23606, Newport News, Virginia Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 23606, Newport News, Virginia is 71 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

72.31 percent of residents in 23606 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 3.87 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Riverside Regional Medical Center with a distance of 1.19 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in ZIP Code 23606**

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a diagnosis as life-altering as breast cancer, is a complex one. It involves not only the emotional and physical toll of the disease but also the logistical challenges of accessing treatment. This analysis, focused on ZIP code 23606 in Newport News, Virginia, aims to assess the ease of transportation to breast cancer care facilities, providing a "Breast Cancer Score" to gauge healthcare access. This score considers drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing availability, offering a comprehensive view for residents and those considering moving to Newport News.

ZIP code 23606, encompassing a significant portion of Newport News, presents a unique landscape for healthcare access. The area is characterized by a mix of residential neighborhoods, commercial zones, and access to major roadways. The primary challenge for residents is navigating the city's layout to reach essential medical services. Understanding these transportation factors is crucial for anyone seeking breast cancer care in this area.

**Drive Times: The Asphalt Arteries**

The most common mode of transportation for accessing healthcare is the personal vehicle. The efficiency of this mode depends heavily on traffic conditions and the proximity of healthcare facilities. From various points within 23606, the drive times to major hospitals and cancer centers vary.

Riverside Regional Medical Center, a prominent healthcare provider, is a central destination. Accessing it from 23606 often involves navigating the network of roadways. Traveling from the northern areas of the zip code, residents might utilize Warwick Boulevard, a major thoroughfare that can be congested during peak hours. The drive time could range from 10 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic.

Alternatively, residents might utilize Interstate 64 (I-64), a major east-west artery. While I-64 offers a faster route, it can also experience heavy traffic, particularly during rush hour. The drive time to Riverside Regional Medical Center via I-64 could be as short as 10 minutes from some locations, but it could extend to 25 minutes or more during peak congestion.

The efficiency of driving also depends on the specific destination. For instance, the Virginia Oncology Associates, a leading cancer care provider, has multiple locations. Drive times to these facilities from 23606 would vary depending on the chosen location, with some being more accessible than others. The distance and traffic conditions on roads like Jefferson Avenue and J Clyde Morris Boulevard are key factors.

**Public Transit: Navigating the Route**

Public transportation offers an alternative for those without personal vehicles. Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) provides bus service throughout Newport News. However, the accessibility and convenience of these routes for breast cancer patients require careful consideration.

Several HRT bus routes serve the 23606 area. Route 110, for example, runs along Warwick Boulevard, offering a potential link to Riverside Regional Medical Center. Route 112 provides service along Jefferson Avenue, another important corridor. Route 116 and 117 offer additional coverage.

The frequency of these routes is a crucial factor. Some routes may operate with limited frequency, particularly during evenings and weekends, making it difficult for patients to schedule appointments and return home. The travel time on public transit is often longer than driving, as buses make multiple stops.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a critical consideration. HRT is required to provide accessible buses with ramps or lifts to accommodate passengers with mobility impairments. However, the availability of accessible stops and the ease of transferring between routes can still pose challenges.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation: On-Demand Assistance**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft provide another transportation option. Their availability in 23606 is generally good, offering on-demand transportation to healthcare facilities. The cost of these services can vary depending on demand, distance, and time of day.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients with medical needs, are also available. These services often provide specialized vehicles and trained drivers to assist patients with mobility issues. They can be particularly helpful for patients who require assistance getting in and out of vehicles or who need medical equipment during transport.

**Breast Cancer Score: A Composite Assessment**

To create a "Breast Cancer Score" for 23606, we must consider all these factors. The score would be based on a weighted average of drive times, public transit accessibility, and ride-sharing/medical transportation availability.

* **Drive Times:** Shorter drive times to major cancer care facilities would contribute positively to the score. The impact of traffic congestion would be factored in.
* **Public Transit:** The frequency, route coverage, and ADA accessibility of HRT routes would be considered. Convenient and accessible public transit would enhance the score.
* **Ride-Sharing/Medical Transportation:** The availability and affordability of ride-sharing services and medical transportation options would be assessed. Easy access to these services would improve the score.

The final score would be a numerical representation of the ease of access to breast cancer care. A higher score would indicate better access, while a lower score would indicate greater challenges. This score would serve as a valuable tool for residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

**Moving to Newport News: Considering Healthcare Access**

For individuals considering moving to Newport News, understanding the Breast Cancer Score for 23606 is crucial. It provides insight into the practical challenges of accessing healthcare. Prospective residents should consider the following:

* **Proximity to Healthcare Facilities:** Choose a location within 23606 that offers convenient access to hospitals and cancer centers.
* **Transportation Options:** Assess the availability of public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation in the area.
* **Personal Mobility:** Consider your personal mobility needs and how they might impact your ability to access healthcare.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Journey**

Accessing breast cancer care in 23606 requires a multifaceted approach. The Breast Cancer Score provides a framework for understanding the transportation challenges and opportunities. By carefully considering drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing availability, residents can navigate the journey to healthcare with greater ease and confidence. This information is invaluable for those currently residing in 23606 and for those considering moving to Newport News, ensuring that healthcare access is a key consideration in their decision-making process.