27613, Raleigh, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27613, Raleigh, North Carolina is 68 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

68.61 percent of residents in 27613 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.26 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Rex Hospital with a distance of 7.64 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 27613

Understanding the challenges and opportunities for accessing healthcare, particularly for a serious illness like lung cancer, is paramount for anyone considering a move to Raleigh, North Carolina, specifically the 27613 ZIP code. This write-up provides a detailed analysis, focusing on transportation options and their impact on healthcare access, ultimately contributing to a "Lung Cancer Score" for the area. This score, though not a formal metric, reflects the ease or difficulty of reaching critical medical services, influencing the overall quality of life for potential residents.

The 27613 ZIP code, encompassing areas of North Raleigh, presents a mixed bag of transportation options. While car ownership remains dominant, the availability of public transit, ride-sharing, and specialized medical transport services offers a degree of flexibility, particularly crucial for individuals managing a lung cancer diagnosis and treatment. The Lung Cancer Score considers these factors, evaluating the accessibility of key medical facilities, including those specializing in oncology and pulmonology.

**Drive-Time Dynamics:**

The cornerstone of transportation in 27613 is the automobile. Residents rely heavily on personal vehicles for daily commutes and, crucially, for accessing healthcare. The proximity to major thoroughfares significantly impacts drive times to medical centers. Interstate 540 (the "Triangle Expressway") provides rapid access to hospitals and clinics located in various parts of Raleigh and the surrounding areas. Traveling south on I-540 offers direct routes to facilities like WakeMed North Hospital, typically a 10-15 minute drive, depending on traffic conditions.

Another critical artery is US-70, a major east-west corridor. This road provides access to Duke Raleigh Hospital, a well-regarded facility for cancer care, usually achievable within a 20-25 minute drive. However, traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, can significantly extend these drive times, impacting the Lung Cancer Score negatively. The journey to the downtown medical district, where larger hospitals and specialized cancer centers are located, also relies on these primary routes, adding to the commute time.

Local roads like Falls of Neuse Road and Six Forks Road, while convenient for local errands, can become congested, particularly during rush hour. These routes offer access to smaller clinics and physician offices, but they are not always ideal for urgent medical needs or specialized cancer treatments. The Lung Cancer Score must factor in the potential for delays on these roads.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

The public transit system in Raleigh, GoRaleigh, offers a network of bus routes, but its coverage and frequency in 27613 are limited. The primary routes serving the area include routes 2, 5, and 20. While these buses provide a cost-effective alternative, their schedules and route structures are often not conducive to timely healthcare access. The routes typically operate on a 30-60 minute frequency, potentially adding significant waiting times to a patient's journey.

Furthermore, the accessibility of GoRaleigh buses is crucial. All GoRaleigh buses are ADA-accessible, offering features like ramps and designated seating for passengers with disabilities. This is a positive aspect, particularly important for individuals undergoing cancer treatment. However, the reliance on bus stops, which may be a considerable distance from a patient's home or a medical facility, can present mobility challenges. The Lung Cancer Score acknowledges the ADA compliance but also considers the practical limitations of the bus system for healthcare access.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gaps:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer a more flexible transportation solution. They provide on-demand access to healthcare facilities, bypassing the constraints of fixed bus schedules. However, the cost of these services can accumulate quickly, particularly for frequent appointments and treatments. The availability of drivers and the potential for surge pricing during peak hours or inclement weather also impact the reliability of these services. The Lung Cancer Score considers the financial implications and the dependability of ride-sharing.

Specialized medical transport services, such as those offered by companies like American Medical Response (AMR) or local providers, cater specifically to patients with medical needs. These services provide non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. While offering a higher level of care and convenience, these services are typically more expensive than ride-sharing and may require advance booking. The Lung Cancer Score incorporates the availability and cost of medical transport options.

**Healthcare Access and the Lung Cancer Score:**

The Lung Cancer Score for 27613 is a nuanced assessment. While the area benefits from proximity to major highways and healthcare facilities, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limitations of public transit present challenges. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services offers solutions, but cost and reliability remain factors.

The score considers the following:

* **Drive Times:** The accessibility of hospitals and cancer centers via I-540, US-70, and local roads.
* **Public Transit:** The frequency, coverage, and ADA accessibility of GoRaleigh bus routes.
* **Ride-Sharing:** The availability, cost, and reliability of Uber and Lyft services.
* **Medical Transport:** The availability, cost, and specialized features of medical transport providers.
* **Proximity to Healthcare:** The distance to hospitals, cancer centers, and pulmonology clinics.

**Moving to Raleigh: Considerations for Lung Cancer Patients:**

For individuals considering moving to Raleigh, particularly those managing or at risk for lung cancer, a thorough evaluation of transportation options is critical. The 27613 ZIP code offers advantages, but a detailed assessment of individual needs and circumstances is essential. Factors to consider include:

* **Mobility:** The ability to drive or access alternative transportation.
* **Financial Resources:** The cost of transportation options and their impact on healthcare expenses.
* **Proximity to Care:** The distance to specialized cancer care facilities.
* **Support System:** The availability of family, friends, or caregivers to assist with transportation.

The Lung Cancer Score serves as a starting point for this assessment, highlighting the complexities of healthcare access in 27613. A comprehensive understanding of these factors will empower individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs and overall quality of life. The goal is to ensure that the challenges of transportation do not become an additional burden for those battling this serious illness.