28458, Rose Hill, North Carolina Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 28458, Rose Hill, North Carolina is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

79.67 percent of residents in 28458 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.12 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Vidant Duplin Hospital with a distance of 10.93 miles from the area.

## Prostate Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Rose Hill, NC (ZIP Code 28458)

The sun-drenched landscape of Rose Hill, North Carolina, in ZIP code 28458, offers a tranquil lifestyle. But, for men facing a prostate cancer diagnosis, the idyllic charm must be balanced with practical considerations, particularly access to timely and effective healthcare. This write-up provides a “Prostate Cancer Score” assessment, focusing on transportation options and their impact on healthcare access for residents. It’s a crucial factor for anyone moving to Rose Hill or already residing there, as navigating the healthcare system becomes paramount.

The "Prostate Cancer Score" isn't a formal medical metric. Instead, it's a qualitative evaluation of the transportation landscape, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for accessing prostate cancer-related healthcare. It weighs the availability of various transportation modes, their accessibility, and the potential impact on the patient's well-being. This score considers the critical need for regular appointments, treatments, and potential emergencies.

**Driving the Distance: Highways and Roadways**

Rose Hill's location, while offering a sense of seclusion, presents a geographical hurdle. The primary roadways dictate the journey to specialized healthcare facilities. For those needing advanced prostate cancer care, the nearest comprehensive medical centers are located in Wilmington, Jacksonville, or Raleigh. The drive to Wilmington, approximately 60 miles, is primarily via US-117 South, a two-lane highway that can experience congestion, especially during peak hours. This journey can take anywhere from 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on traffic.

The route to Jacksonville, about 45 miles, utilizes NC-24 East, a major thoroughfare, and can be completed in roughly an hour. Raleigh, a more significant undertaking at around 120 miles, requires navigating US-117 South to I-40 East, potentially adding 2 to 2.5 hours of driving time. These distances highlight the dependence on personal vehicles and the potential for fatigue and stress, especially for patients undergoing treatment.

The quality of roads, including potential potholes and construction, also contributes to the overall score. While US-117 and NC-24 are generally well-maintained, road conditions can vary, particularly after inclement weather, impacting travel times and patient comfort. Regular maintenance and updates are essential to ensure safe and efficient transportation.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Rose Hill are severely limited. Duplin County, like many rural areas, lacks a robust public transit system. There is no established bus route that directly connects Rose Hill to Wilmington, Jacksonville, or Raleigh. This absence severely restricts healthcare access for those without personal vehicles or who are unable to drive.

The absence of public transit underscores the reliance on alternative transportation methods. For patients with mobility limitations or those unable to drive, this presents a significant barrier to accessing timely healthcare. The lack of ADA-accessible public transit further compounds the challenges for individuals with disabilities.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their reliability and availability in Rose Hill are variable. While they offer a potential solution, particularly for shorter trips or occasional appointments, their presence may be limited, especially during off-peak hours or in the evenings. Patients may experience longer wait times or higher fares, which can add to the stress and financial burden of managing a cancer diagnosis.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more reliable option. Companies specializing in medical transportation, such as FirstLight Home Care or Senior Helpers, provide door-to-door service, ensuring patients' safety and comfort. These services often include trained staff to assist with mobility and other needs. However, these services come with a cost, and availability may be limited, necessitating advance booking.

**The Score and Its Implications**

The "Prostate Cancer Score" for Rose Hill, NC (28458), is negatively impacted by the limited public transit options and the reliance on personal vehicles. The long distances to specialized healthcare facilities, coupled with the potential for traffic delays, add to the challenges faced by patients. The variable availability of ride-sharing services and the cost of medical transportation further contribute to the score's assessment.

For individuals considering moving to Rose Hill, this score highlights the importance of carefully assessing their transportation needs and healthcare access. Those without reliable transportation may find it challenging to manage their appointments and treatment schedules. This underscores the need to factor transportation costs and potential travel time into the decision-making process.

**Recommendations for Improvement**

Improving the "Prostate Cancer Score" requires a multi-faceted approach. Advocacy for increased public transit options, including routes connecting Rose Hill to Wilmington, Jacksonville, and Raleigh, is crucial. This could involve partnering with neighboring counties or exploring grant opportunities to fund transportation initiatives.

Promoting the availability of ride-sharing services and medical transportation providers is also essential. This could involve community outreach programs to educate residents about available options and potential financial assistance programs.

Furthermore, exploring telehealth options can help bridge the gap in healthcare access. Telemedicine consultations and remote monitoring can reduce the need for frequent in-person visits, particularly for follow-up appointments or medication management.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Journey**

Living in Rose Hill offers a unique lifestyle, but for men facing prostate cancer, understanding the transportation landscape is critical. The "Prostate Cancer Score" assessment underscores the challenges and opportunities associated with accessing healthcare in this rural environment. By acknowledging these factors and advocating for improvements, the community can work towards ensuring that all residents have access to the timely and effective care they deserve. This is especially important for those considering moving to Rose Hill, as healthcare access must be a primary consideration. The journey through prostate cancer is challenging enough; simplifying the transportation aspect can significantly improve the patient experience and contribute to better health outcomes.