28520, Cedar Island, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28520, Cedar Island, North Carolina is 17 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

88.89 percent of residents in 28520 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 37.49 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Carteret General Hospital with a distance of 31.81 miles from the area.

**Lung Cancer Score: Access to Care in ZIP Code 28520 (Cedar Island, North Carolina)**

The specter of a lung cancer diagnosis casts a long shadow, demanding swift and effective healthcare. For residents of Cedar Island, North Carolina (ZIP code 28520), geographical isolation presents a unique challenge to accessing timely and comprehensive treatment. This report analyzes the available transportation options, evaluating their impact on healthcare access, and ultimately, the potential "Lung Cancer Score" for individuals residing in this coastal community. The score reflects the ease or difficulty of reaching critical medical facilities, a crucial factor in patient outcomes.

Cedar Island, a small island community nestled within Carteret County, offers a tranquil lifestyle. However, this serenity is often juxtaposed with the realities of limited infrastructure, particularly concerning **transportation**. The primary mode of travel is by personal vehicle, making the condition of roads and the distance to medical centers paramount. The absence of a dedicated hospital on the island necessitates travel to the mainland for specialized care, including lung cancer diagnosis and treatment. This geographical constraint significantly impacts the "Lung Cancer Score."

The primary route off Cedar Island involves a ferry crossing, a necessary component of any **transportation** plan. The Cedar Island Ferry, operated by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), provides regular service to Ocracoke Island, and from there, further mainland travel is required. The ferry ride itself is approximately 45 minutes. This initial segment, while scenic, adds considerable time to any medical journey.

Once on the mainland, the journey to the nearest significant healthcare facilities becomes the next hurdle. The most accessible hospital equipped for lung cancer treatment is Carteret Health Care in Morehead City. From the Cedar Island Ferry terminal, the most direct route to Morehead City is via NC-12, a scenic but sometimes congested coastal highway. The drive is approximately 45 minutes, assuming normal traffic conditions. This drive time is a critical factor in the "Lung Cancer Score," as delays can significantly impact a patient's prognosis.

Alternatively, residents might consider seeking care at Vidant Medical Center in Greenville, a larger facility with comprehensive oncology services. This option, however, dramatically increases travel time. The route involves taking NC-12 to US-70, a major highway that connects the coast to the inland. The drive to Greenville is roughly two hours, a significant burden for someone dealing with a potential cancer diagnosis. This long travel time further diminishes the "Lung Cancer Score."

Public **transportation** options in the area are extremely limited, further compounding the challenges. Carteret County operates a public transit system, but its service area is primarily focused on the mainland, with limited routes reaching the Cedar Island Ferry terminal. The availability of these services is unreliable and not designed for the urgent needs of cancer patients. The lack of accessible public transit, particularly for individuals with mobility limitations, negatively affects the "Lung Cancer Score."

Accessibility for individuals with disabilities (ADA) is a crucial consideration. While the Cedar Island Ferry offers ADA-compliant facilities, the availability of accessible **transportation** on the mainland is variable. The Carteret County public transit system attempts to accommodate ADA requirements, but the limited routes and potential for long wait times present significant challenges.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, operate in the area but their availability on Cedar Island is inconsistent. The sparse population and limited demand make it difficult to guarantee the presence of a driver, especially during off-peak hours or in emergency situations. Relying on ride-sharing for critical medical appointments is therefore highly risky, impacting the "Lung Cancer Score."

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed for patients with medical needs, offer a more reliable option. Companies like Coastal Medical Transport and MedTrans offer non-emergency medical transport, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. However, these services often require advance booking and may not be readily available for urgent situations. While providing a valuable resource, their availability and cost contribute to the overall "Lung Cancer Score."

The financial implications of **transportation** are also relevant. The cost of fuel, ferry tickets, and potential medical transport services can be substantial, particularly for frequent trips to the mainland for treatment. These costs can create a significant financial burden, potentially delaying or hindering access to care. This financial strain further impacts the "Lung Cancer Score."

The "Lung Cancer Score" for residents of ZIP code 28520 is therefore negatively impacted by several factors. The primary challenge is geographical isolation, coupled with the absence of comprehensive healthcare facilities on Cedar Island. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limitations of public **transportation**, the inconsistent availability of ride-sharing, and the potential costs of medical transport all contribute to a lower score.

Considering the drive times to the nearest treatment centers, the unreliable public transit, and the limited availability of ride-sharing services, the "Lung Cancer Score" for Cedar Island residents is significantly lower than that of individuals living in areas with greater healthcare access. The impact of these factors on patient outcomes, particularly in the context of a time-sensitive disease like lung cancer, is considerable.

For individuals considering **moving to Cedar Island**, the availability of healthcare access should be a primary consideration. While the island offers a unique lifestyle, the challenges of accessing healthcare, particularly for those with chronic conditions, must be carefully weighed.

In conclusion, the "Lung Cancer Score" for ZIP code 28520 reflects the significant challenges faced by residents in accessing timely and comprehensive lung cancer care. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach, including exploring options for improved public **transportation**, advocating for increased access to medical transport services, and promoting telehealth initiatives to bring healthcare closer to the community. The health and well-being of Cedar Island residents depend on overcoming these **transportation** and healthcare access hurdles.