28374, Pinehurst, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28374, Pinehurst, North Carolina is 22 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

67.65 percent of residents in 28374 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.26 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Firsthealth Moore Regional Hospital with a distance of 0.95 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in ZIP Code 28374

The tranquility of Pinehurst, North Carolina, often draws individuals seeking a slower pace of life and access to exceptional healthcare. However, for residents of ZIP Code 28374, particularly those facing a lung cancer diagnosis, the reality of accessing timely and effective treatment hinges significantly on the intricate web of **transportation** options available. This write-up provides a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, evaluating the accessibility of crucial healthcare resources, considering the challenges and opportunities inherent in this specific geographic location. The score considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options, all crucial factors influencing **healthcare access** for those living with lung cancer.

The primary healthcare hub for residents of 28374 is FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst, a facility renowned for its comprehensive cancer care. However, the journey to and from this hospital, and other specialized facilities, is often a complex equation, especially for patients experiencing the fatigue and mobility limitations common with lung cancer. The score will weigh these factors, offering a nuanced understanding of the challenges and potential solutions for individuals navigating this difficult journey. Understanding the nuances of **transportation** is paramount.

**Drive Time Dynamics:**

The most common mode of **transportation** for residents is personal vehicles. The primary roadways impacting travel to FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital include US-1, NC-211, and NC-5. From many points within 28374, the hospital is generally accessible within a 10-15 minute drive, a relatively favorable timeframe. However, this assumes ideal conditions. Rush hour traffic, particularly along US-1, can significantly extend travel times, potentially pushing the commute beyond 20 minutes.

For specialized treatments like radiation therapy or consultations with specific oncologists, patients might need to travel to facilities in Southern Pines or even further afield, such as UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill. A trip to Southern Pines, via US-1, typically adds another 10-15 minutes to the journey. A drive to Chapel Hill, while offering specialized care, can easily consume 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions. This extended travel time can be a significant burden, especially for patients undergoing daily treatments.

The rural nature of the area also presents challenges. While the roads are generally well-maintained, inclement weather, such as heavy rain or occasional snowfall, can make driving conditions hazardous and unpredictable, further impacting **healthcare access**. The impact of these variables on the overall Lung Cancer Score is considerable.

**Public Transit: A Limited Landscape:**

Public **transportation** options in 28374 are limited. The Moore County Transportation Authority (MCTA) provides a demand-response service, meaning rides must be scheduled in advance. While this service is available to residents, it's not designed for spontaneous trips or immediate needs. This significantly impacts **healthcare access**, especially for patients requiring frequent appointments or facing unexpected complications.

The MCTA does offer ADA-accessible vehicles, a crucial feature for patients with mobility limitations. However, the scheduling process and potential wait times can be problematic. The lack of fixed-route bus services further compounds the challenge, making public transit a less-than-ideal solution for many lung cancer patients. The Lung Cancer Score reflects this limitation.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gap:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Pinehurst area, offering a more flexible **transportation** alternative to public transit. However, the availability of these services can vary, particularly during off-peak hours or in more remote areas of the ZIP Code. The cost of these rides can also be a significant factor, especially for patients with limited financial resources.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed to cater to patients with medical needs, offer a more specialized solution. Companies like FirstHealth Home Care and other private providers offer non-emergency medical **transportation**, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained drivers. These services can be invaluable for patients who are unable to drive or lack family support. However, these services often require pre-booking and can be costly, presenting another barrier to **healthcare access**.

**The Lung Cancer Score: A Holistic Assessment:**

The Lung Cancer Score for 28374 considers all these factors. The score would be negatively impacted by the limited public transit options and the potential for extended drive times, particularly for specialized care. The availability of ride-sharing services and medical **transportation** options offers some mitigation, but the cost and potential for limited availability remain concerns.

The score would be positively influenced by the proximity of FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital and the generally well-maintained road infrastructure. However, the rural nature of the area and the potential for inclement weather to impact travel times are also considered. The overall score would reflect a moderate level of accessibility, with significant challenges related to **transportation** faced by individuals with lung cancer.

**Moving to Pinehurst: Considering the Score:**

For individuals considering **moving to Pinehurst** with a lung cancer diagnosis or a high risk of developing the disease, this Lung Cancer Score provides a crucial perspective. While the area offers excellent healthcare facilities, the **transportation** landscape presents challenges that must be carefully considered. Individuals should assess their mobility, financial resources, and support network to determine if the available **transportation** options meet their specific needs.

Furthermore, individuals should explore the availability of support services, such as patient navigators at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital, who can assist with coordinating **transportation** and navigating the healthcare system. Understanding the limitations and leveraging available resources is critical for ensuring timely and effective treatment. The Lung Cancer Score serves as a starting point for this critical assessment. The goal is to ensure that individuals can access the care they need, regardless of their **transportation** limitations, and that **healthcare access** remains a priority.