23451, Virginia Beach, Virginia Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 23451, Virginia Beach, Virginia is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

68.22 percent of residents in 23451 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.18 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital with a distance of 1.37 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 23451

Considering a move to Virginia Beach, specifically ZIP code 23451? This assessment focuses on healthcare access for breast cancer screening and treatment, providing a "Breast Cancer Score" based on transportation options. This score reflects the ease of reaching essential medical facilities, crucial for timely diagnoses and ongoing care. The goal is to illuminate the realities of healthcare access in this specific area, empowering informed decisions for prospective residents.

The Breast Cancer Score considers several factors: drive times to hospitals and specialized clinics, availability and accessibility of public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation options. Each aspect contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and advantages of navigating the healthcare landscape. This analysis is particularly relevant for individuals with existing health concerns or those prioritizing convenient access to medical care.

**Drive Time Dynamics:**

The primary arteries of 23451, including **Interstate 64 (I-64)**, **Virginia Beach Boulevard**, and **Independence Boulevard**, significantly influence healthcare access. Driving times fluctuate depending on traffic, time of day, and the specific destination.

Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital, a major healthcare provider, is generally accessible within a 15-20 minute drive from most parts of 23451, particularly areas near **Virginia Beach Boulevard** and **Independence Boulevard**. This timeframe assumes moderate traffic conditions. The hospital offers comprehensive breast cancer services, including screening, diagnosis, surgery, and chemotherapy.

Accessing the Virginia Oncology Associates, a prominent cancer treatment center, may require a similar drive time, depending on its location. This drive may involve navigating **I-64** or using surface streets. Traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, can significantly extend these travel times.

Smaller clinics and imaging centers specializing in breast health may be closer, potentially reducing drive times to under 10 minutes. However, their availability and the scope of services they offer may vary. Residents should research specific clinic locations and the services they provide.

**Public Transit Pathways:**

Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) provides public transportation within Virginia Beach. Several bus routes serve 23451, offering an alternative to driving. However, public transit's effectiveness in healthcare access depends on route frequency, travel time, and accessibility features.

Routes like the **001, 002, and 020** travel along major thoroughfares, potentially connecting residents to hospitals and medical centers. However, bus routes may not directly serve all healthcare facilities, necessitating transfers or longer walking distances.

HRT strives to provide ADA-accessible buses, ensuring individuals with disabilities can utilize the system. However, the availability of accessible stops and the overall convenience of public transit for individuals undergoing treatment or experiencing mobility challenges should be carefully considered.

Travel times via public transit are generally longer than driving, potentially adding significant time to appointments. The frequency of buses, particularly during evenings and weekends, also impacts accessibility. Careful planning and consideration of appointment schedules are crucial when relying on public transit.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Virginia Beach, offering a convenient alternative to driving or public transit. They provide door-to-door transportation, potentially reducing travel time and stress.

However, ride-sharing costs can accumulate, particularly for frequent appointments. Individuals should factor in these expenses when considering this option. Furthermore, availability may fluctuate, especially during peak hours or in areas with lower demand.

Medical transportation services, such as those provided by companies like CareRide or Med-Ride, specialize in transporting patients to medical appointments. These services often offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained staff.

Medical transportation services are particularly beneficial for individuals with mobility limitations or those unable to drive. However, these services typically require advance booking and may have associated costs.

**Breast Cancer Score Calculation:**

The Breast Cancer Score for 23451 is a composite measure reflecting the accessibility of healthcare facilities. It considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transportation services.

The score is not a single number but a nuanced assessment. It acknowledges the variability of transportation options and their impact on healthcare access.

Factors influencing the score include:

* **Drive Time:** Shorter drive times to major hospitals and clinics contribute to a higher score.
* **Public Transit:** The availability, frequency, and accessibility of bus routes to healthcare facilities impact the score.
* **Ride-Sharing:** The availability and affordability of ride-sharing services contribute positively.
* **Medical Transportation:** The availability and affordability of medical transportation services also influence the score.

The Breast Cancer Score aims to offer a practical overview of healthcare access, enabling informed decisions for those considering a move to 23451.

**Moving to Virginia Beach: A Healthcare Perspective:**

Moving to Virginia Beach involves various considerations, and healthcare access is paramount. The Breast Cancer Score provides a framework for evaluating the transportation landscape.

The score highlights the importance of proximity to healthcare facilities and the availability of diverse transportation options. It emphasizes the need to consider individual needs and circumstances when assessing healthcare access.

Individuals with existing health conditions or those prioritizing convenient healthcare access should carefully evaluate the transportation options available in 23451. Researching specific clinic locations, understanding public transit routes, and considering ride-sharing or medical transportation services are crucial steps.

The Breast Cancer Score is a tool for understanding the healthcare landscape in 23451. It empowers prospective residents to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs and the suitability of this ZIP code for their well-being.

**Conclusion:**

The Breast Cancer Score for 23451 reflects a balance between the convenience of driving, the limitations of public transit, and the availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation. The drive times to major hospitals and clinics are generally reasonable, but traffic congestion can impact travel times. Public transit offers an alternative, but its effectiveness depends on route availability and accessibility. Ride-sharing and medical transportation services provide additional options, though they come with associated costs.

The overall Breast Cancer Score for 23451 is favorable, but it is not a static metric. Healthcare access is dynamic and requires ongoing evaluation. Prospective residents should conduct thorough research, considering their specific needs and circumstances. This analysis provides a starting point for navigating the healthcare landscape and making informed decisions about moving to Virginia Beach.