23898, Zuni, Virginia Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 23898, Zuni, Virginia is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

44.78 percent of residents in 23898 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.52 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Bon Secours Southampton Memorial Hospital with a distance of 11.00 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Zuni, Virginia (ZIP Code 23898)

The journey to healthcare, particularly for something as critical as breast cancer screening and treatment, is a complex equation. It involves not only the quality of medical care but also the ease with which that care can be accessed. This write-up analyzes the "Breast Cancer Score" for residents of Zuni, Virginia (ZIP Code 23898), considering the available **transportation** options and the resulting impact on **healthcare access**. For those **moving to Zuni**, understanding these factors is crucial.

The Breast Cancer Score, in this context, is a composite measure reflecting the time, cost, and convenience associated with accessing breast cancer-related services. It considers factors like drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing options, and medical transport services. A higher score indicates better access, while a lower score suggests greater challenges.

Zuni, a rural community in Isle of Wight County, presents unique **transportation** challenges. Its location, while offering a peaceful environment, necessitates reliance on personal vehicles for most residents. This dependence significantly influences the Breast Cancer Score.

**Drive Times: The Primary Route**

The primary artery for accessing healthcare from Zuni is Route 58, a major east-west highway. Heading east on Route 58 leads towards Suffolk, a city with several medical facilities. The drive to Sentara Obici Hospital in Suffolk, a prominent healthcare provider, typically takes between 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. This drive time forms a core component of the Breast Cancer Score.

Beyond Route 58, access to specialized breast cancer services often necessitates travel to larger medical centers in Norfolk or Newport News. Reaching these locations involves navigating a network of highways. Traveling to Norfolk, which hosts the Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) and other specialized facilities, requires taking Route 58 east, then connecting to Interstate 664 north or Interstate 64 east. This journey can take approximately 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic conditions, particularly during peak hours.

The drive to Newport News, home to Riverside Regional Medical Center, involves a similar route, utilizing Route 58 and connecting to Interstate 64. This trip typically takes between 45 minutes to an hour. The Breast Cancer Score considers these longer drive times, acknowledging the potential for increased stress and inconvenience for patients needing regular appointments or treatments.

Traffic congestion, especially during morning and evening commutes, can significantly impact drive times. Accidents or road closures on Route 58, I-64, or I-664 can further delay access to healthcare. These unpredictable factors are factored into the Breast Cancer Score, highlighting the need for residents to plan for potential delays.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transit options in Zuni are extremely limited. The primary provider in the region is the Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) system. However, HRT's services are primarily concentrated in the more urban areas of Hampton Roads, such as Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and Newport News.

The availability of HRT buses in Zuni is sporadic, with routes and schedules that may not align with the needs of individuals seeking medical appointments. While some HRT routes may serve areas near Zuni, the lack of frequent service and the potential for lengthy travel times make public transit an unreliable option for many residents.

Furthermore, the availability of ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessible features on HRT buses is a critical consideration for individuals with mobility limitations. The Breast Cancer Score assesses the accessibility of public transit options, recognizing the importance of accommodating individuals with disabilities. The limited public transit infrastructure in Zuni significantly lowers the Breast Cancer Score for those relying on public transport.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative **transportation** solution. While these services are available in the Hampton Roads area, their presence in Zuni may be less consistent, and wait times could be longer compared to more urban locations. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier, particularly for frequent appointments or treatments.

Medical transport services provide a more specialized option for individuals who require assistance with **transportation** to and from medical appointments. Several companies operate in the Hampton Roads area, offering services ranging from non-emergency medical **transportation** to ambulance services.

These services, while valuable, often come at a higher cost than personal vehicles or public transit. The Breast Cancer Score considers the availability and affordability of medical transport services, recognizing their importance for individuals who are unable to drive or lack access to other **transportation** options.

**Medical Transport Brands**

Several medical transport brands serve the Hampton Roads area. These include, but are not limited to, American Medical Response (AMR), which provides both emergency and non-emergency medical **transportation** services. Other companies, such as First Care Medical **Transportation** and MedStar **Transportation**, also offer non-emergency medical **transportation**.

The Breast Cancer Score takes into account the availability and cost of these services, acknowledging their role in bridging the **transportation** gap for individuals with mobility limitations or other needs.

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

The Breast Cancer Score for Zuni, Virginia (ZIP Code 23898) reflects a nuanced picture. While the proximity to Suffolk and its medical facilities offers a degree of convenience, the reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the potential costs associated with ride-sharing and medical transport services present challenges.

The score is further influenced by the need for some residents to travel to Norfolk or Newport News for specialized care, which adds significant travel time. The Breast Cancer Score is a dynamic measure, influenced by changes in **transportation** infrastructure, the availability of healthcare services, and the evolving needs of the community.

For those **moving to Zuni**, understanding the Breast Cancer Score is vital. It provides a realistic assessment of the **healthcare access** landscape, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. It underscores the importance of planning for **transportation** needs, considering the potential for delays, and exploring all available options to ensure timely access to breast cancer screening and treatment. The Breast Cancer Score acts as a crucial tool for navigating the complexities of **healthcare access** in Zuni, Virginia.