28676, State Road, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28676, State Road, North Carolina is 56 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

70.11 percent of residents in 28676 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.77 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital with a distance of 4.61 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in ZIP Code 28676

The air in ZIP Code 28676, nestled amidst the rolling hills of North Carolina, holds a certain stillness, a quiet beauty. But for those facing a lung cancer diagnosis, that tranquility can quickly transform into a battle against time, a race against the clock to access timely and effective healthcare. This write-up delves into the complexities of **transportation** options and **healthcare access** within and around this specific area, ultimately providing a "Lung Cancer Score" that reflects the challenges and opportunities faced by residents.

The primary challenge for residents of 28676 is the relative remoteness of specialized medical facilities. The closest major hospitals with comprehensive cancer care, including oncology and pulmonology departments, are in Hickory, approximately 25 miles away. This distance translates into a significant **transportation** burden, particularly for individuals weakened by treatment or facing mobility limitations.

The most common mode of **transportation** for residents is undoubtedly personal vehicles. The primary routes to Hickory involve navigating a network of highways and local roads. The most direct route typically involves heading east on State Road 18, a winding two-lane road that snakes its way through the countryside. This road, while scenic, can be prone to delays, especially during peak traffic hours. The journey then merges onto US-321, a major thoroughfare that offers a faster, albeit often congested, passage into Hickory. Depending on traffic conditions, the drive time can range from 45 minutes to over an hour.

Alternatively, residents can utilize State Road 90, a north-south route that intersects with State Road 18. This option offers a slightly longer, but potentially less congested, route, especially if traveling during peak hours. The final stretch of the journey involves navigating local roads to reach the various hospitals and medical centers in Hickory.

Public **transportation** options in 28676 are severely limited. The county does not have a robust public bus system, and there are no dedicated routes that directly serve the area with connections to major medical facilities. This lack of public **transportation** significantly impacts individuals who do not own vehicles or are unable to drive due to their illness or other factors. The absence of readily available public transit exacerbates the challenges of **healthcare access**, creating a significant barrier to timely and consistent care.

For those unable to drive or lacking access to a personal vehicle, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer a potential alternative. However, the availability of these services in 28676 can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of these services can also be a significant financial burden, especially for individuals facing ongoing medical expenses. The reliance on ride-sharing can add to the stress and uncertainty already associated with a lung cancer diagnosis.

Medical **transportation** services, such as those provided by companies specializing in non-emergency medical **transportation**, offer another option. These services typically provide door-to-door transportation for medical appointments and treatments. However, the availability of these services in 28676 and the surrounding areas can vary, and the cost can be substantial, often requiring prior authorization and insurance coverage.

The impact of **moving to State Road** 18 or any location within the area on **healthcare access** is significant. The lack of public **transportation** and the reliance on personal vehicles or potentially unreliable ride-sharing services create a complex and challenging situation for residents. The drive times to specialized medical facilities in Hickory, while manageable for some, can be a significant obstacle for those with mobility limitations or those undergoing treatment that can cause fatigue or other side effects.

The lack of readily available and affordable **transportation** options directly impacts **healthcare access**. This is especially crucial for those requiring frequent appointments for chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or other specialized treatments. The delays and uncertainties associated with **transportation** can lead to missed appointments, delayed treatment, and ultimately, a poorer prognosis.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for ZIP Code 28676 reflects these challenges. The score considers factors such as drive times to specialized medical facilities, the availability of public **transportation**, the reliability and affordability of ride-sharing services, and the availability of medical **transportation** options. Given the limited public **transportation**, the variable availability of ride-sharing, and the reliance on personal vehicles, the score for **healthcare access** in this area is relatively low. This means that residents face significant barriers to accessing timely and consistent lung cancer care.

To improve the "Lung Cancer Score," several interventions are crucial. Expanding public **transportation** options, including the establishment of dedicated routes to medical facilities, is essential. Partnering with ride-sharing services to offer discounted rates for medical appointments could also improve **healthcare access**. Furthermore, increasing the availability and affordability of medical **transportation** services would be beneficial.

Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that residents of 28676, and those **moving to State Road** 18 or other locations within the area, have equitable access to the care they need. Addressing the **transportation** challenges is paramount to improving the quality of life and outcomes for individuals facing a lung cancer diagnosis. The fight against lung cancer is a battle that requires not only medical expertise but also a commitment to ensuring that all individuals have the ability to reach the care they deserve.