28449, Kure Beach, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28449, Kure Beach, North Carolina is 53 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

70.00 percent of residents in 28449 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.25 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is J Arthur Dosher Memorial Hospital with a distance of 8.03 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Kure Beach (ZIP Code 28449)

Considering a move to the serene shores of Kure Beach, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28449)? While the ocean breeze and laid-back lifestyle are undoubtedly alluring, it’s crucial to assess the practicalities of healthcare access, particularly if you're concerned about lung cancer. This write-up provides a "Lung Cancer Score" analysis, focusing on transportation options to medical facilities equipped to diagnose and treat this complex disease. We'll delve into drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services, painting a detailed picture of your healthcare access landscape.

Our primary concern revolves around the efficient and timely access to specialized lung cancer care. This means considering facilities offering comprehensive services, including pulmonologists, oncologists, radiation therapists, and advanced imaging capabilities. We'll also consider the ease of access for follow-up appointments, chemotherapy sessions, and radiation treatments, all critical components of lung cancer management.

**The Drive Time Dynamics:**

Kure Beach, a charming coastal community, is geographically nestled, making transportation a key factor. The primary route for accessing healthcare facilities is via **NC-421** (Carolina Beach Road), the main artery connecting Kure Beach to Wilmington. This road, while generally well-maintained, can experience traffic congestion, particularly during peak tourist seasons and rush hour.

From Kure Beach, a drive to the **New Hanover Regional Medical Center (NHRMC)** in Wilmington, a major healthcare provider with comprehensive cancer services, typically takes between 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic. This drive involves navigating **NC-421** north, merging onto **US-421** (College Road), and then following signs to the hospital campus. During peak times, this commute could easily extend to an hour, potentially impacting the urgency of care.

Another option is **Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center**, also in Wilmington. The route is similar, using **NC-421** and **US-421**. Drive times are comparable to NHRMC, though specific travel times may vary based on the exact destination within the hospital complex.

For specialized care, such as advanced radiation therapy or clinical trials, you might need to travel further. **Duke Cancer Institute** in Durham, a nationally recognized cancer center, is approximately a 2.5-3 hour drive. This journey primarily involves taking **US-421** north, merging onto **I-40 West**, and then following signs to Durham. While this drive is manageable, it underscores the importance of timely local care.

**Public Transportation: A Limited Landscape:**

Public transportation options in the Kure Beach area are limited. The **Wave Transit** system, serving the Wilmington area, offers routes that extend to Carolina Beach, but service frequency and coverage in Kure Beach are restricted.

The primary route of relevance is likely Route 201, which runs along **NC-421**. However, this route may not directly serve all healthcare facilities, and transfers might be necessary. Accessibility for individuals with mobility limitations, including those undergoing cancer treatment, is a critical consideration. Wave Transit buses are equipped with ADA-compliant features, including ramps and designated seating. However, the extended travel times and potential for multiple transfers can pose challenges for patients.

The frequency of buses on Route 201 is generally hourly, or even less frequent during off-peak hours and weekends. This limited frequency can be a significant barrier to accessing timely healthcare appointments, especially for those requiring frequent visits.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Wilmington area and offer a more flexible transportation option. These services can be particularly useful for those who cannot drive or prefer not to. However, ride-sharing availability and pricing can fluctuate, especially during peak demand or inclement weather.

Medical transportation services provide specialized assistance for patients with mobility limitations or those requiring medical supervision during transport. Several companies operate in the Wilmington area, offering services ranging from basic transportation to stretcher-equipped vehicles with trained medical personnel.

**Medical transport** services are particularly important for patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy, who may experience fatigue, nausea, or other side effects that make driving unsafe or uncomfortable. These services can ensure safe and comfortable transportation to and from appointments.

**Assessing the "Lung Cancer Score":**

Given the factors outlined above, we can formulate a preliminary "Lung Cancer Score" for Kure Beach (ZIP Code 28449). This score considers the ease of access to healthcare facilities for lung cancer diagnosis and treatment, taking into account drive times, public transportation limitations, and the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services.

The score is based on a subjective assessment, reflecting the challenges and advantages of accessing care. It is intended to provide a general overview and should be complemented by individual research and consultation with healthcare providers.

**Factors impacting the score:**

* **Drive Time:** Moderate. The 30-45 minute drive to Wilmington hospitals is generally acceptable, but traffic can increase travel times.
* **Public Transportation:** Limited. Infrequent bus service and potential for transfers pose challenges.
* **Ride-Sharing:** Available. Uber and Lyft offer a flexible option, but availability and cost can vary.
* **Medical Transport:** Available. Specialized services provide crucial support for patients with mobility limitations.
* **Proximity to Specialized Care:** Moderate. While Wilmington offers comprehensive services, access to specialized facilities like Duke Cancer Institute requires a longer drive.

**Overall Assessment:**

Kure Beach receives a moderate score for healthcare access related to lung cancer. While Wilmington offers readily available healthcare, the reliance on personal vehicles or ride-sharing, coupled with the limitations of public transportation, can pose challenges.

**Recommendations:**

* **Prioritize proximity:** When considering a move, assess the proximity to healthcare facilities and the feasibility of transportation.
* **Investigate insurance coverage:** Ensure your insurance plan covers transportation costs and the services of medical transport providers.
* **Plan for appointments:** Schedule appointments with sufficient buffer time to account for potential traffic delays.
* **Explore support services:** Research local support groups and resources for cancer patients and their families.
* **Discuss transportation needs:** Consult with your healthcare providers to discuss your transportation needs and explore available options.

**Conclusion:**

Moving to Kure Beach offers an idyllic lifestyle, but careful consideration of healthcare access is essential. By understanding the transportation landscape and the available resources, you can make informed decisions and ensure your well-being. While the "Lung Cancer Score" provides a preliminary assessment, individual circumstances and healthcare needs should guide your final decision. Remember to conduct thorough research and consult with healthcare professionals to make the best choices for your health and future.