23874, Newsoms, Virginia Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 23874, Newsoms, Virginia is 34 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

64.31 percent of residents in 23874 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.61 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Bon Secours Southampton Memorial Hospital with a distance of 10.69 miles from the area.

The air in Newsoms, Virginia, ZIP Code 23874, whispers tales of rural tranquility, of fields stretching towards the horizon and a pace of life that often feels a world away from the frenetic energy of urban centers. But for those facing the daunting diagnosis of lung cancer, the serenity can quickly transform into a complex challenge, particularly when considering the critical element of **healthcare access**. This write-up explores the landscape of **transportation** options available to residents of Newsoms, offering a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment that considers the crucial factor of getting to and from vital medical appointments.

The journey to effective lung cancer treatment is a marathon, not a sprint. It involves frequent visits to oncologists, radiation therapy sessions, and potentially surgeries. The ability to reliably and comfortably access these services is paramount. In this context, understanding the available **transportation** options becomes an essential part of navigating the healthcare system.

**The Lung Cancer Score: A Framework**

Our "Lung Cancer Score" is not a definitive medical assessment but a practical guide. It considers the following factors: drive times to major medical facilities, the availability and accessibility of public **transportation**, the presence of ride-share services, and the availability of specialized medical **transportation**. Each factor is weighted based on its potential impact on a patient's ability to receive timely and consistent care. The score will then provide a snapshot of the challenges and opportunities facing residents of Newsoms.

**Driving the Distance: The Road to Treatment**

For many residents of Newsoms, the car is the primary mode of **transportation**. The nearest significant medical facilities offering comprehensive cancer care are located in Suffolk, Virginia, and the Hampton Roads area. The most direct route involves navigating the rural roads and highways.

Traveling east, a patient would likely utilize US-58, a major east-west artery that connects Newsoms to Suffolk. The drive to Sentara Obici Hospital in Suffolk, a facility known for its cancer services, is approximately 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific location within Newsoms. This drive is relatively straightforward, offering a manageable commute for many.

Further east, towards the Hampton Roads area, the journey becomes more complex. Accessing facilities like the Sentara Cancer Institute in Norfolk or the Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center in Portsmouth would involve traveling on US-58, merging onto US-460, and then navigating the I-64 corridor. The drive time to these facilities can range from 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. This longer commute can be a significant burden, especially for patients undergoing treatment who may experience fatigue and other side effects.

The condition of the roads is generally good, but the potential for traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, is a consideration. The availability of parking at these facilities is also a factor, and patients should be prepared for potential delays.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public **transportation** options in the Newsoms area are extremely limited. The Southside Area Transit (SAT) provides some bus service in the region, but its routes and schedules are primarily designed to serve local needs and do not offer direct or convenient access to major medical facilities in Suffolk or the Hampton Roads area. The frequency of service is low, and the routes often involve multiple transfers, making them impractical for patients with medical appointments.

Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible buses is limited, which can pose a significant challenge for patients with mobility impairments. The lack of robust public **transportation** options is a major drawback for residents of Newsoms seeking **healthcare access**.

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

Ride-share services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Newsoms area, but their availability can be inconsistent, especially during off-peak hours or in the more rural areas. The cost of ride-share services can also be a significant factor, particularly for frequent medical appointments.

Specialized medical **transportation** services are available in the region. These services, such as MedRide and others, are designed to provide door-to-door **transportation** for patients with medical needs. They typically offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained drivers. However, these services can be expensive and may require advance booking.

**The Lung Cancer Score for Newsoms (23874)**

Considering the factors discussed, the "Lung Cancer Score" for Newsoms, Virginia (23874), is moderate. The relatively short drive to Suffolk (30-45 minutes) provides a degree of **healthcare access**. However, the longer drive times to the Hampton Roads area (1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes), the limited public **transportation**, and the potential cost and availability issues with ride-share and medical **transportation** services create significant challenges.

**Recommendations and Considerations**

For residents of Newsoms facing a lung cancer diagnosis, planning for **transportation** is crucial. Patients should explore all available options, including:

* **Utilizing personal vehicles:** This is the most direct and reliable option for many.
* **Enlisting the support of family and friends:** Carpooling or ridesharing can alleviate the burden of frequent trips.
* **Investigating medical **transportation** services:** These services can provide reliable and accessible **transportation**, but patients should be prepared for the associated costs.
* **Contacting the hospital's patient navigator:** Patient navigators can assist in coordinating **transportation** and other support services.

**Moving to Newsoms: A Healthcare Perspective**

For individuals or families considering **moving to Newsoms**, it's essential to factor in the realities of **healthcare access**. While the area offers a peaceful lifestyle, the limited **transportation** options and the distance to major medical facilities should be carefully considered, particularly for those with existing health conditions or a family history of cancer. The availability of reliable **transportation** is a critical component of successful cancer treatment, and a thorough understanding of the options available in Newsoms is essential for ensuring timely and consistent care.