22473, Heathsville, Virginia Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 22473, Heathsville, Virginia is 20 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

44.41 percent of residents in 22473 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 23.90 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Rappahannock General Hospital with a distance of 13.48 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Heathsville (ZIP Code 22473)

The air hangs heavy with the scent of salt and the promise of the Rappahannock River in Heathsville, Virginia (ZIP Code 22473). For those considering a move to this charming, historic community, or for current residents, understanding the practicalities of **healthcare access** is paramount, especially concerning a diagnosis as serious as lung cancer. This write-up provides a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, focusing on **transportation** options to and from medical facilities, a crucial factor in treatment and overall well-being.

The "Lung Cancer Score" isn't a numerical value; it's a qualitative assessment of the challenges and opportunities presented by the local **transportation** landscape. It considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options, offering a realistic view for anyone needing regular appointments, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy. The ability to reach quality **healthcare** is vital, and this analysis aims to illuminate the path.

Heathsville is a rural area, meaning the primary mode of **transportation** is the personal vehicle. The closest major medical centers are located in Fredericksburg, Richmond, and Williamsburg, Virginia. Reaching these facilities necessitates navigating a network of highways and roads.

The journey to Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg, a key **healthcare** provider, involves traveling approximately 60 miles. The most direct route typically begins on Route 360 East, a two-lane road that eventually merges onto US-17 North. This stretch can be prone to congestion, particularly during peak hours and on weekends, adding to the travel time. US-17 North then connects to I-95 North, a major interstate highway, which provides the final leg of the journey to Fredericksburg. The drive time is typically around 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on traffic.

For more specialized care, residents may need to travel to Richmond, home to Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Medical Center and other prominent facilities. The journey to Richmond involves taking Route 360 East to I-95 South, a distance of approximately 85 miles. This drive can take between 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, again depending on traffic conditions. The I-95 corridor is notorious for its congestion, especially around Richmond, so planning for delays is essential.

Williamsburg, another potential destination for **healthcare** services, is approximately 80 miles away. The route involves taking Route 360 East to US-17 South, which then leads to I-64 East. The drive time is generally similar to the Richmond route, ranging from 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours.

These drive times, while manageable, highlight the dependence on a personal vehicle. The longer distances and potential for traffic congestion underscore the importance of reliable **transportation**, especially for patients undergoing cancer treatment, who may experience fatigue, nausea, and other side effects.

Public transit options in Heathsville are limited. The Northern Neck Planning District Commission (NNPDC) operates a demand-response system, offering door-to-door **transportation** for residents. However, this service requires advance booking, and availability can be limited, especially for same-day appointments. The NNPDC does not have fixed routes, and their vehicles are not equipped with ADA features. This makes it challenging for individuals with mobility limitations.

The lack of readily available public transit underscores the challenges of **healthcare access** in this rural setting. For individuals without personal vehicles or those unable to drive due to their condition, the reliance on family, friends, or specialized **transportation** services becomes critical.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their reliability and availability can be inconsistent. Response times can be longer in rural areas, and surge pricing may apply during peak demand. This adds another layer of complexity to planning medical appointments. The unpredictable nature of ride-sharing, coupled with the potential for higher costs, makes it a less-than-ideal solution for regular medical **transportation**.

Medical **transportation** services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical **transportation** (NEMT), are available. Ambulance services are reserved for emergencies, while NEMT services provide **transportation** for non-emergency medical appointments. Several companies offer NEMT services in the Northern Neck region, including some that specialize in cancer patients. These services typically require pre-booking and can be expensive, but they provide a crucial lifeline for individuals who cannot drive themselves or rely on other **transportation** options.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Heathsville, Virginia, reflects the challenges of **healthcare access** in a rural environment. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the inconsistent availability of ride-sharing services create barriers for patients. While medical **transportation** services offer a vital solution, their cost and the need for advance planning add to the complexity.

For anyone **moving to Heathsville** and facing a lung cancer diagnosis, or for current residents, careful consideration of **transportation** needs is essential. Planning ahead, exploring all available options, and establishing a support network are critical steps. The ability to access timely and convenient medical care is fundamental to successful treatment and a better quality of life. The "Lung Cancer Score" emphasizes the importance of proactive planning and resourcefulness in navigating the **transportation** landscape to ensure access to the **healthcare** needed.