28349, Kenansville, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28349, Kenansville, North Carolina is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

57.79 percent of residents in 28349 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.71 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Vidant Duplin Hospital with a distance of 2.08 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Kenansville, NC (ZIP Code 28349)

The insidious nature of lung cancer demands swift and effective healthcare access. For residents of Kenansville, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28349), the journey to diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care is a crucial factor in survival and quality of life. This "Lung Cancer Score" assesses the accessibility of essential medical services, specifically focusing on the challenges and opportunities presented by the local transportation landscape. Understanding these nuances is paramount for anyone considering moving to Kenansville or seeking care within its boundaries.

The primary determinant of healthcare access in Kenansville is the transportation network. The town itself is relatively small, with the majority of residents relying on personal vehicles. The nearest comprehensive healthcare facilities, including those offering specialized lung cancer care, are located in larger towns and cities. This geographic reality necessitates a careful evaluation of drive times, public transportation options, and alternative transportation solutions.

The most direct route to Wilmington, home to New Hanover Regional Medical Center, a major healthcare provider, involves traveling approximately 70 miles east. This journey predominantly utilizes US-24 East and then merges onto US-17 South. Under ideal conditions, the drive time is approximately one hour and fifteen minutes. However, traffic congestion, particularly during peak commuting hours, can significantly extend this travel time, potentially impacting the timely delivery of care. Further south, the drive to Jacksonville, North Carolina, offers a shorter, approximately 40-mile route, primarily via NC-24 East. This route provides access to Onslow Memorial Hospital, which may offer some cancer care services.

For those seeking care in Raleigh, a significantly longer journey of approximately 100 miles is required. This route necessitates travel via NC-24 West and then onto I-40 East. The drive time, typically exceeding two hours, is highly susceptible to traffic delays, especially around Raleigh's metropolitan area. This prolonged travel time poses a significant hurdle for patients undergoing frequent treatments or experiencing acute symptoms.

Public transportation options in Kenansville are extremely limited. Duplin County, where Kenansville is located, has a rural transit system. However, its services are primarily designed to address the needs of seniors and individuals with disabilities. The system operates on a demand-response basis, meaning rides must be scheduled in advance. It is not a readily available option for spontaneous trips to medical appointments. The absence of a fixed-route bus system significantly restricts healthcare access for those without personal vehicles. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-compliant vehicles within the county's transit system may be limited, posing challenges for patients with mobility impairments.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Kenansville, but their reliability and affordability are variable. The availability of drivers, particularly during off-peak hours or in the early morning or late evening, cannot be guaranteed. The cost of ride-sharing services can also be a significant barrier for patients, especially those requiring frequent trips for treatment. The lack of readily available ride-sharing further exacerbates the transportation challenges for individuals with lung cancer.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, represent another potential solution. Several companies operate in the region, offering specialized vehicles and trained personnel. However, these services often come at a higher cost than traditional transportation methods. Furthermore, the availability of medical transportation services can be limited, requiring advance booking and potentially leading to delays in accessing care. Finding the right medical transportation provider can be a challenge, and the cost may not be covered by insurance.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Kenansville (28349) is negatively impacted by the limited transportation options. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with potentially long drive times to specialized healthcare facilities, presents a significant challenge. The absence of robust public transportation, the variable availability and cost of ride-sharing services, and the limitations of medical transportation options all contribute to a lower score.

For individuals considering moving to Kenansville or residing there, the transportation landscape should be a primary consideration. The ability to drive or have access to a reliable personal vehicle is essential. Careful planning and budgeting for transportation costs are also necessary. Exploring all available options, including medical transportation services, and proactively scheduling appointments and arranging transportation well in advance can mitigate some of the challenges.

Healthcare access is a critical component of the overall quality of life. In the context of lung cancer, timely access to care can be the difference between life and death. For residents of Kenansville, the journey to healthcare is a complex one, requiring careful navigation of the local transportation infrastructure. This "Lung Cancer Score" aims to illuminate these challenges, empowering individuals to make informed decisions and proactively address the transportation barriers to accessing vital medical services. The need for improved transportation options, particularly for those facing serious health challenges, is a clear and pressing concern.