28323, Bunnlevel, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28323, Bunnlevel, North Carolina is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

48.61 percent of residents in 28323 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.08 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Betsy Johnson Regional Hospital with a distance of 12.60 miles from the area.

**Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Bunnlevel, NC (ZIP Code 28323)**

The diagnosis of lung cancer necessitates swift and comprehensive healthcare. For residents of Bunnlevel, North Carolina (ZIP code 28323), the journey to treatment presents a unique set of challenges and considerations. This Lung Cancer Score assesses the accessibility of healthcare resources, focusing on the critical element of transportation. It examines the availability and efficiency of various modes of transportation, from personal vehicles to public transit and ride-sharing services, to determine the ease with which residents can access vital medical care. This is particularly important for those considering moving to Bunnlevel.

The primary concern for residents of Bunnlevel is the drive time to the nearest comprehensive cancer treatment centers. The most direct route typically involves navigating the rural landscape. The journey to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center in Fayetteville, a major healthcare provider, primarily utilizes US-401 South. Depending on traffic conditions, the drive can take anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes. Alternatively, residents may opt to travel to Duke University Hospital in Durham, a more specialized center. This journey necessitates utilizing US-401 North to I-95 North, then onto NC-147, and typically takes between 1 hour and 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

Another option is UNC Medical Center in Chapel Hill, which can be reached by taking US-401 North to US-1, then onto I-40 West. This trip typically takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes. These times are based on optimal conditions and can be significantly impacted by rush hour, weather, or road closures. Delays in transportation can directly affect the timeliness of diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care, all critical factors in lung cancer management. This highlights the importance of understanding the nuances of transportation in the area.

Public transportation options are limited in Bunnlevel and the surrounding areas. The Fayetteville Area System of Transit (FAST) provides bus services within Fayetteville, but these routes do not directly serve Bunnlevel. The closest FAST bus stop to Bunnlevel is located approximately 10 miles away, which necessitates an additional mode of transportation to reach the bus route. Furthermore, public transit options are not designed to accommodate the specific needs of cancer patients, such as frequent medical appointments, mobility limitations, and the need for accompanying caregivers. While FAST buses are equipped with ADA-compliant features, the overall lack of direct routes to healthcare facilities poses a significant barrier to healthcare access.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Bunnlevel area, but their reliability and cost can vary. Availability is often contingent on driver density, which may be lower in rural areas. The cost of these services can quickly accumulate, especially for frequent appointments and treatments. Furthermore, the availability of ride-sharing services may be limited during off-peak hours or in inclement weather, potentially leaving patients stranded. The dependence on ride-sharing, therefore, presents a degree of uncertainty that can exacerbate the stress and anxiety associated with a lung cancer diagnosis.

Medical transportation services offer a more specialized solution. Companies such as Care Ride and American Medical Response provide non-emergency medical transportation, including transport to and from medical appointments. These services often cater to individuals with mobility issues or those who require assistance during their journey. However, these services can be expensive and may require advance booking, which can pose challenges in emergency situations or for unexpected medical needs. The availability of medical transportation services in Bunnlevel is another crucial aspect of healthcare access.

Healthcare access is a complex issue in Bunnlevel, and the challenges are amplified for individuals diagnosed with lung cancer. The lack of readily available public transportation, the variable reliability of ride-sharing services, and the cost of medical transportation all contribute to a lower Lung Cancer Score. The dependence on personal vehicles, coupled with the potential for traffic delays, adds further complexity. For those considering moving to Bunnlevel, a thorough assessment of transportation options and their associated costs is crucial.

The distance to comprehensive cancer treatment centers, coupled with the limited transportation options, underscores the need for proactive planning. Patients and their families must carefully consider the transportation logistics involved in accessing care. This includes assessing the availability of personal vehicles, the feasibility of relying on family or friends for rides, and the financial implications of utilizing ride-sharing or medical transportation services.

Furthermore, the healthcare system must address the transportation challenges faced by patients in rural areas. This could involve exploring partnerships with ride-sharing companies to provide subsidized transportation, expanding public transportation routes to serve Bunnlevel, or establishing mobile healthcare clinics that can bring treatment closer to patients. Such initiatives would significantly improve healthcare access and enhance the quality of life for individuals battling lung cancer.

The Lung Cancer Score for Bunnlevel is a reflection of the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access. The score is influenced by drive times to treatment centers, the limitations of public transit, the variability of ride-sharing services, and the cost of medical transportation. Understanding these factors is essential for patients, their families, and healthcare providers to navigate the complexities of lung cancer care in this rural community. It is a call to action for improved healthcare access, especially regarding transportation.

In conclusion, the challenges related to transportation significantly impact the Lung Cancer Score for Bunnlevel. The dependence on personal vehicles, the limitations of public transit, and the variable availability and cost of ride-sharing and medical transportation services all contribute to a lower score. Addressing these transportation challenges is crucial for improving healthcare access and outcomes for individuals diagnosed with lung cancer in this community. Moving to Bunnlevel should involve a careful assessment of these factors.