27311, Pelham, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27311, Pelham, North Carolina is 52 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

64.54 percent of residents in 27311 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.05 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Unc Rockingham with a distance of 14.60 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 27311

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a diagnosis as serious as lung cancer, is a multifaceted challenge. It involves not just the medical expertise of oncologists and radiologists, but also the practicalities of transportation. In ZIP Code 27311, encompassing the town of Pelham, North Carolina, this journey presents a unique set of considerations. This write-up assesses the "Lung Cancer Score" for residents, factoring in transportation options and their impact on healthcare access.

For those considering moving to Pelham, understanding the nuances of getting to and from medical appointments is crucial. The score reflects the ease or difficulty of accessing specialized lung cancer care, considering the available transportation infrastructure. It's a crucial element in assessing the overall quality of life, especially for individuals facing a potential cancer diagnosis.

The primary mode of transportation for residents of 27311 is, undoubtedly, the automobile. The town's relative remoteness necessitates reliance on personal vehicles for most errands, including accessing healthcare. This dependency directly impacts the "Lung Cancer Score."

The nearest comprehensive cancer care facilities are located in larger cities like Greensboro and Durham. The most direct route typically involves traveling east on US-29, a major thoroughfare connecting Pelham to the larger urban centers. The drive to Cone Health Cancer Center in Greensboro, a well-regarded facility, is approximately 45 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic. This time can fluctuate significantly during peak hours, potentially adding stress and anxiety for patients.

The alternative route involves taking NC-86 North to I-85 South, then connecting to Greensboro. This route, while potentially avoiding some of the US-29 congestion, can add travel time, especially during rush hour. The drive to Duke Cancer Institute in Durham, another highly-rated facility, is also approximately 60 to 75 minutes via US-29 North and I-85 North.

These drive times, while manageable, represent a significant commitment, especially for frequent appointments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy. The "Lung Cancer Score" must account for the physical and emotional toll of these long commutes on patients already grappling with a serious illness. The wear and tear on a vehicle, the cost of fuel, and the potential for unforeseen delays further complicate the equation.

Public transportation options in 27311 are limited, which significantly affects the "Lung Cancer Score." There are no direct bus routes connecting Pelham to Greensboro or Durham. The nearest public transit hubs are in larger cities, requiring a combination of driving and potentially transferring between bus lines. This lack of readily available public transportation severely restricts healthcare access for those without personal vehicles or who are unable to drive due to their condition or treatment side effects.

The absence of robust public transit disproportionately affects elderly residents, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources. These vulnerable populations face significant barriers to accessing timely and consistent cancer care, lowering the "Lung Cancer Score" for these groups. The lack of ADA-accessible public transportation further exacerbates the challenges for individuals with mobility impairments.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in 27311, but their reliability and affordability can be inconsistent. The availability of drivers can vary, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant financial burden for patients, especially those requiring frequent appointments.

The "Lung Cancer Score" must acknowledge the potential reliance on ride-sharing and its limitations. While ride-sharing offers a valuable alternative to driving, its inherent unpredictability and cost considerations negatively impact healthcare access, particularly for individuals with limited financial means.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by companies like FirstLight Home Care or Liberty Healthcare, provide specialized transportation for medical appointments. These services often cater to patients with disabilities or those who require assistance getting to and from their appointments. However, these services typically come at a higher cost than ride-sharing or public transportation, potentially limiting their accessibility for some residents.

The "Lung Cancer Score" must weigh the benefits of medical transportation services against their financial implications. While these services can improve healthcare access for those who can afford them, they do not address the broader issue of limited transportation options for all residents.

For individuals considering moving to Pelham, the "Lung Cancer Score" should be a key factor in their decision-making process. The relative remoteness of the town and the limited transportation options necessitate careful consideration of healthcare access. Prospective residents should research the availability of cancer care facilities, assess the feasibility of driving to appointments, and explore the potential use of ride-sharing or medical transportation services.

The overall "Lung Cancer Score" for 27311 is moderate. While residents have access to quality cancer care facilities within a reasonable driving distance, the reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transportation options, and the potential challenges of ride-sharing and medical transportation services create barriers to healthcare access.

Improving the "Lung Cancer Score" in 27311 requires a multi-pronged approach. This includes advocating for increased public transportation options, exploring partnerships with ride-sharing services to provide discounted rates for medical appointments, and supporting programs that assist patients with transportation costs.

Furthermore, promoting telehealth services and expanding access to local primary care providers who can offer initial screenings and referrals can improve the overall healthcare experience. These initiatives would enhance the "Lung Cancer Score," making healthcare more accessible and manageable for residents of Pelham. The "Lung Cancer Score" serves as a valuable tool for understanding the challenges and opportunities related to healthcare access in 27311.