29545, Green Sea, South Carolina Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 29545, Green Sea, South Carolina is 22 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

77.05 percent of residents in 29545 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 20.83 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Musc Health Marion Medical Center with a distance of 17.23 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Access to Care in Green Sea, SC (ZIP Code 29545)

The emerald fields and quiet charm of Green Sea, South Carolina, in ZIP code 29545, offer a tranquil existence. But for those facing a lung cancer diagnosis, the serenity can quickly erode under the weight of healthcare access concerns. This Lung Cancer Score aims to illuminate the realities of transportation and healthcare access for residents, providing a critical lens through which to understand the challenges and opportunities. Considering a move to Green Sea? Understanding these factors is paramount.

This score assesses the accessibility of lung cancer-related healthcare services from Green Sea, focusing on transportation options to and from medical facilities. It considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation options, acknowledging that each mode presents unique advantages and disadvantages for patients and their families. The goal is to provide a clear picture of the logistical hurdles and potential solutions for those navigating a lung cancer journey in this rural community.

**Drive Times and Roadways: The Primary Arteries of Care**

The primary mode of transportation for Green Sea residents is the personal vehicle. Drive times to lung cancer specialists and treatment centers are a crucial element in this score. The primary routes to access healthcare facilities involve the major highways and connecting roads.

Traveling from Green Sea, the most direct route often involves taking **Highway 9** eastward towards Loris, then connecting to **Highway 701** south towards Conway. This journey, typically covering approximately 30-40 miles, can take between 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. Conway, the county seat of Horry County, houses a significant concentration of medical facilities.

Alternatively, accessing facilities in Wilmington, North Carolina, involves traveling north on **Highway 9** to the North Carolina state line, then continuing on **Highway 74/76**. This route, covering a similar distance, can take over an hour, especially during peak traffic periods. The condition of these roads, the presence of traffic lights, and the varying speed limits all contribute to the overall drive time and patient fatigue.

The availability of parking at these facilities also impacts the overall experience. Ample parking, especially near oncology departments, is a critical consideration for patients undergoing treatment. The convenience of parking can alleviate some of the stress associated with appointments and treatments.

**Public Transit: A Limited Network**

Public transportation options in Green Sea and the surrounding areas are severely limited. Horry County operates a public transit system, but service to Green Sea is infrequent and often requires multiple transfers. This severely restricts its usefulness for patients who may have mobility limitations or require frequent appointments.

The primary bus routes serving the Conway area are numbered, but do not directly serve Green Sea. Patients would likely need to arrange transportation to a transfer point, such as Loris, to access these routes. The lack of a direct route significantly increases travel time and complexity.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility on these buses is a crucial factor. While the county system is mandated to provide accessible vehicles, the limited frequency of service and the need for transfers can still pose challenges for individuals with mobility issues. The availability of wheelchair lifts and other accessibility features is vital, but the overall lack of service remains a significant barrier.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Conway and Myrtle Beach areas, but their presence in Green Sea itself is less reliable. Availability is often dependent on driver availability and the demand in the area. Relying on ride-sharing can be expensive, especially for frequent appointments.

Medical transportation services offer a more specialized option. These services are designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, often with trained personnel and specialized vehicles. However, these services can be costly and may require advance booking. The availability of these services and their coverage area are critical considerations for Green Sea residents.

The brands offering medical transport services in this region include, but are not limited to, **Care Transportation**, **Coastal Transport**, and **MedStar Ambulance**. These services provide varying levels of care and support, from basic transportation to advanced medical assistance. The availability of these services and the insurance coverage for them are vital factors.

**The Impact on Healthcare Access**

The limited transportation options in Green Sea create significant challenges for lung cancer patients. The long drive times, the lack of reliable public transit, and the potential expense of ride-sharing or medical transportation can create barriers to accessing timely and consistent care. These challenges can impact appointment adherence, treatment outcomes, and overall quality of life.

The emotional and physical toll of frequent travel can be substantial. Patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy may experience fatigue, nausea, and other side effects that make long drives difficult. The stress of navigating traffic and finding parking can exacerbate these symptoms.

**Conclusion: Assessing the Lung Cancer Score**

The Lung Cancer Score for Green Sea, SC (29545) reflects a challenging landscape for healthcare access. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limitations of public transit, and the potential expense of alternative transportation options create significant barriers.

While the community offers a peaceful environment, the transportation challenges necessitate careful consideration for individuals facing a lung cancer diagnosis. The need for reliable, affordable, and accessible transportation options is paramount.

Moving to Green Sea requires thoughtful planning. Prospective residents, especially those with pre-existing health conditions, should thoroughly research available healthcare services, transportation options, and the associated costs. Understanding these factors is critical to ensuring access to timely and effective care. The local healthcare system and community resources should be explored to identify potential support systems.