23356, Greenbackville, Virginia Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 23356, Greenbackville, Virginia is 13 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

65.93 percent of residents in 23356 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 26.49 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital with a distance of 26.50 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Greenbackville (ZIP Code 23356)

Considering a move to the charming coastal community of Greenbackville, Virginia (ZIP Code 23356)? Beyond the allure of serene landscapes and friendly neighbors, a crucial factor in your decision-making process should be healthcare access, particularly if you are a current or former smoker, or have a family history of lung cancer. This write-up provides a “Lung Cancer Score” assessment, evaluating the transportation options available to access vital healthcare services, including screening, diagnosis, and treatment, in relation to lung cancer care.

The score considers the availability, accessibility, and efficiency of transportation methods, offering a realistic perspective on navigating the healthcare landscape from Greenbackville. It's designed to empower you with the knowledge necessary to make an informed decision about your relocation, especially concerning your long-term health and well-being.

**The Lung Cancer Score Methodology**

Our score is based on a composite assessment, considering the following key factors:

* **Drive Times:** Measured using Google Maps, accounting for typical traffic conditions during peak and off-peak hours.
* **Public Transportation:** Evaluation of bus routes, including frequency, accessibility for individuals with disabilities (ADA compliance), and proximity to healthcare facilities.
* **Ride-Sharing Services:** Availability and cost-effectiveness of Uber and Lyft in the area.
* **Medical Transportation:** Presence and reliability of specialized medical transport services.
* **Proximity to Healthcare Facilities:** Distance to hospitals, cancer centers, and pulmonology specialists.

Each factor contributes to a final score, reflecting the overall ease and convenience of accessing lung cancer-related healthcare from Greenbackville.

**Driving the Distance: Navigating the Roads**

For residents of Greenbackville, personal vehicle transportation is the primary mode for accessing healthcare. The most direct route to larger healthcare facilities in the region involves navigating the scenic but often-congested roads.

The journey to Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital in Onancock, a critical healthcare hub, typically involves a drive of approximately 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic. The primary route utilizes VA-175, a two-lane road that can experience congestion during peak commuting hours. This hospital offers comprehensive medical services, including diagnostic imaging and some specialized care.

For more specialized lung cancer treatment, such as radiation therapy or advanced surgical procedures, you might need to travel further. Norfolk, Virginia, is a major medical center, approximately a 2-hour drive from Greenbackville. This journey involves taking VA-175 to US-13, then onto I-64. This highway is usually well-maintained, but traffic can be heavy, particularly around the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel.

The drive to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, a comprehensive cancer center, could take longer during rush hour. The drive to Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) would be similar. Consider the time of day and plan accordingly, especially if you have appointments.

**Public Transportation: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in the Greenbackville area are limited, posing a significant challenge for those without personal vehicles. The Eastern Shore Area Transit (ESAT) provides some bus services, but routes and schedules are not designed to meet the specific needs of healthcare access.

ESAT Route 104 serves areas on the Eastern Shore, but its frequency is limited, and it does not directly connect to major healthcare facilities in a timely manner. The buses might have ADA accessibility features, but the lack of convenient routes and schedules makes public transportation a less viable option for lung cancer patients requiring regular appointments or urgent care.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Greenbackville area. However, their reliability and cost-effectiveness can vary. During peak demand or in areas with limited driver availability, wait times can be longer, and fares can be higher. This can pose a significant challenge for individuals requiring regular medical transportation.

Medical transportation services, like MedRide or CareRide, offer specialized transportation for individuals with medical needs. These services provide door-to-door transport, often with trained personnel and specialized vehicles. While these services can be a valuable resource, they can also be expensive and may require advance booking, which might not be ideal for urgent medical situations.

**Healthcare Access: Proximity Matters**

The proximity to healthcare facilities is a critical factor in our Lung Cancer Score. Greenbackville is relatively close to Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital, which offers some level of care. However, for specialized lung cancer treatment, you may need to travel to larger medical centers in Norfolk or Virginia Beach.

The distance to these centers necessitates careful planning and consideration of transportation options. The availability of timely and reliable transportation is crucial for individuals undergoing treatment, requiring regular check-ups, or experiencing urgent medical needs.

**The Lung Cancer Score for Greenbackville (ZIP Code 23356)**

Considering all factors, the Lung Cancer Score for Greenbackville is a **moderate**. While the area offers access to some healthcare facilities, the limited public transportation options and reliance on personal vehicles or ride-sharing services pose challenges.

The score is impacted by:

* **Positive Factors:** Proximity to Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital. Availability of ride-sharing services.
* **Negative Factors:** Limited public transportation options. Long drive times to specialized cancer centers. Potential for traffic congestion.

**Recommendations for Prospective Residents**

If you are considering moving to Greenbackville and have concerns about lung cancer care, consider these recommendations:

* **Assess Your Transportation Needs:** If you do not have a personal vehicle, carefully evaluate the reliability and cost-effectiveness of ride-sharing services or medical transportation options.
* **Plan for Travel:** Factor in longer travel times to access specialized cancer centers in Norfolk or Virginia Beach.
* **Research Healthcare Providers:** Identify pulmonologists, oncologists, and cancer centers in the region and assess their accessibility.
* **Consider Insurance Coverage:** Ensure your health insurance plan covers transportation costs and treatment at the healthcare facilities you plan to utilize.
* **Explore Support Services:** Research local support groups and resources for lung cancer patients and their families.

**Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision**

Moving to a new community involves careful consideration of various factors, including healthcare access. The Lung Cancer Score for Greenbackville provides a realistic assessment of the transportation challenges and opportunities for individuals seeking lung cancer-related healthcare. By understanding these factors, you can make an informed decision about whether Greenbackville is the right place for you, ensuring you have access to the care you need. Remember to prioritize your health and well-being as you navigate the journey of relocation and healthcare access.