28394, Vass, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28394, Vass, North Carolina is 53 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

50.40 percent of residents in 28394 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.12 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Firsthealth Moore Regional Hospital with a distance of 12.77 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in ZIP Code 28394

Understanding healthcare access is paramount, especially when considering a move, and particularly if one has health concerns. This write-up analyzes the lung cancer care landscape for residents of ZIP code 28394 (Vass, North Carolina), focusing on transportation options to medical facilities equipped to diagnose and treat this serious illness. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive "Lung Cancer Score" based on the ease and efficiency of getting from Vass to critical healthcare services.

The "Lung Cancer Score" is not a formal medical assessment, but rather a practical evaluation of the logistical challenges and advantages involved in accessing lung cancer-related healthcare. This score considers drive times, public transportation options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, offering a realistic view of the transportation landscape. This information is crucial for anyone considering moving to Vass, or for current residents seeking to optimize their healthcare access.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The primary driver for healthcare access in 28394 is the automobile. Vass, a small town, relies heavily on personal vehicles for transportation. The most direct route to major medical centers involves navigating the local roadways.

The primary artery for travel is **US Highway 1**. Heading north on US-1 will take you to the larger towns of Southern Pines and Pinehurst, where you will find FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital, a major healthcare provider. The drive to Pinehurst, a key destination for specialized care, typically takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. This is a relatively manageable commute for routine appointments and check-ups.

Further afield, for more specialized care, residents may need to travel to larger cities. Raleigh, the state capital, is approximately a 1 hour and 30 minutes drive via US-1 North, then merging onto **US-64 East** and finally connecting to **I-40 East**. This route provides access to the UNC Medical Center, a major academic medical center offering comprehensive cancer care.

Alternatively, traveling south on US-1 will eventually lead to Fayetteville, a larger city with a variety of medical facilities. This journey, including travel on **US-1 South** and connecting to **NC-210 West**, will take around 1 hour. Cape Fear Valley Medical Center in Fayetteville is another option for healthcare.

Traffic conditions, particularly during peak commuting hours, can significantly impact these drive times. Rush hour on US-1, especially near Southern Pines and Pinehurst, can add considerable time to the journey.

**Public Transportation:**

Public transportation options in 28394 are limited. Moore County, where Vass is located, does not have an extensive public transit system. This presents a significant challenge for individuals who do not have access to a personal vehicle.

The primary public transit option is the **Moore County Transportation Authority (MCTA)**, which provides demand-response transportation services. This means that riders must schedule their trips in advance. MCTA offers curb-to-curb service, but its availability and routes are limited, primarily serving the immediate Moore County area. This is a viable option for local errands, but may not be suitable for traveling to distant medical facilities.

The MCTA offers ADA-compliant vehicles, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities. However, the reliance on advance scheduling and limited service area restricts its usefulness for healthcare access, particularly for urgent or specialized care.

The lack of robust public transit underscores the importance of alternative transportation strategies for individuals considering moving to Vass or for current residents with lung cancer or other health concerns.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Vass area. However, their availability can fluctuate depending on driver availability and demand. Ride-sharing is a potential option for healthcare transportation, especially for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle. However, the cost of ride-sharing can accumulate, particularly for frequent appointments.

Medical transport services provide a more specialized solution. Companies like **First Medical Transportation**, **American Medical Response**, and **Ambulance Services of North Carolina** offer non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services. These services are designed to transport individuals to and from medical appointments, often with wheelchair-accessible vehicles. NEMT services are typically covered by insurance, but may require prior authorization.

Medical transport options can be particularly beneficial for individuals with mobility limitations or those undergoing cancer treatments that may affect their ability to drive. However, it is crucial to research the specific coverage and limitations of these services.

**Healthcare Access Considerations:**

The "Lung Cancer Score" for 28394 is moderately challenging. While the proximity to Pinehurst and Southern Pines offers relatively easy access to primary care and some specialized services, accessing comprehensive lung cancer care, including advanced treatments and clinical trials, may require longer travel times to Raleigh or Fayetteville.

The limited public transportation options and the reliance on personal vehicles pose a challenge for individuals without access to a car. Ride-sharing and medical transport services provide alternative solutions, but their availability and cost should be carefully considered.

**Moving to Vass and Healthcare Planning:**

For individuals considering moving to Vass, understanding the transportation landscape is crucial for healthcare planning. Assessing the availability of transportation options, including personal vehicles, ride-sharing, and medical transport services, is essential.

Individuals with lung cancer or other health concerns should prioritize proximity to healthcare facilities and consider the ease of access to specialized care. The drive times to major medical centers in Pinehurst, Raleigh, and Fayetteville should be factored into the decision-making process.

It is highly recommended that potential residents of 28394 research the specific healthcare providers and services available in the area. Contacting local hospitals, cancer centers, and transportation providers can provide valuable information about healthcare access and transportation options.

**Conclusion:**

The "Lung Cancer Score" for 28394 reflects a mixed bag of advantages and disadvantages. While the proximity to Pinehurst offers relatively convenient access to healthcare, the limited public transportation and reliance on personal vehicles present challenges. Careful planning, research, and consideration of alternative transportation options are essential for residents and prospective residents seeking to optimize their healthcare access in Vass. The journey to healthcare requires proactive planning, and understanding the transportation landscape is a crucial step in ensuring that residents of 28394 can receive the care they need.