28330, Cordova, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28330, Cordova, North Carolina is 18 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

100.00 percent of residents in 28330 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.62 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Atrium Health Anson with a distance of 16.90 miles from the area.

**Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Cordova, NC (ZIP Code 28330)**

The insidious shadow of lung cancer looms large, demanding swift and effective healthcare access. This write-up analyzes the transportation landscape in Cordova, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28330), a community facing unique challenges in this regard. We’ll explore the practical realities of reaching vital medical services, considering drive times, public transit options, and alternative transportation solutions. Understanding these factors is crucial for residents, especially those newly **moving to Cordova**, and for healthcare providers striving to optimize patient care. This assessment aims to provide a "Lung Cancer Score," a qualitative measure of healthcare accessibility based on transportation limitations.

The very nature of **healthcare access** is intertwined with transportation. For individuals battling lung cancer, timely diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care are paramount. Delays caused by transportation difficulties can severely impact outcomes. The "Lung Cancer Score" reflects the ease or difficulty of reaching critical medical facilities from the heart of Cordova.

**Drive Times and Roadways: The Asphalt Arteries**

The primary arteries connecting Cordova to healthcare are the roadways. Driving is the most common mode of **transportation** in this rural area. Reaching the nearest major hospitals and specialized cancer centers necessitates traversing a network of highways and local roads. The journey begins on US-74, a major east-west thoroughfare. Depending on the destination, this highway can be a lifeline or a source of frustration.

To reach FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst, a crucial healthcare hub, the drive involves a combination of US-74 and NC-211. The distance is approximately 40 miles, translating to a drive time of roughly 50 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic and the time of day. This drive, though manageable, can be taxing for patients undergoing treatment, particularly those experiencing fatigue or mobility issues.

For more specialized cancer care, patients might need to travel to larger medical centers in Fayetteville, such as Cape Fear Valley Medical Center. This journey involves taking US-74 East and then I-95 North, covering a distance of approximately 50 miles. The drive time can range from 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on traffic, especially during peak hours. This longer commute adds to the stress and burden on patients and their families.

These drive times are based on ideal conditions. Unexpected delays due to traffic accidents, road construction, or inclement weather can significantly extend these travel times, potentially impacting the timeliness of medical appointments and treatments.

**Public Transit: A Sparse Network**

Public transit options in Cordova are limited. The local transportation infrastructure is not designed to support frequent or extensive public transit. The lack of readily available public transit options presents a significant challenge for individuals without personal vehicles or those unable to drive due to their illness or other limitations.

The absence of robust public transit options underscores the importance of alternative transportation solutions for patients battling lung cancer in Cordova. The limited public transit availability directly impacts the "Lung Cancer Score," reducing its value.

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

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer a potential solution, but their availability in rural areas can be inconsistent. The presence of these services in Cordova is likely limited, and wait times could be significant. This unreliability poses a serious challenge for patients needing prompt transportation to medical appointments.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by specialized companies, provide a more reliable option for patients. These services often offer door-to-door transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. However, these services can be costly, potentially creating a financial barrier for some patients.

**ADA Accessibility: A Critical Consideration**

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates accessibility in public transportation and medical facilities. However, even with ADA compliance, the practical challenges of navigating long distances and transferring between vehicles can be difficult for patients with mobility limitations. The lack of accessible public transit options and the potential for long travel times further complicate the situation.

**The "Lung Cancer Score": A Qualitative Assessment**

Considering the factors discussed, the "Lung Cancer Score" for Cordova, NC (ZIP Code 28330) is relatively low. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the potential challenges with ride-sharing services create significant barriers to **healthcare access**. The long drive times to major medical centers, particularly for specialized cancer care, add to the burden on patients.

**Conclusion: Enhancing Healthcare Access**

Improving **healthcare access** in Cordova requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes exploring strategies to increase the availability and affordability of medical transportation services. Encouraging collaboration between healthcare providers, local government, and community organizations to develop innovative transportation solutions is vital.

For individuals **moving to Cordova**, understanding the transportation limitations is crucial. Careful planning and consideration of transportation needs are essential for ensuring timely access to medical care. The "Lung Cancer Score" serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by residents in this rural community and highlights the urgent need for improvements in healthcare access. The creation of a more robust and accessible transportation infrastructure is essential for improving the lives of those battling lung cancer and other serious illnesses in Cordova.