23453, Virginia Beach, Virginia Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 23453, Virginia Beach, Virginia is 71 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

64.61 percent of residents in 23453 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.45 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital with a distance of 6.03 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 23453

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a critical illness like lung cancer, is a complex equation. It involves more than just the quality of medical professionals; it encompasses the ease and efficiency with which a patient can access care. This write-up provides a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment for residents of ZIP Code 23453 in Virginia Beach, Virginia, focusing on the crucial element of **transportation** and its impact on **healthcare access**. This information is vital for anyone **moving to Virginia Beach** or already residing in the area, especially those facing a lung cancer diagnosis or seeking preventative care.

The 23453 ZIP Code, encompassing areas like Kempsville and parts of Green Run, presents a unique landscape for **transportation**. The primary arteries for vehicular travel are the major highways: Interstate 64 (I-64) and Interstate 264 (I-264). These thoroughfares, while efficient for regional travel, can become congested during peak hours, potentially impacting drive times to vital medical facilities. Smaller roads like Princess Anne Road, Kempsville Road, and Witchduck Road serve as crucial connectors, but their traffic flow can vary considerably.

For those relying on personal vehicles, the drive times to major healthcare providers are a critical consideration. Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital, a significant medical hub, is generally accessible within a 15- to 25-minute drive from most parts of 23453, assuming moderate traffic conditions. This journey typically involves navigating I-264 East or Princess Anne Road. The drive to the Sentara Princess Anne Hospital, another key facility, might be slightly shorter, often achievable within 10-20 minutes, depending on the specific location within the ZIP Code and the chosen route, perhaps via Princess Anne Road or Witchduck Road.

However, these drive times are susceptible to fluctuations. Rush hour, typically between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM and again from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, can significantly extend travel times, potentially adding 10-20 minutes to the journey. This variability can be particularly challenging for patients undergoing treatment or experiencing symptoms that require prompt medical attention. Therefore, when assessing the "Lung Cancer Score," these potential delays must be factored in.

Public **transportation** options in 23453, while available, present certain limitations. Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) operates several bus routes that serve the area. Route 20, for instance, provides service along Princess Anne Road, connecting to various shopping centers and, crucially, to some medical facilities. Route 22 offers another option, traversing Kempsville Road. The number 29 bus provides service in the area of Witchduck Road. However, the frequency of these routes can be limited, particularly during evenings and weekends, potentially necessitating longer wait times and extended travel durations.

The availability of ADA-accessible buses is a positive factor, ensuring that individuals with mobility challenges can utilize public **transportation**. However, the overall coverage and frequency of HRT routes in 23453 may not fully meet the needs of patients requiring frequent medical appointments, especially those undergoing radiation therapy or chemotherapy. The "Lung Cancer Score" must reflect this relative inconvenience.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a more flexible **transportation** alternative. These services provide on-demand rides to medical appointments, eliminating the need to rely on public **transportation** schedules or personal vehicles. The availability of these services in 23453 is generally good, with relatively short wait times. However, the cost of ride-sharing can accumulate, particularly for frequent trips, potentially adding a financial burden to patients already facing significant medical expenses.

Medical **transportation** services, such as those offered by specialized companies, cater specifically to patients with medical needs. These services often provide door-to-door assistance, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel to assist with mobility. While these services offer a valuable resource, they can be costly and may require advance booking, potentially impacting the timeliness of medical appointments. The "Lung Cancer Score" must account for the availability and affordability of these specialized services.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for 23453, therefore, is a nuanced assessment. The area benefits from relatively short drive times to major medical facilities, primarily via I-264 and Princess Anne Road. However, the reliance on personal vehicles and the potential for traffic congestion during peak hours introduce a degree of uncertainty. Public **transportation**, while accessible to those with mobility challenges, may be limited in frequency and coverage. Ride-sharing services offer a convenient alternative, but at a cost. Specialized medical **transportation** services provide a valuable resource, but they can be expensive.

For individuals **moving to Virginia Beach** and considering 23453, it is crucial to weigh these factors carefully. The proximity to medical facilities is a significant advantage. However, potential challenges related to **transportation**, particularly during peak hours or for those without personal vehicles, must be considered. Patients with lung cancer or those at high risk should factor in the ease of access to treatment centers, regular appointments, and emergency services.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for 23453 reflects a balance of strengths and weaknesses. The availability of multiple **transportation** options, including personal vehicles, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical **transportation**, provides a degree of flexibility. However, the potential for traffic congestion, the limitations of public transit, and the cost of ride-sharing and specialized services necessitate a comprehensive assessment. The score should be considered in conjunction with other factors, such as the quality of healthcare providers and the availability of support services, to provide a complete picture of healthcare access in this Virginia Beach ZIP Code. This assessment is a dynamic calculation, as improvements in **transportation** infrastructure and the expansion of healthcare services can continuously influence the score.