28311, Fayetteville, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28311, Fayetteville, North Carolina is 56 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

74.34 percent of residents in 28311 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 8.93 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Womack Amc (Ft Bragg) with a distance of 6.01 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 28311

Moving to Fayetteville, North Carolina, and residing in ZIP code 28311 presents a unique set of considerations, especially concerning healthcare access. This write-up delves into the complexities of navigating the transportation landscape when facing a potential lung cancer diagnosis. Our focus will be on understanding the practicalities of reaching crucial medical appointments, considering the time, cost, and accessibility challenges inherent in the area.

The Lung Cancer Score, in this context, isn't a formal medical assessment. Instead, it's a practical evaluation of the ease with which a hypothetical patient could access necessary lung cancer care from various points within 28311. This includes diagnostic imaging, consultations with oncologists, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy sessions. The score considers the availability and efficiency of different transportation options, recognizing that timely and reliable transportation is critical for successful treatment.

The primary concern for residents of 28311, particularly those residing in the western and southern areas, is the reliance on personal vehicles. The sprawling nature of Fayetteville necessitates driving for most errands, and healthcare access is no exception. The primary arterial roadways for transportation are the I-95, connecting to the rest of the state and the nation, and the I-295, which circles the city. These are supplemented by major thoroughfares such as Raeford Road (Highway 401), Skibo Road, and Morganton Road.

For a resident in the western reaches of 28311, a drive to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, the primary hospital in the area, could take 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. This drive would likely involve navigating Raeford Road and then transitioning onto Morganton Road. Similarly, reaching the various oncology clinics and imaging centers clustered near the hospital would involve a similar commute.

The drive times are significantly impacted by traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours. Morning and afternoon commutes can add considerable time to the journey, potentially causing stress and anxiety for patients already facing the emotional and physical toll of a cancer diagnosis. This is especially true for those undergoing radiation therapy, which often requires daily appointments.

Public transportation, while available, presents significant challenges for those seeking healthcare access. The Fayetteville Area System of Transit (FAST) operates a network of bus routes throughout the city. However, the coverage within 28311 is limited, and the routes often require multiple transfers to reach medical facilities.

For example, a resident near the intersection of Cliffdale Road and Strickland Bridge Road might need to take the Route 1 bus to the downtown transfer station, then transfer to the Route 7 bus, which travels along Morganton Road and provides access to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center. This journey could easily take an hour or more, making it impractical for many patients, particularly those with mobility limitations or undergoing treatment that leaves them fatigued.

Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible buses is crucial. FAST strives to provide accessible services, but the frequency of these buses on specific routes and the reliability of their operation can be a concern. Patients with physical disabilities or those using mobility aids need to be assured of consistent access to accessible transportation.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer another option for transportation. However, their availability and cost can vary depending on the time of day and the demand. While ride-sharing provides a more direct and convenient alternative to public transportation, the cost can quickly accumulate, especially for frequent appointments.

For a patient needing daily radiation therapy, the cost of ride-sharing could become a significant financial burden. Moreover, the reliability of ride-sharing services in Fayetteville, particularly during inclement weather or at off-peak hours, cannot be guaranteed.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients with healthcare needs, are available in the area. These services often provide door-to-door transportation, including assistance with mobility and other needs. They can be a valuable resource for patients who are unable to drive or who lack access to other transportation options.

However, the availability of these services may be limited, and the cost can be substantial. Patients need to research and compare different medical transportation providers, considering their insurance coverage and the specific needs of their treatment plan.

The Lung Cancer Score for 28311, therefore, reflects a mixed picture. While the presence of major roadways provides relatively easy access to healthcare facilities for those with personal vehicles, the limitations of public transportation, the cost and reliability of ride-sharing, and the availability of medical transportation services create significant challenges for many residents.

The score would be negatively impacted by the reliance on personal vehicles and the potential for traffic delays. The limited coverage and the potential for long journey times would also be a negative factor. The cost and availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services would further influence the score.

For those considering moving to Fayetteville and residing in 28311, it is crucial to carefully assess their transportation needs and healthcare access requirements. This includes understanding the location of healthcare providers, the availability of transportation options, and the potential costs associated with each. Planning ahead and exploring all available resources is essential for ensuring timely and reliable access to care.

The Lung Cancer Score for 28311 emphasizes the importance of proactive planning. It underscores the need for patients and their families to investigate all available transportation options, including public transportation, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation providers. Understanding the costs, the reliability, and the accessibility of each option is crucial for navigating the complexities of healthcare access in this region.