28511, Atlantic, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28511, Atlantic, North Carolina is 9 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

53.24 percent of residents in 28511 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 34.58 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Carteret General Hospital with a distance of 25.59 miles from the area.

**Lung Cancer Score: A Transportation Analysis for Healthcare Access in ZIP Code 28511**

The specter of a lung cancer diagnosis casts a long shadow, demanding swift and reliable access to specialized healthcare. This analysis delves into the transportation landscape of ZIP Code 28511, a region near the heart of coastal North Carolina, to assess the feasibility of navigating the healthcare system, particularly for individuals facing the challenges of lung cancer treatment. We'll explore drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing services, offering a comprehensive "Lung Cancer Score" that reflects the ease or difficulty of accessing vital medical care.

The primary focus is on the journey to healthcare, a critical factor in patient outcomes. Prompt diagnosis, treatment initiation, and consistent follow-up are crucial for managing lung cancer. The ability to reach medical facilities quickly and efficiently can significantly impact a patient's prognosis and quality of life. This assessment considers the practical realities of transportation in the area, acknowledging that geographical limitations and available resources influence the healthcare experience.

**Driving the Distance: Navigating the Roads**

For many residents of 28511, the automobile remains the primary mode of transportation. The ease of driving is a fundamental consideration. The area's road network, including US-17, NC-24, and NC-58, provides the main arteries for travel. Depending on the specific location within the ZIP code, drive times to the nearest hospitals and cancer centers can vary significantly.

A drive to the nearest major healthcare provider, Carteret Health Care in Morehead City, typically takes around 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions, which can be heavier during peak hours and tourist seasons. This drive primarily utilizes US-70 and NC-24. Further, the drive to Vidant Medical Center in Greenville, a regional referral center, involves a longer journey, often exceeding an hour, primarily via US-17.

The availability of parking at these facilities, particularly during peak hours, is another practical consideration. The Lung Cancer Score takes into account the potential for delays caused by parking challenges. While the drive times may seem manageable, the cumulative impact of travel time, parking, and potential traffic congestion can create significant stress for patients, especially those undergoing treatment or experiencing symptoms that affect their mobility.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in 28511 are limited. The primary provider is the Carteret County Transportation System, offering fixed-route and demand-response services. However, these services are not always well-suited for the specific needs of lung cancer patients.

Fixed-route buses operate on limited schedules, often with infrequent service to medical facilities. The routes may not directly serve all healthcare locations, requiring transfers and increasing travel time. ADA-accessible features, such as ramps and lifts, are available on these buses, but the overall system is not designed to accommodate the needs of patients with mobility limitations.

Demand-response services, which require advance booking, may provide a more flexible option for some patients. However, these services are often subject to scheduling constraints and may not be readily available for urgent appointments or unexpected medical needs. The lack of robust public transit significantly impacts the Lung Cancer Score, particularly for individuals who do not have access to a personal vehicle or cannot drive.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: A Mixed Bag**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, offering a potential alternative to driving or public transit. However, the availability of these services can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in more remote areas of the ZIP code. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant burden for patients, especially those undergoing long-term treatment.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by private companies, provide specialized transportation for patients with medical needs. These services typically offer door-to-door transportation and may be equipped with medical equipment and trained personnel. However, these services are often expensive and may not be covered by insurance.

The Lung Cancer Score considers the accessibility and affordability of these ride-sharing and medical transport options. While they offer valuable alternatives, their limitations, including cost, availability, and insurance coverage, impact their overall contribution to the healthcare access landscape.

**The Lung Cancer Score: A Holistic Assessment**

The Lung Cancer Score for ZIP Code 28511 is a composite measure reflecting the accessibility of healthcare resources. It considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and the availability of medical transport services. The score also takes into account the potential for delays caused by traffic congestion, parking challenges, and the limitations of public transit schedules.

A higher score indicates better access to healthcare, while a lower score suggests greater challenges. The score is not a static measure, as it can be influenced by factors such as changes in road infrastructure, improvements in public transit, or the expansion of ride-sharing services. This analysis provides a snapshot of the current transportation landscape, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the system.

**Moving to Atlantic: A Transportation Perspective**

For individuals considering a move to Atlantic (within ZIP Code 28511), the transportation analysis offers critical insights. The Lung Cancer Score can help prospective residents assess the feasibility of accessing healthcare, particularly for those with pre-existing conditions or a family history of cancer.

The analysis emphasizes the importance of considering the practical realities of transportation, including drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing availability. Prospective residents should evaluate their transportation needs and preferences, taking into account their mobility limitations and financial resources.

The Lung Cancer Score is not a definitive measure of the quality of life in Atlantic, but it is a valuable tool for assessing the ease or difficulty of accessing healthcare. It provides a framework for evaluating the transportation challenges and opportunities, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare access.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Healthcare Journey**

The Lung Cancer Score for ZIP Code 28511 reveals a mixed landscape of healthcare access. While driving offers the most direct route to medical facilities, the limitations of public transit and the cost and availability of ride-sharing services pose significant challenges for some residents. The journey to healthcare, particularly for lung cancer patients, is often complex, requiring careful planning and consideration of available resources.

The score highlights the need for ongoing efforts to improve healthcare access in the area. These efforts could include expanding public transit options, increasing the availability of ride-sharing services, and providing financial assistance for medical transportation. By addressing these challenges, the community can better support individuals facing the difficult journey of lung cancer treatment, ensuring that they can receive the care they need with as little stress and inconvenience as possible. The ultimate goal is to improve the Lung Cancer Score, making healthcare access more equitable and manageable for all residents of 28511.