22066, Great Falls, Virginia Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 22066, Great Falls, Virginia is 75 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

36.09 percent of residents in 22066 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 6.03 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Reston Hospital Center with a distance of 4.15 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 22066

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a diagnosis as life-altering as breast cancer, is a complex one. It's not merely about the medical expertise available, but also about the ease with which one can access it. This analysis, a "Breast Cancer Score" for ZIP Code 22066 (Great Falls, Virginia), delves into the critical component of **transportation**, examining the practicalities of reaching vital services. This information is crucial for residents, potential **moving to Great Falls** individuals, and anyone seeking to understand the realities of **healthcare access** within this community.

The foundation of this score rests on the proximity and accessibility of breast cancer-related healthcare facilities. These include diagnostic centers (mammography, ultrasound, biopsies), surgical centers, radiation oncology departments, and medical oncology practices. The analysis considers drive times, public transportation options, and alternative transportation methods.

The primary arteries for vehicular **transportation** in 22066 are the scenic but often congested Georgetown Pike (Route 193), the bustling Old Dominion Drive, and the major thoroughfare of the Dulles Toll Road (Route 267). Drive times to key healthcare providers vary considerably depending on the time of day and traffic conditions. During peak hours, a trip to a major hospital like Inova Fairfax Hospital, located near the intersection of I-495 (the Capital Beltway) and Gallows Road, could take anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes. The journey involves navigating the often-clogged Georgetown Pike or Old Dominion Drive, and then merging onto the Beltway, a notorious bottleneck.

Alternatively, facilities closer to the Dulles Toll Road, such as those in Tysons Corner or Reston, might offer slightly shorter drive times, potentially 15-30 minutes. However, the toll charges on Route 267 must be factored into the overall cost of **transportation**. For those residing in the more remote sections of Great Falls, the drive times could be even longer, further exacerbating the stress of a potential diagnosis and treatment.

Public **transportation** options in 22066 are limited. The Fairfax Connector bus service provides some routes, but their coverage within Great Falls is sparse. The primary bus route that could be relevant is Route 151, which travels along Georgetown Pike. However, the frequency of service, especially during evenings and weekends, is limited. The bus routes are not necessarily optimized for direct access to cancer care facilities.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance is a crucial consideration for public **transportation**. Fairfax Connector buses are equipped with ramps and other accessibility features. However, the practicality of relying on public **transportation** for frequent medical appointments, especially post-surgery or during chemotherapy, presents significant challenges. The time spent waiting for buses, potential transfers, and the overall travel time can be incredibly taxing for individuals undergoing treatment.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a more flexible **transportation** alternative. The availability of these services in 22066 is generally good, and they provide door-to-door service. However, the cost of frequent rides can quickly accumulate, becoming a financial burden. Furthermore, the reliability of ride-sharing, especially during inclement weather or at peak demand times, is not always guaranteed.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed for patients with mobility limitations or those requiring specialized assistance, are available. Companies like CareRide and MedRide offer non-emergency medical **transportation**. These services typically provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained drivers. While these options offer a more tailored solution, they are often more expensive than ride-sharing services, and advance booking is usually required.

The "Breast Cancer Score" for 22066 reflects the multifaceted nature of **healthcare access**. While the area boasts access to excellent medical facilities, the **transportation** challenges significantly impact the overall score. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limitations of public **transportation**, and the costs associated with ride-sharing and medical **transportation** services create barriers for some residents.

For someone considering **moving to Great Falls**, understanding these **transportation** realities is paramount. It's not enough to know about the quality of healthcare; one must also consider the ease with which that healthcare can be accessed.

The "Breast Cancer Score" is not a static number but a dynamic reflection of the interplay between healthcare resources and the practicalities of reaching them. It underscores the importance of considering **transportation** as a critical factor in **healthcare access**, particularly for those facing the challenges of breast cancer. This analysis highlights the need for continued efforts to improve **transportation** options and ensure that all residents of 22066 have equitable access to the care they need.