27536, Henderson, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27536, Henderson, North Carolina is 60 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

77.93 percent of residents in 27536 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.54 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Maria Parham Medical Center with a distance of 0.24 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Henderson, NC (ZIP Code 27536)

Considering a move to Henderson, North Carolina (ZIP code 27536)? This analysis provides a "Lung Cancer Score," a subjective assessment of healthcare access, specifically focusing on transportation options for individuals needing lung cancer treatment. The score considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing availability, and specialized medical transport, all crucial factors influencing a patient's ability to receive timely and consistent care. This is a crucial consideration when evaluating the feasibility of *moving to Henderson*.

The Lung Cancer Score is not a scientific metric, but a qualitative assessment based on publicly available information, including Google Maps, transit authority websites, and ride-sharing platforms. It aims to provide a realistic picture of the challenges and opportunities related to *healthcare access* in this area. The score ranges from 1 (extremely limited access) to 5 (excellent access).

**Drive Time Deliberations:**

Henderson, nestled in Vance County, presents a mixed bag regarding drive times to specialized lung cancer treatment centers. The primary hospital serving the area is Maria Parham Health, offering some oncology services. However, more advanced treatments, such as radiation therapy and specialized surgical procedures, often necessitate travel to larger facilities in the Research Triangle Park (RTP) area, approximately 60-70 miles away.

Driving to RTP involves navigating major highways. The most direct route typically utilizes US-1 South, a major artery connecting Henderson with Raleigh and Durham. Traffic conditions on US-1 can vary significantly, particularly during peak commuting hours. Expect drive times to range from 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, depending on traffic congestion. Another option is to take I-85 South, which is a more direct highway to the RTP area.

For those seeking treatment in Raleigh, the drive often involves US-1 South and I-40 East. This route might be slightly longer in mileage, but can sometimes offer a smoother ride depending on traffic patterns. The drive time can range from 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, contingent on traffic.

The accessibility of these highways is generally good, but the reliance on personal vehicles introduces potential challenges. Individuals with mobility limitations, those unable to drive, or those lacking reliable transportation face significant hurdles. The *transportation* landscape significantly impacts the Lung Cancer Score.

**Public Transit Ponderings:**

Public transit options in Henderson are limited. Vance County Transit offers a demand-response service, meaning riders must schedule rides in advance. This service is primarily designed for local trips within the county, and its suitability for regular trips to RTP for cancer treatment is questionable.

The availability of public transit to RTP is even more constrained. There are no direct bus routes connecting Henderson to Raleigh or Durham. This lack of robust public transit significantly impacts the Lung Cancer Score, especially for those who cannot drive or prefer not to.

The demand-response nature of Vance County Transit raises concerns about reliability and scheduling flexibility, particularly for cancer patients with unpredictable treatment schedules. While the service does offer ADA-accessible vehicles, the limited geographical scope and the need for advance booking pose significant challenges to *healthcare access*.

**Ride-Share Realities and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Henderson. However, their availability and reliability can fluctuate, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing for frequent trips to RTP can quickly become prohibitive, placing a financial burden on patients.

Specialized medical transport services offer an alternative, but they come with their own set of considerations. These services often cater to patients with specific medical needs, such as those requiring stretcher transport or oxygen. The cost of medical transport is typically higher than ride-sharing, and it may not be covered by all insurance plans.

The availability of both ride-sharing and medical transport provides some options, but their limitations, particularly the cost and potential unreliability, impact the Lung Cancer Score. The accessibility of these services is a crucial factor when evaluating the feasibility of *moving to Henderson*.

**Lung Cancer Score Assessment:**

Considering the various factors, the Lung Cancer Score for ZIP code 27536 is a 2.5 out of 5. This score reflects the following:

* **Drive Time:** While the drive to RTP is feasible, it is time-consuming and dependent on traffic conditions.
* **Public Transit:** The lack of reliable public transit severely limits access for those without personal vehicles.
* **Ride-Share and Medical Transport:** Ride-sharing offers a potential solution, but cost and reliability are concerns. Medical transport is available but expensive.

**Recommendations for Prospective Residents:**

Individuals considering *moving to Henderson* and facing lung cancer treatment should carefully assess their *transportation* needs. It is crucial to:

* **Evaluate Driving Capabilities:** Assess the ability to drive long distances and the reliability of a personal vehicle.
* **Explore Insurance Coverage:** Investigate insurance coverage for ride-sharing and medical transport.
* **Research Treatment Centers:** Research treatment centers in RTP and their specific transportation support services.
* **Consider Support Networks:** Identify potential support networks that can assist with transportation.

The challenges presented by the *healthcare access* landscape in Henderson underscore the importance of thorough planning and preparation for those seeking lung cancer treatment. Understanding the limitations of *transportation* options is essential for making informed decisions about residency.