23486, Willis Wharf, Virginia Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 23486, Willis Wharf, Virginia is 19 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

100.00 percent of residents in 23486 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 29.48 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital with a distance of 13.61 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Willis Wharf (ZIP Code 23486)

The tranquility of Willis Wharf, Virginia, a community nestled on the Eastern Shore, offers a unique lifestyle. However, the bucolic charm presents a crucial consideration for residents, especially those facing a potential lung cancer diagnosis: **transportation** and **healthcare access**. This write-up analyzes the challenges and opportunities for individuals in ZIP Code 23486 seeking timely and effective lung cancer care, providing a "Lung Cancer Score" based on the availability of **transportation** options to medical facilities.

The score considers factors like drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transport, all critical for patients who may experience fatigue, shortness of breath, or other limitations. This analysis is vital for those considering **moving to Willis Wharf** or for current residents navigating their healthcare options.

The foundation of our assessment lies in understanding the geographical constraints. Willis Wharf is a relatively isolated community, necessitating travel to larger towns and cities for specialized medical services. The primary route for accessing healthcare facilities is via Virginia Route 13, a major north-south thoroughfare. This highway, known as the Eastern Shore Expressway, is the lifeline connecting Willis Wharf to the broader region.

The nearest hospitals with oncology departments are located in Onancock (approximately 15-20 minutes away), and Salisbury, Maryland (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours away). The drive to Onancock primarily involves Route 13, while Salisbury necessitates navigating Route 13 and then Route 50. Further specialized care, including tertiary hospitals, may require travel to Norfolk or Virginia Beach, a journey of roughly 2 to 2.5 hours, primarily via Route 13 and Interstate 64.

The drive times, while manageable for some, can pose significant challenges for lung cancer patients. Frequent appointments for chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and follow-up visits can become a considerable burden, impacting both physical and emotional well-being. The reliance on personal vehicles creates a dependency that can be compromised by illness or disability.

Public **transportation** options in the area are limited. The Eastern Shore Area Agency on Aging (ESAAA) provides demand-response **transportation** services for seniors and individuals with disabilities. These services, while crucial for some, require advance booking and may not be readily available for urgent appointments. The lack of a robust public **transportation** network, including buses or trains, significantly restricts **healthcare access** for those without personal vehicles or the ability to drive.

The absence of extensive public transit necessitates exploring alternative **transportation** solutions. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the region, but their reliability and cost can vary. Availability is often dependent on driver presence, which may be limited in a rural area like Willis Wharf. Medical **transportation** services, such as non-emergency medical **transportation** (NEMT) providers, offer a more specialized solution. These services typically provide door-to-door **transportation** for medical appointments, often with trained personnel and wheelchair accessibility.

Several NEMT providers operate in the area, including companies like Logisticare and Modivcare, which contract with insurance providers. These services require prior authorization and may have limitations based on insurance coverage. Additionally, private medical **transportation** companies may offer more flexible options, albeit at a potentially higher cost.

The **transportation** landscape presents a complex picture for residents of Willis Wharf. The primary reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with limited public transit and variable ride-sharing options, creates a **healthcare access** challenge, especially for lung cancer patients. The drive times, while not insurmountable, can be a significant burden.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Willis Wharf, ZIP Code 23486, reflects these realities. Considering the factors discussed, the score is a 6 out of 10. This score acknowledges the availability of essential healthcare facilities within a reasonable driving distance, primarily in Onancock. However, it also reflects the limitations imposed by the lack of robust public **transportation**, the variable availability of ride-sharing services, and the reliance on personal vehicles.

The score also considers the availability of medical **transportation** services, which provide a crucial lifeline for patients. However, the dependence on insurance coverage and the need for prior authorization can create barriers to timely access.

To improve the Lung Cancer Score, several initiatives could be implemented. Expanding public **transportation** options, even with limited routes, would significantly enhance **healthcare access**. Partnering with ride-sharing companies to provide subsidized services for medical appointments could also prove beneficial. Furthermore, increasing awareness of medical **transportation** options and streamlining the authorization process for NEMT services would alleviate some of the burden on patients.

For individuals **moving to Willis Wharf** or already residing there, careful consideration of **transportation** needs is essential. Planning for medical appointments, exploring all available **transportation** options, and establishing relationships with healthcare providers are crucial steps.

The challenges associated with **healthcare access** in Willis Wharf underscore the importance of proactive planning. Early detection of lung cancer, coupled with readily available **transportation** to treatment centers, is paramount. Residents should familiarize themselves with local resources, including the ESAAA and NEMT providers.

The journey through a lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can be arduous. Addressing the **transportation** challenges in Willis Wharf is crucial to ensure that residents have the best possible chance of receiving timely and effective care. The community's commitment to improving **healthcare access** will ultimately determine the quality of life for those facing this challenging disease.