27048, Stoneville, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27048, Stoneville, North Carolina is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

58.96 percent of residents in 27048 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.53 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Unc Rockingham with a distance of 9.25 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Stoneville, NC (ZIP Code 27048)

The specter of a lung cancer diagnosis casts a long shadow, demanding swift and efficient access to specialized medical care. For residents of Stoneville, North Carolina (ZIP Code 27048), the ability to navigate the healthcare landscape is paramount. This write-up explores the transportation options available, assessing their impact on healthcare access and ultimately contributing to a "Lung Cancer Score" reflecting the ease or difficulty of reaching vital medical services. This analysis is particularly relevant for individuals considering moving to Stoneville, seeking to understand the practical realities of healthcare access within the community.

Stoneville, nestled in Rockingham County, presents a unique transportation challenge. The town itself is relatively small, with limited public transit infrastructure. This means that personal vehicles are the primary mode of transportation for most residents. However, the surrounding area offers a network of highways and roads, along with alternative options, that can influence the journey to healthcare facilities.

The primary route to larger medical centers often involves utilizing **US-220**. This major thoroughfare provides a direct link to Greensboro, a city with comprehensive healthcare facilities, including Cone Health’s Wesley Long Hospital and the Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital. The drive along US-220 typically takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic conditions. Another crucial route is **NC-704**, which connects Stoneville to Reidsville, the county seat. Reidsville is home to Annie Penn Hospital, a part of the Cone Health network, offering a range of medical services. The drive to Reidsville via NC-704 is usually shorter, around 15-20 minutes.

For those without personal vehicles, public transportation options are limited. Rockingham County does offer a public transit service, but its routes are primarily focused on local travel and may not directly serve the major healthcare facilities in Greensboro or Reidsville. Furthermore, the frequency of these services and their accessibility for individuals with mobility limitations, including those undergoing cancer treatment, need careful consideration. ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance is crucial for these routes, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can access transportation with ease.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Stoneville area. However, their availability and cost can vary significantly, particularly during peak hours or in less populated areas. Relying solely on ride-sharing for frequent medical appointments could become expensive and unreliable. This is especially relevant for cancer patients requiring regular treatments, check-ups, and potential emergency care.

Medical transportation services offer a specialized solution for individuals who require assistance getting to and from medical appointments. Companies like Firstat Nursing Services and other specialized medical transport providers offer non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT). These services are often designed to accommodate individuals with mobility limitations, providing wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. However, the availability and cost of medical transportation services can vary.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Stoneville, NC (27048) is influenced by several factors. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the potential cost and availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation all play a role. The drive times to major healthcare facilities, while manageable, can still pose a challenge for individuals undergoing treatment, especially those experiencing fatigue or other side effects.

The availability of specialized oncology care within a reasonable distance is another critical factor. The proximity of Cone Health facilities in Greensboro and Reidsville is a positive aspect, but the travel time and potential transportation difficulties need to be carefully assessed. For individuals moving to Stoneville, understanding the transportation landscape and planning for potential healthcare needs is crucial.

The assessment of healthcare access extends beyond the physical journey. The availability of telehealth services, allowing patients to consult with doctors remotely, can mitigate some of the transportation challenges. However, the effectiveness of telehealth depends on the patient's access to reliable internet service and the availability of telehealth options from their healthcare providers.

The availability of support services, such as cancer support groups and patient navigators, can also significantly impact the patient experience. These services can provide guidance and assistance in navigating the healthcare system, including transportation options.

The "Lung Cancer Score" is not a single number but a complex assessment reflecting the interplay of various factors. While Stoneville offers access to quality healthcare within a reasonable distance, the reliance on personal transportation and the limitations of public transit and ride-sharing services present challenges. Individuals considering moving to Stoneville or those already residing in the area should carefully evaluate their transportation needs and explore all available options to ensure they can access the care they require.

The future of healthcare access in Stoneville may include improvements in public transit, the expansion of telehealth services, and the increased availability of medical transportation options. These developments would undoubtedly enhance the "Lung Cancer Score" and improve the quality of life for residents facing a cancer diagnosis. The emphasis on transportation and healthcare access is paramount for residents in Stoneville, especially in light of a potential lung cancer diagnosis.