28379, Rockingham, North Carolina Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 28379, Rockingham, North Carolina is 25 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

68.88 percent of residents in 28379 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.89 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Atrium Health Anson with a distance of 19.85 miles from the area.

## Prostate Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Rockingham, NC (ZIP Code 28379)

Considering a move to Rockingham, North Carolina (ZIP code 28379)? This assessment focuses on prostate cancer healthcare access, a critical factor for men, particularly those over 50. We’ll explore the transportation landscape, analyzing drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing availability, to determine a "Prostate Cancer Score" reflecting the ease with which residents can access necessary medical care. This score will help you evaluate the feasibility of receiving timely and effective treatment within the area.

Rockingham, nestled in Richmond County, presents a unique challenge. While the town itself is relatively small, access to specialized medical care, including urology and oncology services crucial for prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment, often requires travel. Understanding the transportation infrastructure is paramount to assessing healthcare access.

**Drive Times: The Road to Care**

The primary artery for transportation in and out of Rockingham is US-1, a major north-south highway. Depending on your location within the 28379 ZIP code, drive times to key healthcare facilities will vary. For general medical care, FirstHealth Richmond Memorial Hospital, located within Rockingham, is the most accessible option. Expect a drive of under 10 minutes for most residents.

However, for specialized prostate cancer care, you'll likely need to travel further. Pinehurst, home to FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital, offers comprehensive cancer treatment, including urology and radiation oncology. The drive to Pinehurst via US-1 North and NC-211 East is approximately 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. This journey necessitates careful planning, particularly for frequent appointments.

Another option is to travel south on US-1 to Bennettsville, South Carolina, for care. The drive is about 30 minutes.

The roads around Rockingham are generally well-maintained, but traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, can impact drive times. Consider the time of day when scheduling appointments. The condition of the roads and the availability of parking at healthcare facilities also factor into the overall experience.

**Public Transit: Limited Options**

Public transportation in Rockingham is limited. The Richmond County Transit System provides bus service within the county. However, the routes and schedules are limited, and they are not designed to cater to the specific needs of individuals with medical appointments. Public transit is not ideal for those seeking specialized cancer care.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility on the buses is provided, which is important for individuals with mobility limitations. However, the infrequent service and the need for transfers make public transit a less practical option for those needing to travel to Pinehurst or other locations for specialized prostate cancer care.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Rockingham, but their availability may be limited, especially during off-peak hours or in the evenings. Relying on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments could be unreliable, potentially leading to delays or cancellations.

Medical transportation services, such as MedTrans or other local providers, offer specialized transportation for medical appointments. These services are designed to accommodate individuals with mobility limitations and can provide door-to-door service. However, these services often require advance booking and can be costly.

**Prostate Cancer Score: An Assessment**

Based on the transportation landscape, the "Prostate Cancer Score" for ZIP code 28379 is moderate. While local medical care is readily accessible, access to specialized prostate cancer treatment requires travel.

* **Accessibility:** The proximity of FirstHealth Richmond Memorial Hospital provides a base level of healthcare access.
* **Travel Time:** The drive to Pinehurst, while manageable, adds a significant time commitment, impacting the convenience of accessing specialized care.
* **Public Transit:** The limited public transit options pose a challenge for those without personal transportation.
* **Ride-Sharing:** Ride-sharing availability, while present, is not guaranteed and could be unreliable.
* **Medical Transport:** Medical transportation services offer a viable alternative, but at a cost.

**Moving to Rockingham: Considerations for Prostate Cancer Care**

For individuals considering a move to Rockingham, it's crucial to factor in the transportation challenges when evaluating healthcare access.

* **Proximity to Care:** Prioritize locations within Rockingham that offer easy access to US-1, facilitating travel to Pinehurst or other medical centers.
* **Transportation Planning:** Develop a transportation plan, considering personal vehicles, ride-sharing, and medical transport options.
* **Financial Planning:** Budget for potential transportation costs, including gas, vehicle maintenance, and medical transport fees.
* **Support Network:** Establish a support network of family, friends, or caregivers who can assist with transportation to medical appointments.

**Conclusion: A Balanced Perspective**

Rockingham offers a welcoming community and a lower cost of living, making it attractive to many. However, when considering a move, prospective residents must carefully assess the transportation challenges associated with accessing specialized prostate cancer care. While the area provides access to general medical services, the distance to specialized facilities and the limitations of public transit require careful planning and consideration. The "Prostate Cancer Score" for ZIP code 28379 suggests a need for proactive planning and a realistic understanding of the transportation landscape to ensure timely and effective prostate cancer care.