28573, Pollocksville, North Carolina Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 28573, Pollocksville, North Carolina is 27 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

75.63 percent of residents in 28573 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.93 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Carolina East Medical Center with a distance of 10.99 miles from the area.

## Prostate Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Pollocksville, NC (ZIP Code 28573)

The tranquil whispers of the Trent River and the close-knit community of Pollocksville, North Carolina, offer a compelling allure for those seeking a slower pace of life. However, when considering a move, particularly for those with health concerns, a comprehensive understanding of **healthcare access** becomes paramount. This write-up assesses the landscape of **transportation** options available to residents of ZIP Code 28573, specifically focusing on their ability to access prostate cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. We will analyze the practical realities of navigating the healthcare system, providing a "Prostate Cancer Score" reflecting the ease or difficulty of obtaining timely and appropriate care.

Pollocksville, a town nestled in Jones County, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities regarding **healthcare access**. The rural nature of the area means that residents often face longer travel times to reach medical facilities. This is a critical consideration for individuals managing prostate cancer, where early detection and prompt treatment are crucial for positive outcomes. The "Prostate Cancer Score" will consider factors such as drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing options, and specialized medical transport services.

**Drive Times and Roadways: The Foundation of Access**

For many Pollocksville residents, personal vehicles are the primary mode of **transportation** to healthcare appointments. The most direct route to more comprehensive medical facilities involves navigating the network of roadways. From Pollocksville, the most likely destinations for specialized prostate cancer care are New Bern and Jacksonville.

Traveling to New Bern, approximately 25 miles away, typically involves taking **NC Highway 58** south. This scenic route offers a relatively smooth drive, but traffic can be a factor, especially during peak hours. Expect a drive time of around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic conditions. New Bern boasts a regional hospital, CarolinaEast Medical Center, which offers urology services, including prostate cancer screening and treatment.

Jacksonville, about 40 miles east, provides another option. The most direct route involves taking **NC Highway 58** south to **US Highway 17** south. This journey, while longer in distance, may offer comparable travel times due to less congestion on **US Highway 17**. Drive times to Jacksonville average approximately one hour to an hour and fifteen minutes. Jacksonville is home to Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune, which provides medical care to military personnel and their families, including urology services.

The condition of the roads and traffic patterns significantly impact **healthcare access**. Residents must factor in potential delays due to accidents, construction, or inclement weather. These factors can be particularly stressful for individuals undergoing treatment or experiencing symptoms related to prostate cancer.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public **transportation** options in Pollocksville are extremely limited. Jones County does not have a dedicated public bus system. This lack of public transit significantly restricts **healthcare access** for those without personal vehicles or who are unable to drive.

The closest public transit options are in the neighboring counties of Craven and Onslow. However, these systems often have limited routes and schedules, making them impractical for regular medical appointments. Furthermore, the distance and travel times to access these systems would likely negate any benefit.

**ADA Accessibility and Public Transit**

The lack of public **transportation** options in Jones County presents a significant challenge for individuals with disabilities, including those who may have mobility limitations due to prostate cancer or its treatment. The absence of accessible public transit options exacerbates the difficulties faced by these individuals in accessing healthcare.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their availability can be inconsistent, particularly in rural areas like Pollocksville. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier, especially for frequent appointments.

Medical **transportation** services offer a specialized solution for individuals needing assistance with medical appointments. These services typically provide door-to-door **transportation**, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. While medical transport services can be a valuable resource, they often come with higher costs.

**Medical Transport Brands**

Several medical **transportation** companies operate in the region, including:

* **First Medical Transport:** Offers non-emergency medical **transportation** services.
* **Care Ride:** Provides medical **transportation** and wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
* **Medicaid Transportation:** This is a state-funded program that provides **transportation** to Medicaid recipients for medical appointments.

The availability and cost of these services vary, and residents should research and compare options to determine the most suitable choice for their needs.

**Prostate Cancer Score: A Critical Assessment**

Based on the analysis of **transportation** options, the "Prostate Cancer Score" for ZIP Code 28573 reflects the challenges and limitations faced by residents in accessing prostate cancer care.

* **Drive Times:** Moderate. While the distances to New Bern and Jacksonville are manageable, the travel times can be significant, especially considering potential traffic delays and the need for frequent appointments.
* **Public Transit:** Very Limited. The absence of a local public transit system severely restricts **healthcare access** for those without personal vehicles.
* **Ride-Sharing:** Limited. Availability can be inconsistent, and costs can be a barrier.
* **Medical Transport:** Available, but with potential cost considerations.

Considering these factors, the "Prostate Cancer Score" for Pollocksville, NC (ZIP Code 28573) is **Moderate to Low**. While residents have access to healthcare facilities, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited availability of alternative **transportation** options create significant challenges.

**Moving to Pollocksville: A Prudent Consideration**

For individuals considering **moving to Pollocksville**, particularly those with a history of prostate cancer or other health concerns, a thorough evaluation of **healthcare access** is crucial. Prospective residents should:

* Assess their ability to drive and maintain a vehicle.
* Research the availability and cost of ride-sharing and medical **transportation** services.
* Factor in the travel times to medical facilities and the potential for delays.
* Consider the availability of support systems, such as family or friends, who can provide **transportation** assistance.

Understanding the realities of **healthcare access** in Pollocksville empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their well-being and ensures they can receive timely and appropriate care. While the charm of Pollocksville is undeniable, a proactive approach to healthcare planning is essential for a smooth transition and a healthy future.