27922, Cofield, North Carolina Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 27922, Cofield, North Carolina is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

83.27 percent of residents in 27922 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.66 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Vidant Roanoke Chowan Hospital with a distance of 7.74 miles from the area.

**Prostate Cancer Score: Access to Healthcare in Cofield, North Carolina (ZIP Code 27922)**

Navigating a prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment plan demands swift, reliable access to comprehensive healthcare. This report analyzes the transportation landscape surrounding Cofield, North Carolina (ZIP Code 27922), focusing on its impact on healthcare access, specifically concerning prostate cancer care. We will explore drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, painting a picture of the challenges and opportunities for residents in this rural community. The analysis aims to provide a “Prostate Cancer Score” reflecting the ease with which individuals can access necessary medical services.

The geographical isolation of Cofield presents a significant hurdle. The nearest major medical centers equipped to handle prostate cancer diagnosis, staging, and treatment are located in larger towns and cities, requiring residents to travel significant distances. This reliance on transportation significantly impacts the overall healthcare experience, especially for patients undergoing frequent appointments, treatments like radiation therapy, or post-operative follow-ups.

**Drive Times: The Road to Care**

The primary mode of transportation for Cofield residents is personal vehicles. The roads, however, are not always conducive to speedy travel. The primary arteries connecting Cofield to healthcare facilities include US-158, NC-461, and NC-32.

Driving to Vidant Bertie Hospital in Windsor, approximately 15 miles away, takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions. This facility offers some basic diagnostic services, but for specialized oncology care, patients often need to travel further.

The drive to larger hospitals and cancer centers in Greenville, North Carolina, such as Vidant Medical Center, is a more significant undertaking. This journey, primarily via US-13 and US-64, covers roughly 60 miles and can take between 1 hour 15 minutes and 1 hour 45 minutes, depending on traffic. Greenville offers comprehensive cancer care, including radiation oncology, chemotherapy, and surgical services.

For specialized treatments or clinical trials, patients might need to travel to facilities in Norfolk, Virginia, or Raleigh, North Carolina. These trips, involving travel on I-95, I-64, and other highways, can take several hours, adding to the physical and emotional burden of treatment. The time commitment and associated costs, including fuel, parking, and potential tolls, represent a substantial barrier to healthcare access for many residents.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Cofield and the surrounding areas are extremely limited. The absence of a robust public transit system severely restricts healthcare access for those without personal vehicles or who cannot drive.

The Bertie County Transit System provides some services, but its routes and schedules are limited, primarily focusing on essential services within the county. The availability of wheelchair-accessible vehicles is crucial for patients with mobility issues, and it is essential to determine the availability of ADA-compliant vehicles on the transit system.

Relying solely on public transit for frequent medical appointments, especially during cancer treatment, is often impractical. The long travel times, limited operating hours, and potential for missed appointments due to delays can significantly impact the patient’s overall well-being and adherence to their treatment plan.

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

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in some areas, but their presence in Cofield is sporadic and unreliable. The availability of these services can vary greatly depending on the time of day, demand, and driver availability. Relying on ride-sharing for critical medical appointments is risky, as delays or cancellations can disrupt treatment schedules.

Medical transport services offer a more specialized solution, catering specifically to patients needing assistance with transportation to and from medical appointments. These services often provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel to assist patients. However, the cost of medical transport can be prohibitive for many residents, further exacerbating healthcare access disparities.

Several medical transport companies serve the area, including those specializing in non-emergency medical transportation. These services are crucial for patients who cannot drive themselves or lack access to family or friends who can provide transportation. However, the cost and availability of these services can be a significant barrier to care.

**The Prostate Cancer Score: Assessing Healthcare Access**

Based on the analysis of transportation options in Cofield, the “Prostate Cancer Score” reflects the challenges residents face in accessing prostate cancer care. The score considers factors such as drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing reliability, and medical transport costs.

The score will be lower, indicating poorer healthcare access, due to the limited public transit options, the reliance on personal vehicles, and the potential for long travel times to specialized medical centers. The lack of readily available ride-sharing services and the cost of medical transport further contribute to the score.

This score highlights the urgent need for improved transportation solutions to ensure that Cofield residents have equitable access to prostate cancer care. This could include expanding public transit routes, increasing the availability of ride-sharing services, and providing financial assistance for medical transportation.

**Moving to Cofield: Considerations for Prostate Cancer Patients**

For individuals considering moving to Cofield, the availability of healthcare access should be a critical factor in their decision-making process. Potential residents with a history of prostate cancer or those at high risk should carefully assess the transportation challenges and the distance to specialized medical centers.

It is crucial to investigate the availability of medical transport services, the cost of these services, and whether insurance covers them. Prospective residents should also explore the possibility of utilizing telehealth services for certain appointments and consultations.

Furthermore, connecting with local support groups and organizations that can provide assistance with transportation and other support services is essential. Understanding the transportation landscape and planning for healthcare access is vital for ensuring a positive quality of life for individuals managing prostate cancer in Cofield.

**Conclusion**

The transportation landscape in Cofield presents significant challenges for residents seeking prostate cancer care. The long drive times, limited public transit options, and the sporadic availability of ride-sharing services create barriers to accessing timely and comprehensive medical care. Addressing these transportation challenges through strategic interventions is crucial to improving healthcare access and ensuring that residents of Cofield have the opportunity to live long, healthy lives. The “Prostate Cancer Score” serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing transportation inequities and advocating for improved healthcare access in rural communities.