28805, Asheville, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 28805, Asheville, North Carolina is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

85.89 percent of residents in 28805 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 7.91 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Asheville-Oteen Va Medical Center with a distance of 0.79 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 28805

Considering a move to Asheville, North Carolina, specifically the 28805 ZIP code? This analysis provides a "Breast Cancer Score," a hypothetical metric designed to assess the ease of accessing breast cancer-related healthcare services. It considers the vital link between **transportation** and **healthcare access**, crucial for individuals facing diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. This score is not a definitive medical assessment, but a practical guide to navigating the local landscape.

The 28805 ZIP code encompasses a significant portion of Asheville, offering a blend of residential areas and access to essential services. Understanding the **transportation** options is paramount, especially for those with mobility limitations or undergoing treatment. The score considers drive times, public transit availability, and alternative modes of transport, reflecting the real-world challenges and opportunities of getting to appointments.

**Drive Time Dynamics:**

The primary arteries for navigating 28805 are Interstate 26 (I-26) and US Highway 25. These highways provide access to major medical facilities, including Mission Hospital, the primary healthcare provider in the area. From central 28805, a drive to Mission Hospital, located near downtown, typically takes 10-20 minutes, depending on traffic. Congestion can be a factor, especially during peak hours on I-26 and at the intersections of US 25 and Merrimon Avenue.

Accessing specialized breast cancer centers, such as those within Mission Hospital or affiliated clinics, is generally straightforward by car. However, consider the impact of potential delays due to traffic, especially for appointments requiring precise timing. The roads themselves, while generally well-maintained, can experience occasional closures due to weather events, particularly during winter months.

**Public Transit Perspectives:**

The Asheville transit system, operated by the City of Asheville, offers a network of bus routes that serve 28805. Several routes, including the 170, 171, and 172, provide service to areas within the ZIP code and connect to downtown and the hospital. However, the frequency of these routes can be limited, particularly during evenings and weekends.

Accessibility is a key consideration. The Asheville transit system is ADA-compliant, with buses equipped with ramps or lifts for passengers with disabilities. However, the reliance on bus schedules and potential waiting times can pose challenges for individuals undergoing treatment, which often involves fatigue and physical limitations. Planning ahead and factoring in travel time is essential.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are readily available in Asheville and offer a convenient alternative to driving or relying solely on public transit. These services can be particularly beneficial for individuals who are unable to drive or who need assistance with mobility.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by local ambulance companies and specialized medical transport providers, offer a more tailored solution for individuals with specific needs. These services typically provide door-to-door transport, including assistance with getting in and out of vehicles and accompanying patients to appointments.

**Breast Cancer Score Components:**

The Breast Cancer Score is not a singular number, but a composite of factors:

* **Drive Time Reliability:** Assesses the consistency of drive times to major medical facilities, considering traffic patterns and road conditions.
* **Public Transit Accessibility:** Evaluates the frequency, route coverage, and ADA compliance of public transit options.
* **Ride-Share Availability:** Considers the availability and cost-effectiveness of ride-sharing services.
* **Medical Transport Options:** Examines the availability and cost of specialized medical transportation services.
* **Proximity to Support Services:** Evaluates the distance to pharmacies, support groups, and other essential services.

Each component is weighted based on its relative importance to individuals undergoing breast cancer treatment. For example, drive time reliability might receive a higher weighting than ride-share availability, particularly for those who prefer to drive themselves.

**Moving to Asheville: A Healthcare Perspective:**

When **moving to Asheville**, and specifically considering 28805, understanding the **healthcare access** landscape is critical. The Breast Cancer Score provides a framework for assessing the ease of navigating the **transportation** options to healthcare facilities.

The proximity to Mission Hospital is a significant advantage. The hospital's comprehensive cancer center offers a range of services, including diagnosis, treatment, and supportive care. However, the reliance on **transportation** to reach these services remains a key consideration.

**Enhancing the Score:**

The Breast Cancer Score can be enhanced by:

* **Expanding Public Transit:** Increasing the frequency and coverage of bus routes, particularly during off-peak hours and weekends.
* **Promoting Ride-Share Partnerships:** Collaborating with ride-sharing services to offer discounted rates for medical appointments.
* **Expanding Medical Transport Services:** Increasing the availability of specialized medical transport options.
* **Improving Road Infrastructure:** Addressing traffic bottlenecks and improving road conditions to enhance drive time reliability.

**Conclusion:**

The Breast Cancer Score for 28805, while not a definitive measure, provides a valuable assessment of **healthcare access** in relation to **transportation**. The score highlights the importance of considering drive times, public transit, ride-sharing options, and medical transport services. For those **moving to Asheville**, understanding these factors is crucial for making informed decisions about where to live and how to access the healthcare they need. The 28805 ZIP code, with its blend of residential areas and access to medical facilities, offers a reasonable level of access, but careful planning and consideration of individual needs are essential.