28775, Scaly Mountain, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28775, Scaly Mountain, North Carolina is 48 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

69.28 percent of residents in 28775 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.25 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Highlands Cashiers Hospital with a distance of 9.27 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Scaly Mountain, NC (ZIP Code 28775)

The crisp mountain air of Scaly Mountain, North Carolina, offers a picturesque escape. Yet, for residents, particularly those facing the complexities of a lung cancer diagnosis, the idyllic setting presents a unique challenge: **healthcare access**. This write-up, a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, analyzes the **transportation** landscape within and around ZIP Code 28775, specifically considering the journeys to vital medical services. It aims to illuminate the realities of navigating **healthcare** in this region, especially for individuals considering **moving to Scaly Mountain**.

The score considers various factors, including drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and specialized medical **transportation** services. The ultimate goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the accessibility challenges and opportunities for those needing lung cancer care.

Driving remains the dominant mode of **transportation** in this mountainous area. The primary arteries connecting Scaly Mountain to **healthcare** facilities are US-64 and NC-106. US-64, a major east-west thoroughfare, offers the most direct route to larger towns and hospitals. NC-106, a more winding road, provides access to local medical practices and connects to US-64.

The drive to the nearest hospital, Angel Medical Center in Franklin, NC, is approximately 20 miles via US-64. Under ideal conditions, the trip takes around 30-40 minutes. However, mountain roads are susceptible to weather-related delays. Heavy rainfall, snow, or even fog can significantly increase travel times, potentially impacting timely access to critical treatments like chemotherapy or radiation.

Further specialized care often necessitates travel to Asheville, NC, a larger city with more comprehensive oncology services. The journey to Asheville, primarily via US-64 and I-26, is roughly 80 miles and typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours. This extended travel time is a significant consideration for patients undergoing frequent treatments or experiencing side effects. The drive can be physically and emotionally taxing, adding another layer of complexity to an already challenging situation.

Public transit options are limited in Scaly Mountain. The local transit system, if it exists, likely operates on a demand-response basis, requiring advance booking. Information about routes, schedules, and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility features would be essential for individuals with mobility limitations. This type of service is unlikely to offer frequent or convenient access to specialized cancer care.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area, though their reliability can vary. Availability is often dependent on driver density, which may be lower in rural areas like Scaly Mountain. The cost of ride-sharing can also accumulate, especially for frequent trips to medical appointments. This raises concerns about affordability and consistent **healthcare access**.

Medical **transportation** services, such as those offered by private companies, provide specialized assistance for patients needing non-emergency medical travel. These services often offer door-to-door assistance, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. However, the cost of these services can be substantial, potentially creating a financial barrier for some patients. Researching available medical **transportation** brands and their associated costs is crucial for anyone living with or **moving to Scaly Mountain**.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Scaly Mountain, NC, reflects the challenges of **healthcare access** in a rural environment. The reliance on personal vehicles, the potential for weather-related delays, and the limited public transit options create significant hurdles. The availability of ride-sharing services provides some flexibility, but the cost and reliability can be uncertain. Medical **transportation** services offer a solution, but the financial burden can be considerable.

For individuals considering **moving to Scaly Mountain**, a thorough assessment of **transportation** needs and **healthcare** requirements is paramount. Researching local medical facilities, understanding the availability of specialized cancer care, and exploring various **transportation** options are essential steps.

The impact of these **transportation** limitations extends beyond the physical journey. The stress of long drives, the uncertainty of weather conditions, and the financial burden of **transportation** can negatively affect a patient's well-being and their ability to adhere to treatment plans. This highlights the importance of community support, patient advocacy, and innovative solutions to improve **healthcare access** in rural areas.

The "Lung Cancer Score" is not merely a numerical assessment. It’s a call to action. It underscores the need for:

* **Improved Public Transit:** Expanding public transit options, including fixed-route buses or demand-response services, would improve **healthcare access** for those without personal vehicles.

* **Telehealth Initiatives:** Promoting telehealth services, allowing patients to consult with specialists remotely, could reduce the need for frequent travel.

* **Community Support Networks:** Establishing local support groups and patient advocacy programs can provide crucial emotional and practical assistance, including **transportation** coordination.

* **Financial Assistance Programs:** Offering financial aid to help patients cover **transportation** costs, including ride-sharing, medical **transportation**, and gas expenses, can alleviate the financial strain.

* **Strategic Partnerships:** Collaborating with local hospitals, **transportation** providers, and community organizations to create integrated **healthcare** solutions tailored to the specific needs of the Scaly Mountain population.

Ultimately, the "Lung Cancer Score" for Scaly Mountain, NC, serves as a reminder that **healthcare access** is not just about the availability of medical services. It's about the ability to reach those services safely, affordably, and with minimal disruption to a patient's life. Addressing the **transportation** challenges in this region is crucial to ensuring that residents have the opportunity to receive timely and effective cancer care.