28328, Clinton, North Carolina Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 28328, Clinton, North Carolina is 56 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

72.98 percent of residents in 28328 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.49 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Sampson Regional Medical Center with a distance of 1.19 miles from the area.

## Navigating Healthcare in Clinton, NC: A Prostate Cancer Score for ZIP Code 28328

Considering a move to Clinton, North Carolina, and concerned about healthcare access, particularly for prostate cancer screening and treatment? This write-up provides a "Prostate Cancer Score" for ZIP Code 28328, focusing on transportation options to and from relevant medical facilities. This score considers drive times, public transit, ride-share availability, and medical transport services, painting a comprehensive picture of healthcare accessibility.

The "Prostate Cancer Score" is not a formal medical assessment. Instead, it evaluates the ease with which a resident of 28328 can access essential prostate cancer-related healthcare. This includes primary care physicians for initial screenings, urologists for diagnosis and treatment, radiation oncology centers, and surgical facilities. The score is based on a qualitative assessment of available transportation options, acknowledging that individual needs and preferences vary.

**Drive Time and Road Networks: The Foundation of Access**

The cornerstone of healthcare access in Clinton is the automobile. ZIP Code 28328 is primarily a car-dependent area. Therefore, understanding drive times to key medical facilities is crucial. The primary route for accessing healthcare outside of Clinton is via **Highway 421**. This highway connects Clinton to Fayetteville to the south and Greensboro to the north, offering access to larger hospitals and specialized medical centers.

Traveling south on Highway 421, the drive to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center in Fayetteville, a major regional hospital, is approximately 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic. This facility offers comprehensive urology services, including prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment options. The journey involves navigating the highway, with potential congestion during peak hours.

To the north, the drive to Greensboro, home to more specialized cancer centers and hospitals like Cone Health Cancer Center, takes approximately 2 hours via Highway 421. This longer drive necessitates careful planning and may involve overnight stays for certain treatments. While the highway is generally well-maintained, weather conditions can impact travel times.

Within Clinton itself, access to local healthcare providers is generally straightforward. Sampson Regional Medical Center, located within the town, provides primary care, urology services, and limited cancer care. Travel times within Clinton are typically short, ranging from 5 to 15 minutes, making local appointments relatively convenient.

**Public Transit: Limited Options, Limited Reach**

Public transportation options in Clinton are limited. The Sampson County Transportation Authority (SCTA) operates a demand-response system, providing transportation within the county. This service is primarily aimed at seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited transportation options.

The SCTA offers door-to-door service, requiring advance booking. While the service is ADA-compliant, with accessible vehicles, the availability of rides is limited, and wait times can be significant. This makes it less than ideal for urgent appointments or frequent trips to medical facilities.

The SCTA does not have fixed routes or scheduled services to Fayetteville or Greensboro. Therefore, relying on public transit for accessing major hospitals outside of Clinton is impractical. This significantly impacts the "Prostate Cancer Score," as it restricts access to specialized care.

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

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Clinton, but their availability and reliability may be limited compared to larger metropolitan areas. Ride availability can fluctuate, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a factor, especially for longer trips to Fayetteville or Greensboro.

Medical transport services, such as those offered by private ambulance companies, provide a valuable alternative for individuals who require assistance with transportation due to medical conditions. These services can transport patients to and from medical appointments, offering a higher level of care and assistance. However, these services are typically more expensive than ride-sharing and may require prior authorization from insurance companies.

Several medical transport providers operate in the region, including FirstHealth of the Carolinas and various private ambulance companies. These services offer different levels of care and transportation options, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles.

**The "Prostate Cancer Score" for 28328: A Qualitative Assessment**

Considering the factors above, the "Prostate Cancer Score" for ZIP Code 28328 is moderate. While local healthcare options are accessible, accessing specialized prostate cancer care, particularly radiation oncology and advanced surgical procedures, requires travel to Fayetteville or Greensboro. This travel relies heavily on personal vehicles, with limited public transit and potentially unreliable ride-sharing services.

The score reflects the following:

* **Positive:** Proximity to Sampson Regional Medical Center provides access to primary care and urology services.
* **Negative:** Reliance on personal vehicles for accessing specialized care in Fayetteville and Greensboro.
* **Neutral:** Availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services, but with limitations in terms of availability and cost.

**Moving to Clinton: Healthcare Considerations**

For individuals considering moving to Clinton, North Carolina, and concerned about prostate cancer healthcare, it is essential to factor in transportation needs. While local healthcare options are available, planning for potential travel to larger medical centers is crucial.

* **Assess your transportation needs:** Evaluate your ability to drive or access a reliable vehicle. Consider the potential need for assistance with transportation, especially for post-operative care or radiation therapy.
* **Research healthcare providers:** Investigate the availability of urologists, oncologists, and radiation oncology centers in Fayetteville and Greensboro.
* **Explore insurance coverage:** Understand your insurance plan's coverage for transportation services, including ride-sharing and medical transport.
* **Plan for potential travel:** Factor in travel time and potential overnight stays for specialized treatments.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Healthcare Landscape**

The "Prostate Cancer Score" for ZIP Code 28328 highlights the importance of understanding transportation options when assessing healthcare access. While Clinton offers local healthcare resources, accessing specialized prostate cancer care requires navigating a car-dependent environment with limited public transit alternatives. Careful planning and consideration of individual needs are essential for ensuring access to timely and appropriate healthcare in Clinton. This information provides a starting point for making informed decisions about healthcare access, allowing prospective residents to evaluate the healthcare landscape and make informed decisions about moving to Clinton.