29449, Hollywood, South Carolina Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 29449, Hollywood, South Carolina is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

28.26 percent of residents in 29449 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.16 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Bon Secours-St Francis Xavier Hospital with a distance of 13.23 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Hollywood, SC (ZIP Code 29449)

The air hangs heavy with the scent of salt marsh and Spanish moss in Hollywood, South Carolina (ZIP code 29449). Here, where the pace of life slows to a Southern drawl, the specter of lung cancer, a disease often intertwined with environmental factors and lifestyle choices, casts a long shadow. Understanding healthcare access, a critical component of early detection and treatment, is paramount for residents and those considering moving to this Lowcountry haven. This "Lung Cancer Score" delves into the intricacies of transportation, the lifeblood connecting residents to vital healthcare services, offering a nuanced perspective on navigating the landscape of care.

For residents of Hollywood, the primary artery for transportation is **Highway 17**, a major thoroughfare that snakes its way through the Lowcountry. Access to specialized lung cancer care often necessitates travel beyond the immediate vicinity. Driving times to major healthcare facilities, the cornerstone of our score, are heavily influenced by traffic patterns. During peak hours, the commute can become a frustrating test of patience, significantly impacting the ability to reach appointments promptly.

Heading north on **Highway 17**, the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in Charleston emerges as a primary destination. The drive, a journey of approximately 20 miles, can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. This time frame is crucial for those facing potential lung cancer diagnoses, where swift access to specialists and diagnostic imaging is essential. **Highway 61**, another key route, offers an alternative, though slightly longer, path to Charleston, potentially diverting some traffic congestion.

Further afield, the Roper St. Francis Healthcare system, also in Charleston, provides another option. The drive, similar in distance to MUSC, requires navigating the same traffic challenges, making it equally susceptible to delays. The ability to choose between multiple healthcare providers is a significant advantage, yet the time commitment remains a critical factor in the overall Lung Cancer Score.

Public transit, while offering a potential alternative, presents significant limitations in this area. The Charleston Area Regional Transportation AuthorityRegional Transportation Authority (CARTA) operates bus routes that serve parts of Hollywood, but their reach is limited. The primary routes, though not directly serving Hollywood, offer connections to the broader Charleston area. The **Route 31**, for example, provides a connection to downtown Charleston, where further transfers to medical facilities might be possible.

However, the frequency of these routes, particularly in the evenings and weekends, is often insufficient for healthcare appointments. Furthermore, the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility of these buses, while mandated, may not always be seamlessly implemented, posing challenges for patients with mobility issues. The reliance on public transit, therefore, significantly impacts the Lung Cancer Score, particularly for those without access to personal vehicles.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a more flexible transportation option. Their availability in Hollywood is generally good, providing on-demand access to healthcare facilities. However, the cost of these services can be a significant barrier, especially for frequent appointments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy. The fluctuating prices, influenced by demand and distance, add another layer of complexity to the healthcare access equation.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients with medical needs, offer another avenue. Companies like Angel Ride and other specialized providers cater to individuals requiring assistance with transportation to and from appointments. These services often provide door-to-door assistance, including help with mobility and navigating medical facilities. While offering a vital service, these specialized options often come with a higher price tag than ride-sharing, adding to the financial burden of healthcare.

The overall Lung Cancer Score for Hollywood (29449) reflects a mixed bag of accessibility. The reliance on personal vehicles is high, making traffic congestion a major factor. While ride-sharing provides a viable alternative, cost remains a concern. Public transit, while present, offers limited options and potential accessibility challenges. The availability of medical transportation services adds another layer of support, but at a premium price.

The score also considers the availability of local primary care physicians who can provide initial screenings and referrals. Access to these local providers is generally good, offering a crucial first step in the early detection process. However, the proximity of specialized lung cancer care, primarily located in Charleston, necessitates reliance on transportation, making the journey a crucial component of the overall healthcare experience.

Moving to Hollywood, therefore, requires careful consideration of these transportation factors. The beauty of the Lowcountry, the charm of small-town living, and the proximity to Charleston's cultural attractions must be weighed against the practical realities of healthcare access. Prospective residents, especially those with a history of lung cancer or other respiratory ailments, should carefully evaluate their transportation options and the potential impact on their ability to receive timely and comprehensive care.

The Lung Cancer Score, therefore, serves as a vital tool, providing a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape. It emphasizes the importance of understanding transportation infrastructure, the availability of various transportation options, and the financial implications associated with each. It is a reminder that healthcare access is not merely about the presence of medical facilities; it is about the ability to reach them, efficiently and affordably, ensuring that residents of Hollywood have the best possible chance of fighting this devastating disease.