27592, Willow Spring, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27592, Willow Spring, North Carolina is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

32.11 percent of residents in 27592 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.62 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wakemed, Raleigh Campus with a distance of 16.04 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Willow Spring (ZIP Code 27592)

Considering a move to the charming town of Willow Spring, North Carolina (ZIP Code 27592)? Beyond the allure of its tranquil atmosphere and close-knit community, a critical factor to consider is access to healthcare, particularly for those concerned about lung cancer. This write-up provides a "Lung Cancer Score," assessing transportation options to relevant medical facilities, offering insights into the ease or difficulty of accessing potentially life-saving care. This score is a crucial component of understanding your overall quality of life in Willow Spring.

The "Lung Cancer Score" is not a formal medical assessment, but rather an evaluation of the practicalities of reaching medical resources. It considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing options, and medical transportation services. The goal is to provide a realistic picture of the transportation landscape for those needing lung cancer screenings, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care.

Willow Spring, a rural community nestled in Johnston County, presents unique challenges and opportunities when it comes to healthcare access. The primary determinant of the score is the transportation network. The availability of reliable transportation directly impacts the timely delivery of care.

**Drive Times: The Road Ahead**

For many Willow Spring residents, personal vehicles are the primary mode of transportation. The most direct route to significant healthcare facilities involves navigating the roadways.

* **WakeMed Cary Hospital:** Located in Cary, this hospital is a significant regional healthcare provider. The drive typically involves taking **US-401 South** to **US-64 West**. Expect a drive time of approximately 25-40 minutes, depending on traffic. Rush hour, especially during weekday commutes, can significantly extend this time.

* **UNC Rex Hospital (Raleigh):** This well-regarded hospital is accessible via **US-401 North** to **I-40 East**. The drive is roughly 35-50 minutes, contingent on traffic conditions, particularly around Raleigh's beltline.

* **Duke Health (Durham):** Reaching Duke requires a longer journey. The most direct route is via **US-401 North** to **I-40 West**. Expect a travel time of 50-70 minutes, again subject to traffic.

These drive times underscore the importance of reliable personal transportation. The distance to these facilities necessitates careful planning, especially for appointments, treatments, and emergencies.

**Public Transit: Limited Options**

Public transportation options in Willow Spring are limited. The area is not well-served by a comprehensive bus system. This presents a significant hurdle for those without personal vehicles or who are unable to drive.

* **GoRaleigh:** The City of Raleigh operates a bus service, but its reach into Willow Spring is minimal. Limited routes might extend into the area, but frequency and accessibility are major concerns. Route information and schedules are available on the GoRaleigh website. ADA accessibility varies by route; check specific route details.

* **GoTriangle:** This regional transit authority operates bus routes connecting Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. However, these routes typically do not extend directly into Willow Spring. Accessing GoTriangle services would require a connection, adding significant travel time and complexity. ADA accessibility is generally a priority for GoTriangle buses.

The lack of robust public transit presents a significant challenge for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a car. Relying solely on public transportation for healthcare access in Willow Spring is highly impractical.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation: Navigating the Alternatives**

Ride-sharing services and specialized medical transportation offer alternative transportation solutions.

* **Uber and Lyft:** These ride-sharing services are available in the Willow Spring area. However, availability can fluctuate, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Costs can also be a factor, especially for frequent trips to medical appointments.

* **Medical Transportation Services:** Several companies specialize in medical transportation, offering non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) services. These services typically provide door-to-door transportation for patients with mobility limitations or those who cannot drive. Examples include:

* **LogistiCare:** A large NEMT provider, often contracted by insurance companies.
* **ModivCare:** Another significant NEMT provider, similar to LogistiCare.
* **Local Private Companies:** Search for local providers in the Johnston County area, as they may offer specialized services.

These services can be invaluable for those needing regular medical appointments. However, availability, insurance coverage, and cost should be carefully investigated.

**The "Lung Cancer Score" and Moving to Willow Spring**

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Willow Spring, ZIP Code 27592, reflects the challenges and opportunities of accessing healthcare. The score is impacted by the following factors:

* **Drive Times:** Moderate to long drive times to major hospitals are a significant consideration.
* **Public Transit:** Limited availability and frequency of public transit pose a major barrier.
* **Ride-Sharing:** Ride-sharing services offer an alternative but are subject to availability and cost.
* **Medical Transportation:** Specialized medical transportation services offer a viable solution, but require careful planning and investigation of insurance coverage.

For individuals concerned about lung cancer, the score would be lower than in areas with better public transit and closer proximity to comprehensive medical facilities. This means that access to timely care might be more difficult.

**Recommendations:**

* **Personal Vehicle is Essential:** Owning and maintaining a reliable vehicle is crucial for accessing healthcare in Willow Spring.
* **Research Insurance Coverage:** Thoroughly investigate your insurance plan's coverage for medical transportation services.
* **Plan Ahead:** Schedule appointments well in advance and factor in potential travel delays.
* **Explore Local Resources:** Contact local senior centers or social service agencies for information on transportation assistance programs.
* **Consider Proximity to Healthcare:** If healthcare access is a primary concern, consider proximity to major medical facilities when choosing a home in Willow Spring.

Moving to Willow Spring offers a unique lifestyle. However, prospective residents must carefully consider the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access. The "Lung Cancer Score" highlights the need for careful planning and proactive measures to ensure timely access to potentially life-saving care. This is a crucial element of assessing the overall suitability of Willow Spring as a place to live.