23947, Keysville, Virginia Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 23947, Keysville, Virginia is 16 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

51.23 percent of residents in 23947 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 26.88 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Centra Southside Community Hospital, Inc with a distance of 18.49 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Keysville, Virginia (ZIP Code 23947)

The specter of a breast cancer diagnosis casts a long shadow, demanding swift and comprehensive healthcare access. For residents of Keysville, Virginia (ZIP code 23947), the journey to treatment can be a complex one, heavily influenced by the available transportation options. This analysis, a "Breast Cancer Score" assessment, examines the accessibility of essential healthcare services from this rural community, focusing on transportation logistics and their impact on timely care. The goal is to illuminate the challenges and opportunities inherent in navigating the healthcare landscape, especially for those facing a breast cancer diagnosis.

Keysville, nestled in Charlotte County, presents unique transportation challenges. The community is geographically isolated, with limited public transportation and a reliance on personal vehicles. This isolation significantly impacts healthcare access, particularly for those without personal transportation, the elderly, or individuals with mobility limitations. The "Breast Cancer Score" considers these factors, evaluating drive times, public transit availability, ride-share options, and medical transport services to determine the ease with which residents can access crucial diagnostic and treatment facilities.

The primary arteries connecting Keysville to healthcare hubs are US Route 15 and US Route 360. Driving to the nearest hospital with a dedicated oncology department, Centra Southside Community Hospital in Farmville, typically takes around 30-45 minutes via US-15 North. This drive, while manageable, can be stressful, especially during inclement weather or if a patient is experiencing pain or fatigue. Further afield, the University of Virginia Health System in Charlottesville, offering comprehensive cancer care, is approximately a 1 hour and 45-minute drive via US-15 North and US-29 North. This longer travel time necessitates careful planning and can add to the emotional burden of a cancer diagnosis.

Public transportation options are severely limited in Keysville. There is no readily available public bus service directly serving the area. This lack of public transit presents a significant barrier for individuals who do not own a car or are unable to drive. The absence of regular bus routes leaves many residents reliant on family, friends, or potentially costly ride-share services for their healthcare appointments. The lack of ADA-accessible public transit further exacerbates the challenges for individuals with disabilities.

Ride-share services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Keysville area, but their reliability and cost can vary. Availability can be unpredictable, particularly during off-peak hours or in adverse weather conditions. The cost of a ride-share to Farmville or Charlottesville can be substantial, potentially creating a financial burden for patients already facing significant medical expenses. Furthermore, the availability of drivers familiar with medical facilities and the specific needs of cancer patients is not guaranteed.

Medical transport services offer a specialized solution for individuals requiring assistance with transportation. Companies like MedExpress and various private ambulance services operate in the region. These services provide non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel to assist patients. However, these services can be costly, and their availability may be limited depending on insurance coverage and scheduling demands. The "Breast Cancer Score" recognizes the importance of these services but also acknowledges the potential financial and logistical hurdles associated with their use.

The "Breast Cancer Score" also considers the availability of local healthcare providers. While Keysville itself may have limited primary care physicians, the proximity to Farmville offers access to a wider range of specialists, including oncologists, surgeons, and radiologists. The ability to schedule appointments and receive timely referrals from primary care physicians is crucial for early detection and effective treatment of breast cancer. Delays in accessing these services can negatively impact the overall prognosis.

The impact of transportation on healthcare access extends beyond just the initial diagnosis and treatment. Follow-up appointments, chemotherapy sessions, radiation therapy, and physical therapy all require consistent and reliable transportation. The emotional toll of battling breast cancer is compounded by the stress and logistical complexities of navigating the transportation system. This is especially true for patients undergoing multiple treatments over an extended period.

For individuals considering moving to Keysville or those already residing in the area, understanding the transportation landscape is crucial. The "Breast Cancer Score" serves as a valuable tool for assessing the accessibility of healthcare services and making informed decisions. It highlights the need for proactive planning, including identifying transportation options, establishing support networks, and understanding the potential financial implications of healthcare access.

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Keysville, Virginia (ZIP code 23947) reflects a moderate level of healthcare access. While the proximity to Farmville provides access to essential services, the lack of public transportation, the reliance on personal vehicles, and the potential cost of ride-share and medical transport services create significant challenges. Residents must proactively plan for their transportation needs, considering all available options and potential financial burdens.

This analysis underscores the importance of community-based initiatives to improve healthcare access. Encouraging the development of volunteer driver programs, advocating for expanded public transportation options, and promoting partnerships between healthcare providers and transportation services can help alleviate the burden on patients. The "Breast Cancer Score" is a living document, and it is hoped that with ongoing efforts, the score will improve, reflecting a more accessible and supportive healthcare environment for the residents of Keysville. The goal is to ensure that transportation, a critical component of healthcare access, does not become an insurmountable obstacle for those battling breast cancer.