27546, Lillington, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27546, Lillington, North Carolina is 35 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

49.11 percent of residents in 27546 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.11 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Betsy Johnson Regional Hospital with a distance of 14.97 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Lillington, NC (ZIP Code 27546)

The diagnosis of lung cancer is a life-altering event, demanding immediate and comprehensive care. For residents of Lillington, North Carolina (ZIP Code 27546), the journey to healthcare access becomes a critical factor in their fight. This "Lung Cancer Score" examines the intricacies of transportation, highlighting the challenges and opportunities faced by individuals navigating this difficult terrain. The score considers drive times, public transit options, ride-share availability, and medical transport services, painting a vivid picture of healthcare access for those living within this community.

The very fabric of Lillington's geography shapes the healthcare landscape. The town, nestled in Harnett County, experiences the familiar challenges of rural America, where distances often translate into time, and time can be a precious commodity when battling cancer. For someone newly diagnosed, the ability to quickly and reliably reach specialists, treatment centers, and support services is paramount.

The primary arteries of transportation in and around Lillington are essential to understand. Interstate 95, a major north-south corridor, offers the most direct route to larger medical facilities in the Research Triangle area, including Duke University Hospital in Durham and UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill. However, the drive to these renowned centers, even via I-95, can easily exceed an hour, depending on traffic conditions. US Highway 401, another key thoroughfare, provides an alternative route, though it often involves navigating smaller towns and potentially encountering more traffic lights, adding to the overall travel time.

Moving towards the east, US Highway 421 offers a path towards Fayetteville, home to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center. This drive is generally shorter than the trek to the Triangle, typically taking around 45 minutes to an hour, making it a more accessible option for some residents. The state highways, such as NC-210 and NC-87, serve as connecting roads, facilitating access to local clinics and physician offices within Harnett County.

Public transportation options in Lillington are limited. The availability of bus routes is sparse, and the service frequency is often low, making it a less-than-ideal choice for individuals requiring frequent medical appointments. The lack of extensive public transit infrastructure poses a significant barrier to healthcare access, particularly for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle. The absence of robust public transit also presents challenges for those with mobility limitations.

While specific route numbers are unavailable, the lack of a dedicated public transit system in Lillington further complicates the situation. The absence of ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant features on existing public transit options exacerbates the issue, especially for those with physical impairments, rendering the option of public transit a significant challenge.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Lillington, but their reliability and cost can fluctuate. The availability of drivers can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in the more rural areas surrounding the town. The cost of ride-sharing can also become a significant burden for individuals undergoing cancer treatment, who often face mounting medical expenses.

Medical transport services offer a specialized solution for patients who require assistance with transportation to and from medical appointments. Several companies operate in the area, providing services ranging from basic transportation to wheelchair-accessible vehicles and stretcher transports. Some of the prominent brands include AMR (American Medical Response) and various local ambulance services. The cost of these services can vary depending on the distance, the level of care required, and the insurance coverage.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Lillington, NC (27546) reflects the challenges of healthcare access in a rural environment. The reliance on personal vehicles for transportation, the limited public transit options, and the fluctuating availability and cost of ride-sharing services create significant hurdles for individuals diagnosed with lung cancer. The drive times to major medical centers, while accessible via highways like I-95, US-401, and US-421, can be lengthy, potentially impacting the timeliness of treatment and the overall quality of care.

The potential for improvement lies in several areas. Strengthening the public transit infrastructure, including the implementation of ADA-compliant features, would significantly improve healthcare access for those without personal transportation. Subsidizing ride-sharing services for cancer patients could alleviate the financial burden and ensure reliable transportation to appointments. Expanding the availability of medical transport services and increasing insurance coverage for these services would also be beneficial.

For individuals considering moving to Lillington, the "Lung Cancer Score" serves as a crucial factor in their decision-making process. Understanding the transportation landscape and healthcare access challenges is essential for making informed choices. The availability of support services, such as cancer support groups and patient navigators, can also play a vital role in helping individuals navigate the healthcare system.

The journey to healthcare access in Lillington requires careful planning and consideration. While the community offers a sense of rural charm, the challenges of transportation must be acknowledged and addressed to ensure that all residents have equitable access to the care they need. The "Lung Cancer Score" provides a critical framework for evaluating these challenges and advocating for improvements, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more supportive environment for those battling lung cancer.