24244, Duffield, Virginia Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 24244, Duffield, Virginia is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

43.21 percent of residents in 24244 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.17 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Lonesome Pine Hospital with a distance of 12.23 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Duffield, VA (ZIP Code 24244)

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a diagnosis as life-altering as breast cancer, is a complex one. Beyond the medical considerations, the practicalities of accessing care – the transportation challenges, the time commitments, and the financial burdens – significantly impact a patient's experience and, ultimately, their prognosis. This analysis, framed as a "Breast Cancer Score" for ZIP Code 24244 (Duffield, Virginia), delves into the transportation landscape and its implications for women seeking breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. It's a crucial lens through which to assess healthcare access and understand the realities of moving to Duffield.

Duffield, nestled in the heart of Scott County, presents a unique set of transportation challenges. The rural nature of the area, coupled with limited public transit options, necessitates a reliance on personal vehicles. This dependence directly impacts the Breast Cancer Score, particularly for those without reliable transportation or facing mobility limitations. The availability of timely and accessible care is paramount, and transportation is a critical link in that chain.

The primary artery for travel within and beyond Duffield is US-58, a vital east-west corridor. This highway provides access to larger population centers like Kingsport, Tennessee, and Abingdon, Virginia, where more comprehensive medical facilities are located. However, the drive times can be significant. A trip to Holston Valley Medical Center in Kingsport, for instance, could easily consume an hour or more, depending on traffic and road conditions. This time commitment is a significant factor in the Breast Cancer Score, as it impacts the ability to attend appointments, undergo treatments, and receive timely follow-up care.

Secondary roads, such as VA-610 and VA-611, offer alternative routes, but they are often winding and can be subject to weather-related closures, particularly during the winter months. These conditions further complicate transportation and can exacerbate the challenges faced by individuals battling breast cancer. The quality of these roads and their accessibility directly influence the Breast Cancer Score, highlighting the need for well-maintained infrastructure.

Public transportation options in Duffield are extremely limited. The primary mode of public transit is the Southwest Virginia Regional Transit (SVRT), which operates a demand-response service. This service, while available, requires advance booking and may not always be readily accessible for urgent medical needs. SVRT buses are equipped with ADA features, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities. However, the limited frequency and potential travel times associated with demand-response services contribute negatively to the Breast Cancer Score. The reliance on pre-arranged transportation can be a significant barrier for patients needing immediate or frequent medical attention.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are not consistently available in Duffield. Their presence is sporadic, and their availability is often dependent on the time of day and the demand in the area. This uncertainty poses a significant challenge for patients who rely on these services for transportation to medical appointments. The lack of readily available ride-sharing options further diminishes the Breast Cancer Score, emphasizing the need for reliable and predictable transportation alternatives.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a potential solution. Companies like CareRide and Modivcare operate in some parts of Virginia, but their availability in Duffield is not guaranteed. These services often require prior authorization and may be subject to limitations based on insurance coverage. The lack of readily available medical transportation options significantly impacts the Breast Cancer Score, underscoring the need for readily accessible and affordable transportation specifically tailored to medical needs.

The Breast Cancer Score also considers the distance to specialized breast cancer centers. While local clinics may offer basic screening services, advanced diagnostics and treatment often necessitate travel to larger hospitals. The Bristol Regional Medical Center in Bristol, Tennessee, and the Wellmont Cancer Institute in Kingsport, Tennessee, are potential options, but the travel times, as mentioned earlier, can be considerable. This distance factor directly influences the Breast Cancer Score, highlighting the importance of proximity to comprehensive cancer care facilities.

The economic factors associated with transportation also play a crucial role in the Breast Cancer Score. The cost of gasoline, vehicle maintenance, and potential parking fees can represent a significant financial burden for patients, especially those undergoing lengthy treatment regimens. This financial strain can exacerbate existing stressors and negatively impact the patient's overall well-being. The financial implications of transportation are a critical component of the Breast Cancer Score, emphasizing the need for affordable transportation options and financial assistance programs.

The Breast Cancer Score for Duffield, Virginia, is, therefore, significantly impacted by the limitations of its transportation infrastructure. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, the absence of readily available ride-sharing services, and the uncertain availability of medical transportation services all contribute to a lower score. This score translates to potentially delayed diagnoses, reduced access to treatment, and increased financial burdens for women battling breast cancer in this community.

Improving the Breast Cancer Score in Duffield requires a multi-faceted approach. Investing in public transportation infrastructure, exploring partnerships with ride-sharing services, expanding the availability of medical transportation services, and providing financial assistance for transportation costs are all essential steps. Furthermore, promoting telehealth services and expanding the availability of mobile mammography units could significantly improve healthcare access for women in this rural area.

The Breast Cancer Score serves as a vital tool for understanding the challenges faced by women in Duffield and for advocating for improvements in healthcare access. It underscores the critical link between transportation and health outcomes, highlighting the need for a comprehensive and patient-centered approach to healthcare delivery. For those considering moving to Duffield, understanding these transportation challenges is crucial to assessing the availability and accessibility of healthcare services. The quality of life, and the ability to effectively manage a serious illness like breast cancer, are inextricably linked to the ability to navigate the transportation landscape and access the care that is needed.