28625, Statesville, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 28625, Statesville, North Carolina is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

71.18 percent of residents in 28625 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 8.51 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Iredell Memorial Hospital Inc with a distance of 2.44 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Statesville, NC (ZIP Code 28625)

The diagnosis of breast cancer is a life-altering event, and the journey to recovery is often fraught with challenges. One of the most significant, yet often overlooked, is the accessibility of healthcare. This is particularly true in rural and suburban areas, where transportation limitations can severely impact timely diagnoses, treatments, and ongoing care. This analysis provides a "Breast Cancer Score" for residents of Statesville, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28625), focusing on transportation options and their impact on healthcare access. Considering a move to Statesville? This information is crucial.

Statesville, nestled in Iredell County, North Carolina, presents a unique landscape for healthcare access. While it offers a blend of suburban and rural environments, its transportation infrastructure directly influences the ease with which residents can access vital breast cancer care. The Breast Cancer Score considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options to paint a comprehensive picture of the challenges and opportunities facing individuals in need of breast cancer treatment.

The cornerstone of transportation in Statesville is the Interstate 77 (I-77), a major north-south artery that connects the town to larger metropolitan areas. This highway offers relatively quick access to healthcare facilities in Charlotte, approximately 45 miles south, and Winston-Salem, about 50 miles east. However, the I-77 can experience significant traffic congestion, particularly during peak commuting hours, which can extend travel times and add to the stress of patients traveling for appointments. US Highway 21, another primary route, runs through Statesville, providing a direct link to local healthcare providers and connecting to other key roadways.

Drive times, therefore, become a critical factor in the Breast Cancer Score. A patient living in the northern part of ZIP Code 28625, for example, might face a 20-30 minute drive to the nearest comprehensive cancer center in Statesville, such as the Iredell Memorial Hospital. However, accessing specialized care in Charlotte could easily take an hour or more, depending on traffic conditions on I-77. This extended travel time can be particularly burdensome for patients undergoing frequent treatments like chemotherapy or radiation, impacting their quality of life and potentially delaying care.

Public transportation options in Statesville, while present, are limited. The Iredell County Area Transit System (ICATS) provides bus services within the county. However, the routes are infrequent, with limited service hours, and may not be directly accessible to all residents. The lack of weekend and evening services further restricts access for patients who may need appointments outside of typical weekday hours. The availability of ADA-accessible buses is crucial, ensuring that individuals with mobility limitations can utilize the public transit system. However, the limited scope of the ICATS system presents a significant challenge to healthcare access, particularly for those without personal vehicles.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Statesville, offering a more flexible transportation alternative. However, the cost of these services can be a barrier for some patients, especially those with limited financial resources. Moreover, the availability of ride-sharing drivers may fluctuate, particularly during off-peak hours or in more remote areas of the ZIP code. This unreliability can create anxiety for patients who rely on these services for critical appointments. The Breast Cancer Score must reflect the potential financial and logistical burdens associated with ride-sharing.

Medical transport services, specifically designed to assist patients with healthcare-related travel, provide another option. These services often offer door-to-door transportation, including assistance with mobility and medical equipment. However, the availability of these services in Statesville and their associated costs need careful consideration. The Breast Cancer Score must evaluate the accessibility and affordability of medical transport options, as they can be crucial for patients who are unable to drive or use other forms of transportation.

The Breast Cancer Score also considers the proximity of healthcare facilities. Statesville boasts Iredell Memorial Hospital, which offers a range of services, including cancer care. However, the availability of specialized breast cancer treatment, such as advanced imaging, surgery, and radiation therapy, may require travel to larger medical centers in Charlotte or Winston-Salem. The Breast Cancer Score must factor in the distance to these specialized facilities and the associated transportation challenges.

Furthermore, the score assesses the availability of support services, such as patient navigators and transportation assistance programs. These resources can help patients navigate the complexities of healthcare access, including coordinating transportation, scheduling appointments, and providing emotional support. The presence and accessibility of these support services significantly impact the overall Breast Cancer Score.

The Breast Cancer Score for ZIP Code 28625 is not a single number but a composite assessment. It considers the following: average drive times to healthcare facilities; the frequency and accessibility of public transit; the availability and affordability of ride-sharing services; the presence of medical transport options; the availability of specialized breast cancer care; and the availability of support services. The score will reflect the challenges and opportunities associated with transportation and healthcare access in Statesville.

In conclusion, navigating healthcare access in Statesville, NC (ZIP Code 28625), presents a complex picture. While the presence of I-77 and US-21 offers connectivity, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limitations of public transit and ride-sharing create challenges for patients seeking breast cancer care. The Breast Cancer Score, therefore, underscores the importance of considering transportation infrastructure and support services when evaluating healthcare access. This information is vital for residents, those considering moving to Statesville, and healthcare providers seeking to improve patient outcomes. Addressing these transportation challenges is crucial to ensuring that all residents of Statesville have equitable access to the vital care they need.