23690, Yorktown, Virginia Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 23690, Yorktown, Virginia is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

57.34 percent of residents in 23690 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 8.21 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Mary Immaculate Hospital with a distance of 5.73 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Yorktown, VA (ZIP Code 23690)

The specter of lung cancer looms, a stark reality for many. Early detection and timely treatment are paramount, making healthcare access a critical concern. This write-up, tailored for residents of Yorktown, Virginia (ZIP code 23690), analyzes the transportation landscape, its impact on healthcare access, and ultimately, provides a "Lung Cancer Score" to help residents understand the challenges and opportunities in their journey to care. This information is particularly relevant for those considering moving to Yorktown, allowing them to factor healthcare accessibility into their decision.

Yorktown, a charming community steeped in history, presents a unique transportation environment. Its relatively low population density and reliance on personal vehicles shape the healthcare access landscape. The primary challenge lies in the potential travel times to specialized medical facilities capable of diagnosing and treating lung cancer.

**Drive Times and Roadways: The Asphalt Arteries**

The lifeblood of transportation in Yorktown is undoubtedly the personal vehicle. Residents primarily rely on their cars to navigate the region. Key roadways dictate the flow of traffic and, consequently, the time it takes to reach healthcare providers.

Interstate 64 (I-64) acts as the major east-west artery, connecting Yorktown to larger cities like Newport News and Williamsburg. Access points to I-64 are readily available, offering a relatively quick route to major medical centers. However, traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, can significantly extend travel times. Accidents on I-64, unfortunately, are not uncommon, causing delays that could be critical in urgent situations.

Route 17, also known as George Washington Memorial Highway, is another crucial route, running north-south and providing access to local businesses and residential areas. While Route 17 offers a more direct route to some healthcare facilities, it is often slower than I-64 due to numerous traffic lights and commercial activity.

Smaller roads like Yorktown Road and Goodwin Neck Road provide access to local clinics and medical offices. These roads are generally less congested but may be limited in their ability to quickly transport patients to specialized care centers.

**Estimating Drive Times: A Crucial Metric**

The drive time to the nearest major healthcare facilities is a critical factor. Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center, located in Williamsburg, is approximately a 20-30 minute drive via I-64, depending on traffic conditions. Riverside Regional Medical Center in Newport News, offering more specialized care, is about a 30-45 minute drive, also primarily via I-64.

These drive times are estimates, and the reality can vary considerably. Factors like time of day, weather conditions, and the specific location within Yorktown can influence travel duration. It is crucial for residents to factor in these variables when considering their healthcare options.

**Public Transit: A Limited Alternative**

Public transportation options in Yorktown are limited. The Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) system provides bus service throughout the region, but its coverage in Yorktown is sparse. Route 105, which runs along Route 17, offers some accessibility, but frequency and coverage are restricted, making it a less-than-ideal option for many residents, especially those requiring timely medical attention.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a crucial consideration for public transit. HRT strives to provide accessible services, but the availability of wheelchair-accessible buses and the overall convenience of public transit in Yorktown remain a concern for individuals with mobility limitations.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Yorktown, offering an alternative to personal vehicles. However, their reliability and cost can vary, especially during peak hours or in areas with limited availability. Ride-sharing can be a viable option for some, but it is not a guaranteed solution.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are also available. These services, such as FirstCall Medical Transportation and MedExpress, often provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. While they offer a valuable service, they can be expensive and may require advance booking.

**The Lung Cancer Score: Assessing Healthcare Accessibility**

The "Lung Cancer Score" is a composite assessment of the transportation factors impacting healthcare access for Yorktown residents. It takes into account drive times, public transit limitations, ride-share availability, and medical transportation options.

**Factors Considered:**

* **Drive Time to Major Hospitals:** This is the most significant factor. Shorter drive times indicate better access.
* **Public Transit Availability:** Limited public transit reduces accessibility, particularly for those without personal vehicles.
* **Ride-Share Reliability:** The consistency and cost of ride-sharing services influence accessibility.
* **Medical Transportation Options:** The availability and affordability of specialized medical transport are important.

**Scoring Methodology:**

The score is based on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 representing the least accessible and 5 representing the most accessible.

* **Drive Time:** The score is adjusted based on average drive times to major hospitals.
* **Public Transit:** A low score reflects limited public transit options.
* **Ride-Share:** The score is adjusted based on the reliability and cost of ride-sharing services.
* **Medical Transportation:** The score is adjusted based on the availability and cost of medical transport services.

**Yorktown's Lung Cancer Score:**

Based on the analysis, Yorktown, VA (23690) receives a "Lung Cancer Score" of **3**.

**Rationale:**

The score reflects a moderate level of healthcare access. While I-64 provides relatively quick access to major hospitals, the reliance on personal vehicles and potential for traffic congestion are concerns. Limited public transit options and the variable reliability of ride-sharing services further impact the score. The availability of medical transportation services offers a valuable alternative but is subject to cost and scheduling constraints.

**Recommendations:**

* **Plan for Travel Time:** Residents should always factor in potential traffic delays when scheduling medical appointments.
* **Explore Ride-Share and Medical Transport Options:** These services can be valuable alternatives to personal vehicles, especially for those who cannot drive or lack access to a car.
* **Stay Informed about Local Healthcare Resources:** Residents should familiarize themselves with the locations of hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare providers in the area.
* **Advocate for Improved Public Transit:** Increased public transit options would significantly improve healthcare access for many residents.
* **Consider Proximity to Healthcare:** For those considering moving to Yorktown, proximity to healthcare facilities should be a key factor in their decision-making process.

**Conclusion:**

Navigating the transportation landscape in Yorktown is crucial for accessing healthcare, especially for those facing the challenges of lung cancer. Understanding the limitations and opportunities within the transportation network is essential for residents to ensure timely access to the care they need. The "Lung Cancer Score" provides a valuable framework for assessing healthcare accessibility and empowering residents to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. The score serves as a reminder of the importance of planning and preparation in the face of this formidable disease.