28673, Sherrills Ford, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28673, Sherrills Ford, North Carolina is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

44.84 percent of residents in 28673 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.34 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Lake Norman Regional Medical Center with a distance of 8.78 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Sherrills Ford (ZIP Code 28673)

Considering a move to the charming community of Sherrills Ford, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28673)? Beyond the picturesque landscapes and welcoming atmosphere, it's crucial to assess your healthcare access, especially if you're concerned about lung cancer. This write-up provides a detailed analysis of transportation options available, focusing on their impact on accessing vital medical services. We'll delve into drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, painting a comprehensive picture of how easily you can commute to healthcare facilities.

Sherrills Ford's location, nestled between Lake Norman and the Catawba River, presents both advantages and challenges for healthcare access. While the area offers a tranquil lifestyle, its relative distance from major medical centers requires careful consideration of transportation options. The "Lung Cancer Score" here isn't a medical diagnosis tool, but a measure of how easily you can reach diagnostic and treatment facilities. It considers the time and effort involved in traveling to essential healthcare services, a critical factor in managing lung cancer.

**Driving Directions and Drive Times:**

For residents of Sherrills Ford, the most common mode of transportation is undoubtedly personal vehicles. Several major highways and roads facilitate access to healthcare facilities. Interstate 77 (I-77) is a primary artery, connecting Sherrills Ford to Charlotte and other urban centers. Driving south on I-77 provides access to Atrium Health facilities, including Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, a major cancer treatment center. The drive time to Carolinas Medical Center, depending on traffic, can range from 45 minutes to an hour and a half.

Highway 150 offers a more direct route east, leading to Mooresville and the Lake Norman Regional Medical Center. This drive typically takes around 20 to 30 minutes, offering a closer option for general medical needs. Highway 150 also provides access to smaller clinics and specialist offices in the Mooresville area. Westward, Highway 150 intersects with Highway 16, which leads to Denver and Lincoln County, providing access to other healthcare providers.

Highway 16 also connects to Highway 73, another major thoroughfare that leads to Huntersville and Cornelius. These areas offer additional healthcare options, including urgent care centers and specialist practices. Drive times to these locations generally range from 30 to 45 minutes. The reliance on personal vehicles necessitates considering traffic patterns, especially during peak hours. Congestion on I-77, in particular, can significantly extend travel times, impacting timely access to medical appointments.

**Public Transportation Options:**

Public transportation options in Sherrills Ford are limited, a significant factor in the "Lung Cancer Score." The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) does not directly serve Sherrills Ford. The closest CATS routes are accessible in Mooresville, requiring a drive to a park-and-ride location. This adds an extra layer of complexity for those who rely on public transportation.

The lack of readily available public transit can be a major obstacle for individuals with mobility limitations or those who cannot drive. ADA-accessible features on public transportation are crucial for individuals with disabilities, and the distance to the nearest CATS routes diminishes the effectiveness of this transportation option.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Sherrills Ford, offering an alternative to driving. However, their availability and cost can fluctuate, particularly during peak hours or in areas with lower demand. While ride-sharing provides a convenient option for individual appointments, it might not be the most cost-effective solution for frequent trips to medical facilities, such as those required for lung cancer treatment.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by companies like CareRide or Medical Transportation Management (MTM), provide specialized transportation for medical appointments. These services often offer door-to-door assistance and can accommodate individuals with mobility issues or other medical needs. While these services can be invaluable, they can also be more expensive than ride-sharing or personal vehicles, and availability might be limited depending on demand.

**Healthcare Access and the "Lung Cancer Score":**

The "Lung Cancer Score" in Sherrills Ford is influenced by several factors. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transportation options, and the potential costs and availability of ride-sharing and medical transport all contribute to the overall score. For individuals diagnosed with lung cancer, timely access to diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care is paramount.

The drive times to major cancer treatment centers, such as Carolinas Medical Center, are a significant consideration. The ability to quickly access these facilities for appointments, scans, and treatments can directly impact a patient's prognosis and quality of life. The availability of transportation alternatives, especially for those who cannot drive, becomes crucial.

**Moving to Sherrills Ford: Considerations for Healthcare:**

If you are considering moving to Sherrills Ford, it is essential to factor in the transportation challenges associated with healthcare access. Assess your personal transportation needs and preferences. If you rely on public transportation, consider the distance to the nearest CATS routes and the time required to reach them.

Evaluate the cost and availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services in the area. Research the healthcare facilities closest to Sherrills Ford, including their specialties and services. Consider the drive times to these facilities and the potential impact of traffic congestion.

Prioritize healthcare access when choosing a home location. Proximity to major highways and roads can improve your ability to reach medical facilities. Ensure you have a plan for transportation to medical appointments, including backup options. By carefully evaluating these factors, you can make an informed decision about whether Sherrills Ford is the right place for you, especially if you are concerned about healthcare access related to lung cancer.