23061, Gloucester, Virginia Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 23061, Gloucester, Virginia is 63 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

38.08 percent of residents in 23061 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 8.85 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Riverside Walter Reed Hospital with a distance of 0.25 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Gloucester, VA (ZIP Code 23061)

The diagnosis of breast cancer can be a life-altering event, demanding immediate access to comprehensive healthcare. For residents of Gloucester, Virginia (ZIP code 23061), this access is significantly shaped by **transportation** options. This write-up provides a "Breast Cancer Score" assessment, considering the realities of navigating the healthcare landscape, specifically focusing on commute times, public transit availability, and alternative **transportation** resources. This information is crucial for anyone considering **moving to Gloucester** or already residing within the area, and seeking clarity on **healthcare access**.

Gloucester County, a picturesque peninsula, presents unique challenges. The county is largely rural, with limited public **transportation** infrastructure. This necessitates a heavy reliance on personal vehicles for accessing specialized medical services, including those crucial for breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. The Breast Cancer Score aims to illuminate these realities, offering a practical guide for patients and their families.

**Drive Times: The Road to Recovery**

The primary medical hub for breast cancer care in the region is Riverside Walter Reed Hospital, located within Gloucester County. However, depending on the specific services required, patients may need to travel to larger medical centers in surrounding areas.

From the heart of Gloucester, a drive to Riverside Walter Reed Hospital is typically a straightforward journey. The most direct route involves navigating Route 17, a major north-south thoroughfare. Expect a drive time of approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Route 17, while generally well-maintained, can experience congestion during peak hours, especially near the Gloucester Courthouse area.

For more specialized services, such as radiation oncology or complex surgical procedures, patients may need to travel to facilities in Newport News or Williamsburg. These trips require significantly more time and planning.

Traveling to Riverside Regional Medical Center in Newport News, a comprehensive cancer center, involves a drive of approximately 45-60 minutes, primarily via Route 17 South and Interstate 64 East. The journey on I-64 can be unpredictable, with potential delays due to accidents or heavy traffic, particularly during rush hour.

Alternatively, the drive to Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center is about 35-45 minutes via Route 17 South. This route is generally less congested than the I-64 corridor, but still susceptible to traffic fluctuations.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public **transportation** options in Gloucester County are limited. The Gloucester County Public **Transportation** system offers a demand-response service, requiring advance booking. This service is available to all residents, but its accessibility for frequent medical appointments can be challenging.

The demand-response service operates within Gloucester County and offers limited service to surrounding areas, including Williamsburg and Newport News. However, booking a ride can be complex, and the service may not be ideal for patients requiring timely and frequent appointments.

Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible vehicles is crucial for patients with mobility limitations. While the Gloucester County Public **Transportation** system strives to provide accessible vehicles, it is essential to confirm availability when booking.

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

Ride-share services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Gloucester County, but their reliability and availability can be inconsistent, especially during off-peak hours or in more remote areas. Patients should consider the potential for delays and plan accordingly.

Medical **transportation** services provide a more specialized option. Companies like CareRide and MedRide offer non-emergency medical **transportation**, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services require advance booking and can be more expensive than ride-share services, but they offer a higher level of reliability and are specifically designed to meet the needs of patients with medical conditions.

**Breast Cancer Score: Assessing Healthcare Access**

The Breast Cancer Score for Gloucester (ZIP code 23061) reflects the realities of **healthcare access** in a rural environment. The score is based on several factors: drive times to key medical facilities, the availability and reliability of public **transportation**, the accessibility of ride-share services, and the availability of medical **transportation** options.

The score is not a single number but a composite assessment. Drive times to Riverside Walter Reed Hospital are relatively short, offering good initial **healthcare access**. However, the longer drive times to specialized centers in Newport News and Williamsburg, coupled with limited public **transportation** options, reduce the overall score.

The reliance on personal vehicles can create significant challenges for patients who are unable to drive or who lack access to a vehicle. The limited availability and reliability of ride-share services further complicate the situation.

The availability of medical **transportation** services provides a crucial safety net, but the cost can be a barrier for some patients. The Breast Cancer Score considers these factors, providing a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing breast cancer patients in Gloucester.

**Recommendations and Considerations**

For residents of Gloucester diagnosed with breast cancer, proactive planning is essential. Establishing a strong support network is crucial, including family, friends, and community organizations.

Patients should familiarize themselves with the available **transportation** options and make arrangements for rides well in advance of appointments. Exploring medical **transportation** services and understanding their costs and availability is also recommended.

For those considering **moving to Gloucester**, the Breast Cancer Score highlights the importance of considering **healthcare access** as a key factor in the decision-making process. Understanding the **transportation** landscape and the available resources is crucial for ensuring timely and convenient access to medical care.

The Breast Cancer Score is not intended to be a definitive judgment but a starting point for understanding the complexities of **healthcare access** in Gloucester County. The score encourages patients and their families to proactively address the challenges and leverage the available resources to navigate the journey through breast cancer treatment and recovery. By understanding the realities of **transportation** and **healthcare access**, residents of Gloucester can better prepare for the challenges and focus on their health and well-being.