27985, Winfall, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 27985, Winfall, North Carolina is 24 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

87.50 percent of residents in 27985 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.02 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Vidant Chowan Hospital with a distance of 13.02 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Winfall, NC (ZIP Code 27985)

The whisper of a lung cancer diagnosis can instantly transform life, casting a long shadow over every decision. Within the quaint, rural community of Winfall, North Carolina (ZIP code 27985), the practicality of **healthcare access** becomes paramount. This write-up delves into the intricacies of **transportation** options available to residents needing specialized lung cancer care, quantifying the challenges and opportunities in a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment. This score isn't a numerical value, but a comprehensive understanding of the hurdles faced when **moving to Winfall** or seeking treatment within the region.

Winfall, nestled in Perquimans County, offers a tranquil existence. However, its geographic isolation presents significant hurdles when navigating the complexities of cancer treatment. The nearest comprehensive cancer centers, equipped with specialized pulmonologists, oncologists, radiation therapists, and support services, are located in larger cities, requiring considerable travel.

The primary mode of **transportation** for most Winfall residents is personal vehicle. The drive to the nearest significant medical facilities often involves navigating the winding roads of the region. The most direct route to Sentara Albemarle Medical Center in Elizabeth City, approximately 20 miles away, utilizes US-17 South. This drive, under normal traffic conditions, can take around 30-40 minutes. While Sentara Albemarle provides some oncology services, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy, advanced lung cancer treatment often necessitates referral to larger, more specialized centers.

For more complex care, patients frequently seek treatment in Norfolk, Virginia, a drive of roughly 70 miles. The primary route involves US-17 North to I-64 East. This journey, depending on traffic, can take anywhere from 1.5 to 2 hours. The potential for delays due to accidents, road construction, or inclement weather significantly impacts the timeliness of appointments, particularly for chemotherapy or radiation treatments, where adherence to a precise schedule is crucial.

The drive to Greenville, North Carolina, home to Vidant Medical Center, is another option. This route involves NC-37 South and US-17 South, covering approximately 60 miles and taking about 1.25 hours, again, dependent on traffic. Vidant offers comprehensive cancer care, including specialized lung cancer treatment, making it a viable option for Winfall residents.

**Public Transit** options in Winfall and the surrounding areas are limited. The lack of a robust public transit system presents a significant barrier to **healthcare access**, particularly for those without personal vehicles or who are unable to drive due to their illness or treatment side effects. There is no dedicated bus service within Winfall. The Albemarle Rural Transportation System (ARTS) provides demand-response transportation within Perquimans County. However, ARTS operates on a limited schedule and availability, and it may not be suitable for frequent appointments or emergency situations. The lack of **ADA** (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessible routes and features on public transit further exacerbates the challenges faced by patients with mobility limitations.

**Ride-share** services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Elizabeth City and Greenville areas, but their presence in Winfall is less consistent. Availability depends on driver density and demand. Relying on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments can be unreliable and expensive, especially for long-distance trips. The cost of multiple ride-share trips each week to Norfolk or Greenville can quickly become a financial burden, adding another layer of stress to an already difficult situation.

**Medical transport** services offer a more specialized solution for patients needing assistance with transportation to and from medical appointments. Companies like AMR (American Medical Response) and other private medical transport providers operate in the region. However, these services can be costly, and their availability may be limited depending on the patient's insurance coverage and the urgency of the need. Scheduling medical transport requires advance planning, making it less suitable for unexpected hospitalizations or urgent care needs.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Winfall residents considers these factors. The score reflects the challenges inherent in accessing specialized lung cancer care due to geographic isolation and limited **transportation** options. The reliance on personal vehicles, the potential for long travel times, the scarcity of **public transit**, and the cost and availability of **ride-share** and **medical transport** services all contribute to a lower score.

The score also considers the impact of these **transportation** challenges on the overall patient experience. Frequent, long drives can be physically and emotionally draining, exacerbating the side effects of treatment and hindering the patient's ability to focus on recovery. The financial burden of travel expenses can also create significant stress, impacting the patient's quality of life and potentially leading to delayed or missed appointments.

For individuals **moving to Winfall** who have a history of lung cancer or are at high risk, a thorough assessment of **healthcare access** is crucial. Prospective residents should carefully consider the available **transportation** options, the proximity of specialized cancer centers, and the potential financial implications of travel. They should also investigate the availability of support services, such as patient navigators and transportation assistance programs, that can help alleviate some of the burdens associated with accessing care.

The "Lung Cancer Score" highlights the need for improved **healthcare access** in Winfall and the surrounding region. This includes advocating for expanded **public transit** options, particularly those that are **ADA**-compliant, and exploring partnerships with **ride-share** companies to provide affordable and reliable transportation to medical appointments. Furthermore, increasing awareness of available **medical transport** services and advocating for increased insurance coverage for these services is essential.

Finally, the score underscores the importance of supporting local healthcare providers and encouraging the development of telehealth services, which can help bridge the gap between patients and specialists, reducing the need for frequent, long-distance travel. By addressing these challenges, the community can improve the "Lung Cancer Score" and ensure that residents of Winfall have timely and equitable access to the life-saving care they need.