking limit its impact on the score.

The overall "Breast Cancer Score" for 28511 is moderate. While some transportation options exist, the limitations in public transit, the potential for long drive times, and the cost of ride-sharing and medical transport create significant challenges for individuals undergoing breast cancer treatment.

**Implications for Moving to Atlantic**

For individuals considering moving to Atlantic, the "Breast Cancer Score" provides crucial information for healthcare planning. Prospective residents with a history of breast cancer or a family history of the disease should carefully evaluate the transportation options and the potential impact on their access to care.

Before moving, individuals should:

* Research the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services in the area.
* Consider the financial implications of transportation costs, including fuel, vehicle maintenance, and the cost of ride-sharing or medical transport.
* Explore the possibility of relocating closer to a major medical center or a community with better public transit options.
* Contact local healthcare providers to understand their transportation assistance programs.

By carefully considering these factors, individuals can make informed decisions about their healthcare access and ensure that they receive the timely and comprehensive care they need.

**Conclusion**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for 28511 underscores the importance of accessible and reliable transportation for individuals facing breast cancer treatment. While some options exist, the limitations in public transit, the potential for long drive times, and the cost of ride-sharing and medical transport create significant challenges. For those moving to Atlantic, careful planning and consideration of transportation options are essential to ensure timely access to healthcare and support a positive treatment experience. The journey to healthcare is a complex one, and in 28511, it requires a proactive approach to ensure that transportation does not become a barrier to life-saving care.