23358, Hacksneck, Virginia Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 23358, Hacksneck, Virginia is 8 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

100.00 percent of residents in 23358 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 25.72 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital with a distance of 9.67 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Hacksneck (ZIP Code 23358)

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a diagnosis as life-altering as breast cancer, demands more than just medical expertise. It requires accessible, reliable, and efficient **transportation**. This write-up analyzes the **healthcare access** landscape in ZIP code 23358, Hacksneck, Virginia, providing a "Breast Cancer Score" assessment, considering the challenges and opportunities for those seeking treatment. We'll explore the realities of **moving to Hacksneck** and the implications for individuals facing this critical health concern.

Hacksneck, a serene community nestled in the Eastern Shore of Virginia, presents a unique set of circumstances when it comes to healthcare access. The rural setting, while offering tranquility, often translates to longer travel times and limited options for **transportation**. This analysis focuses on the practicalities of navigating the healthcare system, specifically for breast cancer patients, highlighting the available resources and potential hurdles.

The "Breast Cancer Score" is not a numerical value but a comprehensive assessment of the factors influencing access to timely and quality breast cancer care. It considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services. The goal is to provide a realistic picture of the challenges and opportunities for residents of 23358, empowering them to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

**Driving Directions: The Backbone of Access**

For most residents of Hacksneck, personal vehicles form the primary mode of **transportation**. The nearest comprehensive cancer care centers are located in larger towns like Salisbury, Maryland, or Norfolk, Virginia. The drive times to these facilities are significant and critically impact the "Breast Cancer Score."

To reach Salisbury, Maryland, the most direct route involves traversing Route 13, a major north-south thoroughfare. The drive, depending on traffic, can take approximately one hour. This journey presents a significant time commitment, especially for frequent appointments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Imagine the fatigue of battling cancer, then adding a two-hour round trip.

Alternatively, patients might consider driving south to Norfolk, Virginia, a trip that typically takes around two hours, depending on traffic conditions and the specific destination within the city. This route involves traveling on Route 13, then transitioning onto I-64. The longer distance amplifies the challenges of frequent appointments, potentially impacting treatment adherence and overall well-being.

These drive times highlight a critical aspect of the "Breast Cancer Score" for 23358: the reliance on personal vehicles and the associated time commitment. Factors like traffic, weather conditions, and vehicle maintenance further complicate the equation, potentially delaying or disrupting crucial medical appointments.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public **transportation** options in Hacksneck are extremely limited, significantly impacting the "Breast Cancer Score." The Eastern Shore Area Agency on Aging (ESAAA) offers some demand-response **transportation** services for seniors and individuals with disabilities. However, these services often require advance booking and may not be readily available for urgent appointments.

There is no fixed-route bus service within the immediate vicinity of Hacksneck. This lack of public transit drastically reduces the options for individuals without personal vehicles or those unable to drive due to their condition or treatment side effects. The absence of accessible public **transportation** severely limits **healthcare access** for a vulnerable population.

For individuals with disabilities, the lack of ADA-compliant buses or accessible stops further exacerbates the challenges. The "Breast Cancer Score" reflects this significant barrier to care, underscoring the need for alternative **transportation** solutions.

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

Ride-sharing services, like Uber and Lyft, are available in some areas of the Eastern Shore, but their presence in Hacksneck is sporadic. Availability can be inconsistent, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Relying on ride-sharing for frequent medical appointments is therefore unreliable.

Medical **transportation** services, specializing in transporting patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more reliable alternative. Companies like CareRide or MedRide may operate in the region, providing wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. However, these services often come with a higher cost, which can be a significant financial burden for patients.

The availability and affordability of ride-sharing and medical **transportation** services contribute to the "Breast Cancer Score." While they offer potential solutions, their limitations in terms of availability, cost, and geographic coverage must be carefully considered.

**The "Breast Cancer Score" Summary**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Hacksneck, ZIP code 23358, reflects a challenging landscape for breast cancer patients. The reliance on personal vehicles for long drives to treatment centers, the limited public transit options, and the uncertainties surrounding ride-sharing and medical **transportation** services all contribute to a lower score.

The primary challenge is the significant travel time required for treatment. This can lead to increased fatigue, reduced treatment adherence, and potential financial strain. The lack of readily available, affordable, and accessible **transportation** options creates a significant barrier to **healthcare access** for many residents.

**Recommendations for Improving Access**

Improving the "Breast Cancer Score" for 23358 requires a multi-faceted approach. Increased public **transportation** options, including accessible buses and demand-response services, are crucial. Partnerships with ride-sharing companies to ensure reliable and affordable **transportation** for medical appointments are essential.

Subsidized medical **transportation** programs for low-income patients would significantly improve **healthcare access**. Community outreach programs to educate residents about available resources and financial assistance options are also vital.

For those **moving to Hacksneck**, understanding these **transportation** challenges is critical. Prospective residents should carefully consider their access to healthcare, especially if they have pre-existing health conditions. Researching local resources, including medical **transportation** providers and financial assistance programs, is essential.

The "Breast Cancer Score" serves as a reminder of the importance of accessible healthcare. By addressing the **transportation** challenges, the community can improve the lives of breast cancer patients and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to receive timely and quality care.