23457, Virginia Beach, Virginia Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 23457, Virginia Beach, Virginia is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

44.88 percent of residents in 23457 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.29 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Chesapeake General Hospital with a distance of 14.22 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in ZIP Code 23457

The journey to healthcare, especially for a diagnosis as life-altering as breast cancer, is a complex one. It involves not just the medical expertise of oncologists and surgeons, but also the practicalities of accessing that care. This write-up focuses on the transportation landscape in ZIP Code 23457, a Virginia Beach locale, assessing its impact on **healthcare access** for individuals facing a breast cancer diagnosis. Understanding the options available – from personal vehicles to public transit and ride-sharing services – is crucial for anyone considering **moving to Virginia Beach** or currently residing within this area. We'll explore the realities of navigating the roadways, the availability of public transportation, and the potential for specialized medical transport, all contributing to a "Breast Cancer Score" reflecting the ease or difficulty of accessing vital treatment.

The core of effective cancer care lies in timely access. Delays in diagnosis or treatment can significantly impact prognosis. Therefore, the accessibility of **transportation** options becomes a critical factor. For residents of 23457, this means understanding the commute times to various healthcare facilities, the efficiency of public transit, and the availability of alternative transportation services.

The primary arteries of 23457, including **Interstate 64 (I-64)**, **Virginia Beach Boulevard (Route 58)**, and **Independence Boulevard**, shape the daily commute. Depending on the specific location within the ZIP code, travel times to major medical centers like Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital, CHKD Health Center, or the Virginia Oncology Associates can vary significantly, especially during peak hours. Congestion on I-64 is notorious, and delays can easily extend drive times, potentially impacting appointment schedules and adding to the stress of treatment.

For those relying on personal vehicles, the drive to Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital, located near the intersection of **Independence Boulevard** and **First Colonial Road**, could range from 10 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic flow. Similarly, accessing the Virginia Oncology Associates facilities, often located near major roadways, would involve similar travel times. The efficiency of these routes directly impacts the patient's ability to attend appointments, receive chemotherapy, or undergo radiation therapy.

Public transportation, offered by Hampton Roads Transit (HRT), provides an alternative, but its effectiveness varies. Several bus routes serve the 23457 area, including routes that connect to major medical facilities. However, the frequency of these routes, particularly during evenings and weekends, may not align with treatment schedules. Moreover, the travel time via bus is often considerably longer than driving, potentially adding to the physical and emotional strain on patients.

HRT's bus fleet includes vehicles equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility features, such as ramps and designated seating, which are essential for patients with mobility limitations. However, the availability of these features does not negate the potential challenges of navigating public transit with compromised health. Transferring between routes, waiting in inclement weather, and the overall duration of the journey can be significant hurdles.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer another layer of **transportation** options. These services provide on-demand access to medical appointments, offering a degree of flexibility not always available with public transit. However, the cost of these services can be a significant barrier for some patients, particularly those with limited financial resources. Furthermore, the reliability of ride-sharing, especially during peak hours or in areas with limited driver availability, is not always guaranteed.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for patients with medical needs, provide a specialized solution. Companies like Care Ride or MedRide offer non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained drivers. These services can be invaluable for patients who are unable to drive or utilize public transit due to physical limitations or treatment side effects. However, the availability and cost of these services vary, and they may require advance booking.

The "Breast Cancer Score" for 23457, therefore, is a composite of these factors. It considers the drive times to major healthcare facilities, the efficiency and accessibility of public transit, the availability and affordability of ride-sharing services, and the presence of medical transport options. A higher score would indicate greater **healthcare access**, reflecting shorter drive times, reliable public transit, affordable ride-sharing, and readily available medical transport. A lower score would highlight potential challenges, such as long drive times, infrequent public transit, high ride-sharing costs, and limited medical transport options.

For someone considering **moving to Virginia Beach** and residing in 23457, the "Breast Cancer Score" should be a crucial consideration. It is essential to research the proximity of healthcare facilities, the availability of **transportation** options, and the potential costs associated with accessing care. This information empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare journey.

Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that all residents of 23457, regardless of their financial circumstances or physical limitations, have equitable access to the life-saving care they need. This requires a multi-faceted approach, including improving public transit, promoting affordable ride-sharing options, and ensuring the availability of specialized medical transport services. Only then can we truly create a community where **healthcare access** is not a barrier, but a readily available resource for all.