27823, Enfield, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27823, Enfield, North Carolina is 24 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

41.99 percent of residents in 27823 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.16 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Halifax Regional Medical Center Inc with a distance of 16.48 miles from the area.

**Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Enfield, NC (ZIP Code 27823)**

Enfield, North Carolina, nestled in Halifax County, presents a unique landscape for healthcare access, especially concerning a critical illness like lung cancer. The ability to reach timely and appropriate medical care is a crucial factor in survival and quality of life. This write-up aims to analyze the challenges and opportunities for residents of ZIP code 27823, providing a “Lung Cancer Score” based on transportation options and their impact on healthcare access.

The very act of seeking treatment for lung cancer, a disease often diagnosed in its later stages, demands a robust and reliable transportation network. The location of healthcare facilities, the availability of various transportation modalities, and the potential for delays all contribute to the overall Lung Cancer Score. For residents of Enfield, the score reflects the realities of rural living and the distances involved in accessing specialized medical care.

**The Geographic Landscape and Healthcare Access**

Enfield is characterized by its rural setting, with relatively sparse population density. This geographical reality significantly influences healthcare access. The nearest hospitals and specialized cancer treatment centers are located in neighboring towns and cities, requiring travel via roadways. The primary arteries for transportation are US-301, a major north-south route, and NC-48, which provides east-west connectivity. These roads, while generally well-maintained, can experience traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours or in the event of accidents.

The distance to these facilities, coupled with potential transportation challenges, directly impacts the Lung Cancer Score. A longer commute time increases the risk of delayed treatment, missed appointments, and increased stress for patients and their families. This is particularly relevant for individuals undergoing chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or frequent follow-up appointments.

**Drive Times and Road Conditions**

The drive to the closest major healthcare centers from Enfield presents a significant hurdle. The Vidant North Hospital in Roanoke Rapids, approximately 20 miles away, is a common destination for residents. The drive typically takes around 30-40 minutes via US-301, depending on traffic. However, this time can be significantly extended during rush hour or due to unforeseen circumstances.

For more specialized care, such as radiation oncology or advanced surgical procedures, patients often need to travel to Greenville, NC, home to Vidant Medical Center, a regional referral center. The journey to Greenville, approximately 60 miles, takes about an hour and a half via US-301 and US-264. The road conditions are generally good, but the distance and potential for traffic create a considerable time commitment.

The Lung Cancer Score is directly affected by these drive times. Longer commutes translate to increased fatigue, potential for missed appointments, and added stress, all of which can negatively impact a patient's health and well-being.

**Public Transportation Options**

Public transportation options in Enfield are limited, presenting a significant challenge for residents without personal vehicles. The availability of public transit directly impacts the Lung Cancer Score, particularly for individuals who are unable to drive due to their illness or other limitations.

The Halifax County Transportation System provides some services, but they are primarily demand-response, meaning rides must be scheduled in advance. These services often require several days’ notice, which can be a significant obstacle when dealing with urgent medical needs. Moreover, the availability of these services is limited, and they may not always be able to accommodate the specific needs of cancer patients, such as transporting medical equipment or providing assistance with mobility.

The lack of readily available public transportation significantly lowers the Lung Cancer Score for Enfield residents. The absence of frequent, reliable, and accessible public transit options creates a barrier to healthcare access, particularly for those with limited mobility or financial constraints.

**ADA Accessibility**

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that public transportation systems provide accessible services for individuals with disabilities. This includes features such as wheelchair lifts, ramps, and designated seating. However, the availability and reliability of ADA-compliant services in Enfield are limited, further exacerbating the challenges faced by cancer patients.

The Lung Cancer Score is negatively affected by the lack of readily available ADA-compliant transportation options. The inability to access accessible transportation can prevent individuals with mobility limitations from attending appointments and receiving timely treatment.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport Services**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in some areas, but their presence in Enfield is limited. The availability of these services can vary depending on the time of day and the demand. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant barrier for individuals with limited financial resources.

Medical transport services, such as ambulances and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), provide specialized transportation for patients with medical needs. These services are often equipped to transport patients with mobility limitations and can provide assistance with medical equipment. However, the cost of medical transport can be substantial, and the availability of these services may be limited in rural areas.

The Lung Cancer Score is influenced by the availability and affordability of ride-sharing and medical transport services. The lack of readily available and affordable options can create a significant barrier to healthcare access for Enfield residents.

**Medical Transport Brands**

Several medical transport brands operate in the region, including but not limited to: American Medical Response (AMR), MedStar Ambulance, and various local private ambulance services. These services offer transportation to and from medical appointments, as well as transfers between healthcare facilities. However, availability and cost can vary.

**Moving to Enfield: Considering Healthcare Access**

For individuals considering moving to Enfield, the availability of healthcare access should be a primary consideration. The Lung Cancer Score, based on the transportation options available, provides a valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities for accessing medical care.

Individuals with a history of cancer or those at high risk should carefully evaluate the transportation options and the potential for delays in accessing treatment. The lack of readily available public transportation, the long drive times to healthcare facilities, and the limited availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services can all impact the quality of life and the ability to receive timely and appropriate medical care.

**Conclusion: The Enfield Lung Cancer Score**

Based on the analysis of transportation options in ZIP code 27823, the Lung Cancer Score for Enfield residents is moderate to low. The limited public transportation options, the long drive times to healthcare facilities, and the potential for delays all contribute to this score. While residents have access to healthcare, the journey to receive that care can be challenging.

Improving the Lung Cancer Score for Enfield requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes increasing the availability and reliability of public transportation, expanding ride-sharing services, and ensuring the affordability of medical transport options. Furthermore, promoting telehealth services and exploring the potential for mobile medical clinics could help to bridge the gap in healthcare access for residents of Enfield and surrounding areas.