23693, Yorktown, Virginia Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 23693, Yorktown, Virginia is 80 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

72.82 percent of residents in 23693 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 4.19 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Riverside Regional Medical Center with a distance of 3.77 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Yorktown, VA (ZIP Code 23693)

Considering a move to the charming coastal town of Yorktown, Virginia (ZIP code 23693)? Beyond the historical allure and picturesque waterfront, it’s vital to understand the practicalities of daily life, especially when it comes to healthcare access. This analysis provides a "Breast Cancer Score," not a numerical value, but a comprehensive overview of transportation options for accessing breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment facilities. This is crucial for anyone, but particularly for individuals with a family history or who are at higher risk, emphasizing the importance of timely and convenient healthcare access.

Yorktown, a relatively small community, benefits from its proximity to larger urban centers, but this also means understanding the intricacies of transportation is key. The ability to readily access specialized medical care, particularly for a disease like breast cancer, can significantly impact outcomes and quality of life. This report focuses on transportation, a critical element of healthcare access.

**Driving to Care: The Asphalt Arteries**

The primary mode of transportation in Yorktown, and the surrounding areas, is the personal vehicle. This means understanding drive times to relevant healthcare facilities is paramount. From the heart of Yorktown, accessing specialized breast cancer care often involves navigating a network of highways and local roads.

For initial screenings, the closest options include Riverside Doctors' Hospital Williamsburg, a relatively short drive via the scenic Colonial Parkway, a route that offers a pleasant, albeit slower, alternative to the more direct routes. However, the Colonial Parkway is closed to commercial traffic, so it would be restricted to personal vehicles. Alternatively, a quicker route to Williamsburg involves taking US-17 North, a major thoroughfare, and then connecting to the Colonial Parkway or other roads leading to the hospital. Drive times to Williamsburg are typically under 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

For more advanced care, including surgical options and specialized treatments, individuals in Yorktown frequently travel to facilities in Newport News or Norfolk. These destinations are accessible via I-64, a major interstate highway that traverses the Hampton Roads region. Traveling east on I-64 provides access to the Sentara Healthcare system in Newport News and Norfolk. Drive times to Newport News facilities, such as the Sentara Careplex Hospital, are typically around 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic.

Further east on I-64, the drive to Norfolk and the comprehensive breast cancer centers at hospitals such as Sentara Norfolk General Hospital can take up to an hour, especially during peak commuting hours. The Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (HRBT), a major traffic bottleneck, can significantly impact travel times, so it is important to plan accordingly.

**Public Transit: A Limited, but Present, Option**

While Yorktown is not extensively served by public transportation, some options exist. The Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) system provides bus service throughout the region, including routes that connect Yorktown to Newport News and Williamsburg. The HRT route 105, for example, travels along US-17, connecting Yorktown to Newport News.

However, relying solely on public transit for accessing breast cancer care can present challenges. Bus schedules may not align with appointment times, and the travel time can be significantly longer than driving. Furthermore, while HRT strives to provide ADA-accessible buses, ensuring accessibility to all facilities, including those in Newport News and Norfolk, requires careful planning. Individuals with mobility limitations should confirm ADA compliance for specific routes and stops before relying on public transit.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation: Expanding the Options**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Yorktown area. These services offer a convenient alternative to driving, particularly for those who cannot or prefer not to drive themselves. However, availability can vary depending on the time of day and demand, and the cost can be a factor.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance getting to and from appointments, are also available. These services often provide door-to-door transportation, including assistance with getting in and out of vehicles. While these services can be a valuable resource, they may require advance booking and can be more expensive than ride-sharing or public transit. Researching local medical transportation providers and understanding their coverage area and services is crucial.

**The Breast Cancer Score: A Holistic Assessment**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Yorktown, VA (23693) is not a single number but a qualitative assessment. It highlights the importance of understanding the transportation landscape to ensure timely access to breast cancer care. While Yorktown offers a relatively convenient location, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transit options necessitate careful planning.

The accessibility of specialized care in Newport News and Norfolk, while feasible, requires considering drive times, traffic conditions, and the availability of alternative transportation options. The HRBT is a significant factor in the travel time to Norfolk.

The availability of ride-sharing services and medical transportation provides additional options, but their cost and availability should be carefully considered.

**Moving to Yorktown: A Transportation-Focused Perspective**

For individuals considering a move to Yorktown, understanding these transportation factors is crucial. If you have a family history of breast cancer, are at higher risk, or require frequent medical appointments, the convenience and reliability of transportation options should be a key consideration.

Prioritizing proximity to healthcare facilities or ensuring access to reliable transportation is essential. This includes researching local hospitals, breast cancer centers, and transportation services. Consider the availability of public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation options.

Yorktown offers a desirable lifestyle, but healthcare access is an important component of overall well-being. This analysis emphasizes the importance of proactively assessing transportation options to ensure timely and convenient access to breast cancer care. Making an informed decision about where to live, and how to get around, is an important part of maintaining your health.