Lung Cancer Score

27941, Harbinger, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

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Travel Score in 27941, Harbinger, North Carolina

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27941, Harbinger, North Carolina is 15 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

38.52 percent of residents in 27941 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 29.19 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is The Outer Banks Hospital, Inc with a distance of 15.35 miles from the area.

Health Scores in 27941, Harbinger, North Carolina

Lung Cancer Score 39
People Score 78
Provider Score 19
Hospital Score 65
Travel Score 15

Closest Hospital - THE OUTER BANKS HOSPITAL, INC

Estimated Cars

Housholds with Cars (%) 27941 Harbinger North Carolina
No Cars 0.00 0.00 2.14
1 Car 34.43 34.43 19.36
2 Cars 19.67 19.67 40.83
3 or More Cars 45.90 45.90 37.67

Vehicular Access in 27941, Harbinger, North Carolina

Travel Score Review of 27941, Harbinger, North Carolina

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Harbinger, NC (ZIP Code 27941)

The crisp air of the Outer Banks, the scent of salt and sea – Harbinger, North Carolina (ZIP code 27941), offers a life steeped in natural beauty. But when the shadow of a lung cancer diagnosis falls, the idyllic landscape can transform into a complex web of healthcare access challenges. This report provides a "Lung Cancer Score" for residents of Harbinger, analyzing the crucial element of transportation, a vital artery connecting patients to potentially life-saving treatments.

The score considers drive times to key healthcare facilities, public transportation options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services. It aims to paint a realistic picture of the challenges and opportunities facing individuals navigating the healthcare system in this unique coastal community. This is especially important for those considering moving to Harbinger, weighing the lifestyle benefits against potential healthcare access difficulties.

**The Drive to Care: Highways and Roads**

The primary artery connecting Harbinger to specialized medical care is US-158, a vital highway that snakes its way through the Outer Banks. For lung cancer patients, time is of the essence. The closest comprehensive cancer care is located in Elizabeth City, approximately a 45-minute to one-hour drive via US-158 East. This drive, while manageable, can be significantly impacted by traffic, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Further specialized care, including radiation oncology and advanced surgical procedures, often necessitates travel to Norfolk, Virginia, a drive of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic and the chosen route. This journey typically involves US-158 East to US-168 North, and then onto I-64 East. This longer commute underscores the importance of careful planning and reliable transportation for patients undergoing treatment.

The roads themselves, while generally well-maintained, can present challenges. The Outer Banks are prone to hurricanes and severe weather, which can lead to road closures and delays, further complicating access to care. Therefore, patients and their families must factor in potential weather-related disruptions when scheduling appointments and treatment regimens.

**Public Transportation: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Harbinger are limited, presenting a significant hurdle for individuals without personal vehicles. The Dare County Transportation System offers a demand-response service, requiring advance booking. This service is designed to provide transportation for medical appointments, but availability can be constrained, particularly during peak hours.

The lack of regular bus routes and fixed schedules makes relying solely on public transportation for lung cancer treatment a significant challenge. While the demand-response service may offer ADA-compliant vehicles, the need for pre-booking and potential wait times can add considerable stress and inconvenience to patients already facing the physical and emotional toll of their illness. This limitation highlights the critical role of personal vehicles, ride-sharing, or medical transport services in ensuring timely access to care.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Outer Banks, offering a potential solution for those without personal vehicles or unable to drive. However, availability can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in areas with lower population density. Patients should plan ahead and book rides in advance to ensure reliable transportation to appointments.

Medical transport services offer a more specialized solution for patients requiring assistance with mobility or medical needs. Several companies, including local providers and national brands, operate in the area, offering services ranging from basic transportation to stretcher-equipped vehicles with trained medical personnel. These services can be invaluable for patients who are unable to drive or require assistance during their journey.

However, medical transport services can be expensive, and insurance coverage varies. Patients should investigate their insurance coverage and explore all available financial assistance options to ensure affordability. The availability of medical transport is a crucial element in the overall healthcare access picture for Harbinger residents.

**The Lung Cancer Score: A Holistic Assessment**

Considering all factors, the "Lung Cancer Score" for Harbinger, NC (ZIP code 27941) reflects a mixed picture. While the drive to Elizabeth City for initial cancer care is relatively manageable, the longer distances to more specialized facilities in Norfolk, Virginia, present a significant challenge. The limited public transportation options and the potential for weather-related disruptions further complicate access to care.

The availability of ride-sharing services and medical transport provides crucial support, but their reliability and cost can be barriers for some patients. The score emphasizes the importance of careful planning, exploring all available transportation options, and considering the potential impact of weather and seasonal traffic when navigating the healthcare system.

**Moving to Harbinger: A Healthcare Access Perspective**

For those considering moving to Harbinger, this report provides a critical perspective on healthcare access. While the community offers a desirable lifestyle, the challenges related to transportation must be carefully weighed. Individuals with pre-existing health conditions, particularly those requiring frequent medical appointments or specialized care, should thoroughly assess the transportation options and the potential impact on their quality of life.

The score underscores the importance of proactive planning, including establishing a reliable transportation network, researching local healthcare providers, and understanding insurance coverage. By acknowledging the transportation challenges and proactively addressing them, residents of Harbinger can improve their chances of receiving timely and effective lung cancer care. This report serves as a starting point for a more in-depth exploration of healthcare access, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health and well-being in this beautiful coastal community.

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Health Scores Near 27941, Harbinger, North Carolina

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Health Scores in 27941, Harbinger, North Carolina