29567, Little Rock, South Carolina Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 29567, Little Rock, South Carolina is 34 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

72.25 percent of residents in 29567 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.92 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Mcleod Medical Center - Dillon with a distance of 8.02 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in ZIP Code 29567**

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a diagnosis as life-altering as breast cancer, demands more than just medical expertise. It necessitates reliable transportation, a crucial element in ensuring timely appointments, treatments, and follow-up care. This report assesses the transportation landscape in ZIP Code 29567, focusing on access to breast cancer-related healthcare, providing a "Breast Cancer Score" based on the available options. For those considering moving to Little Rock, this information is particularly relevant.

ZIP Code 29567, a predominantly rural area, presents unique challenges to healthcare access. The vast distances and limited public transportation options significantly impact the Breast Cancer Score. The score considers drive times to major healthcare facilities, availability of public transit, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transport. Each category receives a sub-score, which are then combined to generate the overall score.

**Drive Time Analysis: The Road to Recovery**

The primary determinant of the Breast Cancer Score is drive time to comprehensive breast cancer care centers. The closest major facility is the McLeod Health Loris Hospital, located approximately 15 miles away. The drive typically takes 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Accessing this facility involves navigating primarily along Highway 701 and occasionally utilizing Highway 9.

However, the journey to more specialized facilities, such as the Grand Strand Medical Center in Myrtle Beach, significantly increases travel time. This drive spans approximately 35 miles, taking 45-60 minutes, primarily via Highway 701 to Highway 22, and then to Highway 17. This extended travel time can be particularly burdensome for patients undergoing frequent treatments, potentially impacting their overall well-being and adherence to their treatment plans.

The availability of parking, a crucial consideration for patients, is generally adequate at these facilities. However, the cost of parking and the physical demands of navigating large parking lots can pose additional challenges for patients undergoing treatment. The drive-time sub-score reflects these considerations, weighing the distance, traffic patterns, and accessibility of parking.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in ZIP Code 29567 are severely limited. The absence of a robust public transit system significantly diminishes the Breast Cancer Score. The primary form of public transportation is the Waccamaw Regional Transit Authority (WRTA), which operates limited routes within the region. However, WRTA services are not readily available in ZIP Code 29567.

The WRTA does not provide direct routes to major healthcare facilities in the area. This lack of public transportation severely limits healthcare access for individuals without personal vehicles or those unable to drive. The absence of ADA-compliant buses and other features further exacerbates the challenges for patients with mobility limitations. The public transit sub-score reflects the limited availability and accessibility of public transportation options.

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

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area, offering an alternative transportation option. However, their availability and cost can vary, particularly during peak hours or in remote areas. The reliability of these services for scheduled medical appointments is also a concern. The cost of frequent rides can be a significant financial burden for patients.

Specialized medical transportation services, such as those offered by companies like CareRide, provide non-emergency medical transport. These services are designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offering a more reliable and accessible option than ride-sharing. However, these services often come at a higher cost. The availability of these services in ZIP Code 29567 and their associated costs are factors in the ride-sharing and medical transportation sub-score.

**The Breast Cancer Score: A Holistic Assessment**

The Breast Cancer Score for ZIP Code 29567 is a composite score, reflecting the drive-time analysis, public transit limitations, and the availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation. The score is calculated by weighting each sub-score based on its relative importance in determining healthcare access.

The score considers the distance to major healthcare facilities, the availability and reliability of public transit, the accessibility and affordability of ride-sharing services, and the availability of specialized medical transportation. The final score provides a comprehensive assessment of the transportation challenges faced by breast cancer patients in ZIP Code 29567.

**The Impact of Limited Transportation**

The limited transportation options in ZIP Code 29567 can significantly impact the quality of life for breast cancer patients. The extended travel times to healthcare facilities can lead to increased stress, fatigue, and financial strain. The lack of reliable transportation can also make it difficult for patients to attend appointments, adhere to treatment plans, and access support services.

This situation underscores the critical need for improved transportation options in the area. This could include expanded public transit routes, increased availability of ride-sharing services, and greater access to affordable medical transportation. These improvements would significantly enhance healthcare access for breast cancer patients and improve their overall well-being.

**Recommendations for Improvement**

Addressing the transportation challenges in ZIP Code 29567 requires a multi-faceted approach. Investing in public transit infrastructure and expanding WRTA routes to include direct access to healthcare facilities is essential. Partnering with ride-sharing companies to offer subsidized transportation for patients would also improve access.

Furthermore, increasing awareness of and access to specialized medical transportation services is crucial. Community outreach programs can educate patients about available transportation options and provide assistance with scheduling and financial assistance. Collaborating with local healthcare providers to offer transportation assistance programs would further alleviate the burden on patients.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Journey**

The Breast Cancer Score for ZIP Code 29567 highlights the significant transportation challenges faced by breast cancer patients. The limited public transit, long drive times, and reliance on potentially unreliable ride-sharing services create barriers to healthcare access.

Improving transportation options is vital to ensuring that all patients have the opportunity to receive timely and effective care. Addressing these challenges will require a collaborative effort involving local government, healthcare providers, transportation providers, and community organizations. By working together, we can improve healthcare access and support breast cancer patients on their journey to recovery. For those moving to Little Rock, understanding the transportation landscape is crucial for navigating healthcare access.