28470, Shallotte, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28470, Shallotte, North Carolina is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

72.87 percent of residents in 28470 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.17 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center with a distance of 8.52 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Shallotte, NC (ZIP Code 28470)

The sun-drenched coastal town of Shallotte, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28470), beckons with its promise of serene living and a slower pace. Yet, beneath the idyllic surface lies a critical consideration for residents and prospective newcomers: healthcare access, especially for those facing a diagnosis as serious as lung cancer. This write-up explores the realities of transportation options and their impact on healthcare access, culminating in a "Lung Cancer Score" designed to illuminate the challenges and opportunities within this vital aspect of life in Shallotte.

The journey to healthcare, particularly for specialized treatments like those for lung cancer, is often a complex one. It involves not just the availability of medical facilities but also the ease and reliability of getting there. For residents of Shallotte, the transportation landscape significantly shapes their healthcare experience. This is especially true for individuals with mobility limitations or those undergoing treatment that can affect their ability to drive.

The primary arteries of transportation in and out of Shallotte are the major highways and roads. US-17, the main thoroughfare, stretches north and south, connecting Shallotte to Wilmington (approximately 35 miles north) and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (roughly 40 miles south). Driving times can vary significantly depending on traffic conditions, especially during peak seasons and tourist influx. The drive to Wilmington, home to New Hanover Regional Medical Center, a key healthcare provider, can range from 45 minutes to over an hour. Similarly, the trip south to medical facilities in Myrtle Beach might take a similar amount of time.

Smaller roads like NC-130 and NC-211 provide alternative routes, but they often involve winding through residential areas and may not be as direct or efficient. These routes can be useful for avoiding traffic congestion on US-17, but they can also add to the overall travel time. The condition of these roads, and the availability of sidewalks, can also impact the ability of those with mobility issues to access healthcare facilities.

Public transportation options within Shallotte and the surrounding areas are limited. Brunswick County Transit (BCT) offers a demand-response service, requiring reservations. This service may provide transportation to medical appointments, but its availability and reliability can be a concern for patients needing frequent or urgent care. The lack of a fixed-route public transit system poses a significant challenge for those who cannot drive or do not have access to personal vehicles. ADA-compliant features on the BCT vehicles are essential for those with disabilities, but the overall scope of the service is limited.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Shallotte, but their reliability can fluctuate depending on driver availability. This is especially true during off-peak hours or in times of high demand. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, particularly for individuals with limited financial resources or those requiring frequent trips to medical appointments. The availability of wheelchair-accessible vehicles through these services is another important consideration for individuals with mobility challenges.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by private companies, provide a dedicated option for patients needing assistance getting to and from medical appointments. These services often offer specialized vehicles and trained personnel to assist with mobility and medical needs. However, these services typically come with a higher cost, and their availability can be limited, especially in a rural area like Shallotte. The brands that offer these services, and their coverage area, are important details for those with lung cancer.

The healthcare landscape in Shallotte itself includes local primary care physicians and some specialized services. However, comprehensive lung cancer treatment, including surgery, radiation therapy, and advanced chemotherapy, is generally not available locally. This necessitates travel to larger medical centers in Wilmington or Myrtle Beach, adding to the burden on patients and their families. The distance to these facilities, and the availability of transportation, becomes a critical factor in the overall quality of care.

For individuals considering moving to Shallotte, or for current residents navigating a lung cancer diagnosis, a thorough understanding of transportation options is paramount. The ability to access timely and reliable healthcare is a fundamental right, and the challenges posed by transportation can significantly impact a patient's well-being and treatment outcomes. This is where our "Lung Cancer Score" comes into play.

**Lung Cancer Score Methodology:**

The Lung Cancer Score for Shallotte (ZIP Code 28470) is a composite measure reflecting the ease and accessibility of healthcare, particularly for lung cancer patients. It considers the following factors:

* **Drive Time to Nearest Comprehensive Cancer Center:** This is weighted heavily, considering average drive times to Wilmington and Myrtle Beach facilities during peak and off-peak hours.
* **Public Transportation Availability:** The frequency, reliability, and ADA compliance of Brunswick County Transit are assessed.
* **Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation Availability:** The presence of Uber/Lyft, and the availability of medical transport services, are considered, along with their cost and reliability.
* **Local Healthcare Services:** The availability of primary care physicians and any local specialized services relevant to lung cancer care are evaluated.
* **Cost of Transportation:** The financial burden of transportation options is factored in, considering fuel costs, ride-sharing fares, and medical transport fees.

**Scoring:**

Each factor is assigned a score, and these scores are combined to produce an overall Lung Cancer Score. The score is presented on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 representing extremely limited access and 10 representing excellent access.

**Preliminary Lung Cancer Score for Shallotte (ZIP Code 28470):**

Based on the factors outlined above, a preliminary Lung Cancer Score for Shallotte is estimated to be **4.5**. This score reflects the following:

* **Drive Times:** The average drive time to Wilmington and Myrtle Beach cancer centers is moderate, but can be significantly impacted by traffic.
* **Public Transportation:** Limited public transportation options pose a significant challenge.
* **Ride-Sharing:** Ride-sharing availability is variable, and cost can be a barrier.
* **Local Healthcare:** Limited local specialized services necessitate travel for comprehensive care.
* **Cost:** Transportation costs can be a significant financial burden.

**Recommendations:**

The Lung Cancer Score highlights the need for improvements in transportation infrastructure and services in Shallotte. This could include:

* **Advocating for increased public transportation options:** Expanding the frequency, routes, and accessibility of the Brunswick County Transit system.
* **Promoting ride-sharing services:** Encouraging the availability of ride-sharing services, particularly those with wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
* **Supporting medical transportation services:** Ensuring the availability and affordability of medical transportation options.
* **Enhancing local healthcare services:** Exploring opportunities to expand local specialized healthcare services, including cancer care.
* **Educating residents:** Providing clear and accessible information about available transportation options and healthcare resources.

**Conclusion:**

Living in Shallotte offers a desirable lifestyle, but healthcare access, especially for those facing lung cancer, requires careful consideration. The Lung Cancer Score provides a framework for understanding the challenges and opportunities related to transportation and healthcare access. By addressing these challenges, Shallotte can better support its residents and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to receive timely and effective care. The ongoing assessment of the Lung Cancer Score, and the implementation of the recommendations, are crucial to improving healthcare access and quality of life for all residents of Shallotte, now and in the future.