28466, Wallace, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28466, Wallace, North Carolina is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

68.48 percent of residents in 28466 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.66 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Pender Memorial Hospital with a distance of 13.72 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Wallace, NC (ZIP Code 28466)

The air hangs thick with the scent of pine and saltwater in Wallace, North Carolina, a town nestled in the heart of Duplin County. For those considering a move to this community, or already residing within the 28466 ZIP code, understanding healthcare access, particularly concerning a serious diagnosis like lung cancer, is paramount. This write-up delves into the realities of transportation and healthcare access, culminating in a "Lung Cancer Score" designed to provide a nuanced perspective on the challenges and opportunities presented by this unique locale.

The journey to healthcare in Wallace begins with understanding the local transportation landscape. Personal vehicles are the primary mode of transit. The town itself is relatively compact, but accessing specialized medical care often necessitates venturing beyond its borders. The primary artery for travel is US-117, a two-lane highway that connects Wallace to larger cities. Heading south on US-117, you'll find yourself in Wilmington, a coastal city offering a wider array of medical specialists and facilities. The drive to Wilmington, depending on traffic, typically takes around an hour, offering a scenic route through the Carolina countryside.

Another critical route is I-40, which intersects with US-117 near Wallace. This interstate provides faster access to cities like Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, home to major medical centers and research institutions. However, this route adds significant distance and potential for increased travel time, especially during peak hours. Driving to Raleigh can take upwards of two hours, making it a less practical option for routine appointments or urgent care needs. The availability of reliable personal transportation is thus a critical determinant of healthcare access in Wallace.

Public transportation options are limited. Duplin County does not have a comprehensive public transit system. While there may be some local transportation services, they are typically geared toward seniors and individuals with disabilities. These services may require advance booking and may not be suitable for frequent trips to medical appointments, especially for those undergoing treatment for lung cancer.

The absence of robust public transit underscores the critical role of ride-sharing services and medical transport. Uber and Lyft operate in the area, but their availability can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in the more rural areas surrounding Wallace. This unreliability can pose a significant challenge for those needing frequent transportation for chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or other cancer-related treatments.

Medical transport services, such as private ambulance companies or non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) providers, offer a more specialized solution. These services are designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, often with assistance from trained personnel. However, these services can be expensive and may require pre-authorization from insurance providers. The availability of medical transport services in Wallace is crucial, but their cost and accessibility need careful consideration.

Healthcare access in Wallace is primarily centered around the local medical facilities. Sampson Regional Medical Center in Clinton, approximately a 30-minute drive from Wallace via US-117, offers a range of services, including primary care, specialist consultations, and some diagnostic testing. However, for specialized oncology care, patients often need to travel to larger hospitals in Wilmington or Raleigh.

The availability of oncology specialists is a key factor in the Lung Cancer Score. While Sampson Regional may offer some cancer-related services, it likely doesn’t have a comprehensive oncology center with all the necessary specialists and advanced treatment options. This necessitates travel to larger cities, increasing the time and effort required to access specialized care.

The distance to major cancer centers, the availability of transportation options, and the cost of healthcare services all contribute to the Lung Cancer Score. This score is not a static number but a reflection of the challenges and opportunities associated with healthcare access in Wallace.

Factors that positively influence the score include the proximity to Sampson Regional Medical Center, the availability of ride-sharing services (though limited), and the potential for medical transport services. Conversely, factors that negatively impact the score include the limited public transportation, the distance to comprehensive oncology centers, and the potential for inconsistent ride-sharing availability.

For someone considering moving to Wallace, the Lung Cancer Score provides a framework for understanding the healthcare landscape. It emphasizes the importance of having a reliable personal vehicle or access to a dependable transportation network. It highlights the need to research local healthcare providers and understand the available treatment options. It also underscores the importance of considering the financial implications of healthcare access, including the cost of transportation, medical services, and potential insurance coverage.

The journey to healthcare in Wallace is not always straightforward. The absence of robust public transit, the reliance on personal vehicles, and the distance to specialized medical facilities create unique challenges. However, the community's proximity to Sampson Regional Medical Center, the potential availability of ride-sharing and medical transport, and the inherent charm of Wallace offer a unique blend of challenges and opportunities.

The Lung Cancer Score for Wallace, NC (28466) is a dynamic assessment, requiring constant evaluation as transportation options evolve and healthcare resources change. For individuals considering a move, or those already residing in the area, a thorough understanding of these factors is essential for making informed decisions about their healthcare needs. Understanding the transportation landscape, the available medical resources, and the potential financial burdens is crucial for navigating the complexities of healthcare access in this unique corner of North Carolina. The journey to healthcare, especially when facing a diagnosis like lung cancer, requires careful planning, proactive research, and a realistic assessment of the available resources.