23420, Painter, Virginia Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 23420, Painter, Virginia is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

57.60 percent of residents in 23420 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 27.44 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital with a distance of 8.99 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 23420**

The sun dips low over the Eastern Shore, painting the sky in hues of rose and gold. In ZIP code 23420, encompassing the charming community of Painter, Virginia, the pursuit of healthcare, particularly for a diagnosis as life-altering as breast cancer, requires navigating the complexities of transportation. This analysis unveils the Breast Cancer Score, a composite measure of healthcare access, considering the vital element of commute times and available transportation options.

The score reflects the ease with which residents can reach essential medical facilities, including those specializing in breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and support. It considers factors such as drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transport, all critical components of a patient's journey. The goal is to provide a clear picture of the challenges and opportunities for individuals facing a breast cancer diagnosis in this rural area.

Painter, Virginia, is a community deeply rooted in its agricultural heritage. This rural setting, while offering a tranquil lifestyle, presents unique challenges when it comes to accessing healthcare. The availability of specialized medical services, particularly those related to cancer care, is often limited within the immediate vicinity. This necessitates travel to larger towns and cities, making transportation a crucial factor in determining the Breast Cancer Score.

**Drive Times and Roadways**

The primary arteries connecting Painter to regional healthcare centers are US-13, a major north-south thoroughfare, and VA-178, which provides access to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. The drive to Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital in Onancock, the closest hospital, is approximately 15 minutes, a relatively manageable commute. However, for specialized cancer care, patients often need to travel further afield.

The drive to Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury, Maryland, a regional cancer center, typically takes about an hour via US-13. This commute can be significantly impacted by traffic, especially during peak hours or on weekends. The journey to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital in Norfolk, Virginia, a major tertiary care center with comprehensive cancer services, is a longer haul, taking around two hours via US-13 and I-64.

These drive times represent the baseline for assessing healthcare access. The Breast Cancer Score considers the potential for delays due to traffic, weather conditions, and the individual patient's physical limitations. The score also considers the financial burden associated with these commutes, including fuel costs and vehicle maintenance, which can add to the stress of a cancer diagnosis.

**Public Transit**

Public transportation options in the area are limited. The Eastern Shore Area Agency on Aging (ESAAA) offers a demand-response transportation service, providing rides to medical appointments for seniors and individuals with disabilities. This service, while valuable, requires advance booking and may not always be readily available for urgent needs.

There are no fixed-route bus services directly connecting Painter to major healthcare facilities. This lack of public transit significantly impacts the Breast Cancer Score, particularly for individuals who do not own a vehicle or are unable to drive. The absence of reliable public transportation creates a barrier to healthcare access, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment.

The ESAAA service, while commendable, often faces challenges in meeting the diverse transportation needs of the community. The limited availability of this service, coupled with the lack of other public transit options, underscores the need for innovative solutions to improve healthcare access in this rural area.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the region, but their availability and reliability can vary depending on the time of day and the demand. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, especially for frequent trips to medical appointments.

Specialized medical transportation services, such as MedTrans, offer non-emergency medical transportation for patients who require assistance with mobility or other needs. These services can be costly, but they provide a valuable option for individuals who cannot drive or do not have access to other forms of transportation.

The Breast Cancer Score considers the availability, cost, and reliability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services. The score also assesses the potential for financial assistance programs that can help patients cover the cost of transportation to medical appointments.

**Moving to Painter: Healthcare Considerations**

For individuals considering a move to Painter, Virginia, the availability of healthcare access is a crucial factor. The Breast Cancer Score provides a valuable tool for assessing the challenges and opportunities associated with accessing healthcare in this rural area.

Potential residents should consider the drive times to regional medical centers, the availability of public transit, and the cost of ride-sharing and medical transportation services. They should also research the availability of support services for cancer patients, such as support groups, counseling, and financial assistance programs.

The Breast Cancer Score serves as a reminder that healthcare access is not just about the availability of medical facilities; it is also about the ability of individuals to reach those facilities. By considering the transportation challenges and opportunities in Painter, Virginia, prospective residents can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

**Conclusion**

The Breast Cancer Score for ZIP code 23420 reflects a complex interplay of factors. While the proximity to Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital offers some convenience, the need to travel to regional cancer centers necessitates careful consideration of transportation options. The limited availability of public transit and the potential cost of ride-sharing and medical transportation services pose significant challenges for individuals facing a breast cancer diagnosis.

Improving the Breast Cancer Score requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes exploring options for expanding public transit services, promoting ride-sharing programs, and increasing access to medical transportation assistance. It also involves advocating for policies that support cancer patients and their families, such as financial assistance programs and expanded access to telehealth services.

By addressing these challenges and opportunities, the community of Painter, Virginia, can strive to create a healthcare environment that supports the needs of all its residents, particularly those facing the difficult journey of breast cancer. The Breast Cancer Score serves as a catalyst for positive change, driving efforts to improve healthcare access and ensure that all individuals have the opportunity to receive the care they need.