28409, Wilmington, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28409, Wilmington, North Carolina is 61 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

78.16 percent of residents in 28409 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.94 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center with a distance of 4.41 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 28409

The journey to healthcare, particularly for those facing the complexities of a lung cancer diagnosis, is a critical factor influencing patient outcomes. This analysis delves into the transportation landscape within ZIP Code 28409, Wilmington, North Carolina, assessing the accessibility of lung cancer treatment facilities and generating a "Lung Cancer Score" to reflect the ease or difficulty of reaching vital medical services. Understanding the transportation challenges is paramount for residents, and those considering moving to Wilmington, as it directly impacts their healthcare access.

The 28409 ZIP Code, encompassing a significant portion of Wilmington, presents a varied transportation environment. The primary arteries for vehicular travel are **US Highway 17**, **US Highway 74/76**, and **Carolina Beach Road (NC-421)**. These roadways, while offering relatively direct routes to major medical centers, are often subject to traffic congestion, particularly during peak commuting hours and tourist seasons.

Drive times to key healthcare providers, such as New Hanover Regional Medical Center (NHRMC), the leading hospital in the area, and its associated oncology clinics, are a crucial element of the Lung Cancer Score. From the center of 28409, a drive to NHRMC typically takes 10-20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions, utilizing **Carolina Beach Road** and **17th Street**. However, during rush hour, this commute can easily extend to 30 minutes or more, significantly impacting patients’ ability to attend appointments, receive timely treatment, and manage their disease effectively.

Public transportation, provided by Wave Transit, offers an alternative, but its limitations must be considered. Several bus routes serve the 28409 area, including routes 101, 102, and 201. Route 101, for example, travels along **Carolina Beach Road**, providing access to several medical facilities. Route 201 provides service to the downtown area, where connections to other routes can be made.

However, Wave Transit's frequency, especially during evenings and weekends, can be a significant barrier. The service is not always reliable, and the routes may not directly serve all the necessary medical facilities. Furthermore, while Wave Transit offers ADA-accessible buses, the availability of these vehicles on all routes at all times cannot be guaranteed. This is a critical consideration for patients with mobility limitations, a common challenge for individuals undergoing lung cancer treatment.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer on-demand transportation options. These services can be particularly beneficial for patients who cannot drive or who need assistance with transportation. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a significant financial burden, especially for frequent medical appointments, and the availability of drivers can vary depending on the time of day and location. The waiting times for ride-sharing services can also be unpredictable, which can be stressful for patients with time-sensitive medical needs.

Medical transportation services, such as Access of Wilmington, provide specialized transportation for patients with medical needs. These services often offer door-to-door assistance and can accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility aids. However, these services may require advance booking, and their availability can be limited, especially during peak demand. The cost of medical transportation services can also be substantial, and may not be covered by all insurance plans.

The Lung Cancer Score for 28409 considers these transportation factors. The score is a composite metric that weighs drive times, public transit accessibility, ride-sharing availability, and medical transportation options. A higher score indicates greater accessibility to healthcare facilities, while a lower score suggests significant transportation challenges.

The score also considers the proximity of the patient’s residence within the ZIP Code to major roads and public transportation routes. Residents closer to major thoroughfares and bus routes will generally have better access to healthcare, resulting in a higher score. Conversely, those residing in areas with limited transportation options will face greater challenges, leading to a lower score.

The impact of transportation challenges on lung cancer patients is multifaceted. Delays in accessing treatment can lead to disease progression and reduced survival rates. The stress of navigating complex transportation systems can exacerbate patients' physical and emotional distress. Financial burdens associated with transportation costs can also create additional hardship, particularly for those with limited incomes.

For individuals considering moving to Wilmington and who have concerns about healthcare access, the Lung Cancer Score serves as a valuable tool. It provides a realistic assessment of the transportation landscape and highlights the potential challenges and opportunities. Prospective residents should carefully consider their transportation needs and preferences when selecting a location within the 28409 ZIP Code.

The Lung Cancer Score is not just a number; it's a reflection of the lived experiences of lung cancer patients. It underscores the importance of accessible and reliable transportation in ensuring that individuals receive the timely and appropriate care they need. The score serves as a call to action for the community to improve transportation options and address the healthcare access needs of its residents.

The ongoing development of transportation infrastructure, including expanded bus routes, increased frequency of service, and the integration of technology, is crucial for enhancing healthcare access within the 28409 ZIP Code. Furthermore, promoting awareness of available transportation options, including ride-sharing and medical transportation services, can empower patients to make informed decisions about their care.

The Lung Cancer Score is a dynamic measure that will evolve as the transportation landscape changes. Regular updates and refinements are essential to ensure that the score accurately reflects the realities of healthcare access within the 28409 ZIP Code. By continuously monitoring and assessing the transportation environment, we can work towards creating a more equitable and accessible healthcare system for all residents, particularly those battling lung cancer.