27542, Kenly, North Carolina Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 27542, Kenly, North Carolina is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

64.07 percent of residents in 27542 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.17 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Johnston Health with a distance of 15.28 miles from the area.

**Prostate Cancer Score: Transportation and Healthcare Access in Kenly, NC (ZIP Code 27542)**

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a diagnosis as serious as prostate cancer, is a critical factor in patient outcomes. This report analyzes the transportation landscape and healthcare access within ZIP Code 27542 (Kenly, North Carolina), providing a "Prostate Cancer Score" to assess the ease and efficiency of accessing necessary medical services. This score considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing options, and specialized medical transportation services. It offers prospective residents, especially those considering moving to Kenly, valuable insights into navigating the healthcare system.

Kenly, a small town nestled in Johnston County, presents a unique challenge: balancing rural charm with the need for accessible healthcare. The "Prostate Cancer Score" will reflect the reality of this balance, acknowledging both the strengths and weaknesses of the local transportation infrastructure. The ability to reach a urologist, radiation oncologist, and other specialists quickly and reliably is paramount for effective prostate cancer treatment.

**Drive Times: The Road to Treatment**

The primary mode of transportation for most Kenly residents is the personal vehicle. The drive times to key healthcare facilities are therefore a crucial element of the "Prostate Cancer Score." The nearest significant medical centers are located in Wilson and Smithfield, requiring travel along major highways.

Reaching Wilson Medical Center, a facility that may offer urology and oncology services, typically involves navigating US-301 South. The drive is approximately 15 miles and should take around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. However, rush hour can significantly increase this travel time, potentially delaying crucial appointments.

Smithfield, home to Johnston Health, is accessible via Interstate 95 (I-95) North or US-301 North, then onto US-70. The distance is roughly 20 miles, with an estimated drive time of 25-35 minutes, again contingent on traffic flow. The I-95 corridor can experience congestion, especially during peak hours and on weekends, which could impact the punctuality of medical appointments.

For more specialized care, such as advanced radiation therapy or surgical oncology, patients might need to travel to Raleigh, a larger city with comprehensive medical facilities. This involves a drive of approximately 45-60 minutes, primarily via I-95 North to I-40 West. This longer commute introduces additional variables, including potential traffic delays, which could negatively affect the "Prostate Cancer Score."

**Public Transit: Limited Options**

Public transportation options in Kenly are limited. Johnston County does offer a public transit system, but service frequency and route coverage are minimal, particularly for destinations outside of Smithfield. This significantly impacts the "Prostate Cancer Score" for those who do not have access to a personal vehicle or are unable to drive.

The Johnston County Area Transit System (JCATS) provides a demand-response service. This means riders must schedule their trips in advance, which can be challenging for urgent medical needs. JCATS operates on a limited schedule, and the routes are not specifically designed to facilitate easy access to medical facilities. ADA-compliant vehicles are available, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities. However, the overall lack of readily available public transit significantly impacts the "Prostate Cancer Score."

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation: Bridging the Gap**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Kenly, offering an alternative transportation option, especially for those without personal vehicles. However, the availability of drivers can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in rural areas. This uncertainty could pose a challenge for patients needing to travel to appointments on short notice.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by companies like CareRide or MedRide, provide specialized transportation for patients with medical needs. These services often include door-to-door assistance and can accommodate individuals with mobility limitations. While these services can be a valuable resource, they typically come at a higher cost than ride-sharing or public transit, potentially impacting the "Prostate Cancer Score" for those with limited financial resources.

**Healthcare Access and the "Prostate Cancer Score"**

The "Prostate Cancer Score" for Kenly, NC (ZIP Code 27542) reflects the challenges and opportunities related to transportation and healthcare access. The score will be lower than that of a more urban area with robust public transit and readily available medical facilities. The reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transit options create potential barriers to timely and consistent access to care.

The score will be influenced by the drive times to key medical centers in Wilson, Smithfield, and Raleigh. The availability and reliability of ride-sharing services and medical transportation will also be factored in. The score will also consider the availability of telehealth services, which can mitigate the impact of transportation challenges by allowing patients to consult with doctors remotely.

**Moving to Kenly: A Healthcare Perspective**

For individuals considering moving to Kenly, understanding the transportation landscape and healthcare access is crucial. While the town offers a peaceful, rural lifestyle, the "Prostate Cancer Score" highlights the need for careful planning regarding healthcare. Potential residents should factor in the drive times to medical facilities, the availability of ride-sharing or medical transportation, and the potential for traffic delays.

The availability of support networks, such as family, friends, or community organizations, is also critical. These networks can provide assistance with transportation, appointment scheduling, and other needs. Individuals with prostate cancer or a family history of the disease should consider these factors carefully when evaluating Kenly as a potential place to live.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Healthcare Landscape**

The "Prostate Cancer Score" for Kenly, NC (ZIP Code 27542) underscores the importance of transportation and healthcare access in the context of prostate cancer treatment. While the town offers a desirable lifestyle, the limited public transit and reliance on personal vehicles present challenges. Prospective residents and current patients should carefully consider these factors, plan for potential transportation difficulties, and leverage available resources, such as ride-sharing, medical transportation, and telehealth services, to ensure timely and consistent access to care. The journey to healthcare is a critical component of the overall well-being of the community.