Prostate Cancer Score

28679, Sugar Grove, North Carolina Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

Average Rating: 0.0 / 5 stars

0 Reviews

Health Scores

Travel Score in 28679, Sugar Grove, North Carolina

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 28679, Sugar Grove, North Carolina is 61 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

35.64 percent of residents in 28679 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.78 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Watauga Medical Center with a distance of 11.02 miles from the area.

Health Scores in 28679, Sugar Grove, North Carolina

Prostate Cancer Score 61
People Score 41
Provider Score 52
Hospital Score 53
Travel Score 61

Closest Hospital - WATAUGA MEDICAL CENTER

Estimated Cars

Housholds with Cars (%) 28679 Sugar Grove North Carolina
No Cars 0.00 0.00 2.14
1 Car 4.16 4.16 19.36
2 Cars 34.87 34.87 40.83
3 or More Cars 60.97 60.97 37.67

Vehicular Access in 28679, Sugar Grove, North Carolina

Travel Score Review of 28679, Sugar Grove, North Carolina

## Prostate Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Sugar Grove (ZIP Code 28679)

The tranquility of Sugar Grove, North Carolina (ZIP code 28679), nestled amidst the Appalachian Mountains, presents a unique set of considerations when assessing healthcare access, particularly for those facing a prostate cancer diagnosis. This write-up delves into the transportation landscape, crucial for timely and effective healthcare, and offers a "Prostate Cancer Score" to help potential residents understand the realities of accessing medical services. The score is a subjective assessment based on the availability and accessibility of various transportation options, factoring in drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services. This analysis is designed to provide a comprehensive overview, aiding informed decisions about moving to Sugar Grove.

The core of this assessment revolves around the practicalities of getting to and from medical appointments. Prostate cancer treatment often involves frequent visits for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. The ability to navigate the transportation network efficiently is paramount, impacting both physical and emotional well-being.

**The Prostate Cancer Score Methodology:**

The score is structured on a scale of 1-5, with 1 representing the most challenging access and 5 representing the most accessible. Each category below is scored individually, and the overall score is a weighted average, emphasizing drive times and the availability of reliable transportation alternatives.

**1. Drive Times to Healthcare Facilities (Weight: 40%)**

The primary determinant of the score is the time it takes to reach the nearest healthcare facilities equipped to handle prostate cancer diagnoses and treatment. The main thoroughfare connecting Sugar Grove to the broader region is US-421. Traveling west on US-421 provides access to Boone, the closest town with significant medical facilities. The drive to Watauga Medical Center in Boone, a facility with urology services, typically takes approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions.

Alternatively, heading east on US-421 and then onto NC-194 leads to Jefferson, North Carolina, where some smaller medical practices might offer limited urology services. This drive typically takes around 45-60 minutes. Further afield, Winston-Salem, a major medical hub, is accessible via US-421 and I-77, requiring a drive of approximately 2-2.5 hours. This longer distance is a critical factor, particularly for specialized treatments like radiation therapy or complex surgeries.

The Prostate Cancer Score for Drive Times is a 3. The proximity of Boone, while not ideal, offers a reasonable drive time for basic care. However, the longer distances to more specialized facilities and the potential for weather-related delays during mountain travel significantly impact the score.

**2. Public Transportation Options (Weight: 20%)**

Public transportation options in Sugar Grove and the surrounding area are limited. The local Watauga County Transportation Authority provides some demand-response services, but these are primarily designed for seniors and individuals with disabilities. These services require advance booking and may not be readily available for urgent medical appointments.

There is no fixed-route bus service connecting Sugar Grove to Boone or other towns. This lack of readily available public transit poses a significant challenge for individuals who do not drive or who are unable to drive due to their condition or treatment side effects. The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance of the demand-response services is variable, and availability can be limited.

The Prostate Cancer Score for Public Transportation is a 1. The absence of regular public transit severely restricts healthcare access for those without personal vehicles.

**3. Ride-Sharing Services (Weight: 15%)**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Boone area, but their presence in Sugar Grove is less reliable. Availability can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Relying solely on ride-sharing for medical appointments could be risky due to potential delays or cancellations.

The Prostate Cancer Score for Ride-Sharing Services is a 2. While the option exists, its unreliability and potential for higher costs make it a less-than-ideal solution for consistent healthcare access.

**4. Medical Transportation Services (Weight: 15%)**

Several medical transportation services operate in the region, offering non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) for appointments. These services often cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring assistance. However, availability and cost can vary, and booking in advance is usually necessary.

The Prostate Cancer Score for Medical Transportation Services is a 3. This option offers a viable alternative for those who need it, but the need for advance booking and potential costs impact its overall utility.

**5. Healthcare Access and Support Networks (Weight: 10%)**

Beyond transportation, access to healthcare also encompasses the availability of support networks and resources. Boone offers a range of support groups and community resources for cancer patients. The presence of a strong support network can significantly improve a patient's ability to cope with their diagnosis and treatment.

The Prostate Cancer Score for Healthcare Access and Support Networks is a 4. The availability of support resources in Boone provides a valuable component of the overall healthcare landscape.

**Overall Prostate Cancer Score for Sugar Grove (ZIP Code 28679):**

Based on the weighted average of the individual scores, the overall Prostate Cancer Score for Sugar Grove is approximately 2.6. This score reflects a moderate level of healthcare access, primarily due to the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited availability of alternative transportation options. While Boone offers a reasonable drive time for basic care, the lack of robust public transit, the unreliability of ride-sharing, and the longer distances to specialized facilities pose challenges.

**Implications for Moving to Sugar Grove:**

For individuals considering moving to Sugar Grove, particularly those with a history of prostate cancer or those at high risk, careful consideration of transportation needs is essential. A personal vehicle is almost a necessity. The ability to drive, or the availability of a caregiver who can drive, is crucial for accessing medical care. Exploring the availability and cost of medical transportation services is also recommended. Prospective residents should also research the specific healthcare providers and facilities in Boone and Winston-Salem to understand the range of services offered and the potential travel times involved.

The decision to move to Sugar Grove should be made with a clear understanding of the transportation limitations. While the area offers natural beauty and a peaceful lifestyle, the challenges of healthcare access must be carefully weighed against the benefits. The goal is to ensure that healthcare access is not a barrier to enjoying the quality of life that Sugar Grove offers. The focus on transportation options and healthcare access is critical for anyone considering moving to this mountain community.

Reviews

Recent Reviews

No reviews yet.

Leave a review
Health Scores Near 28679, Sugar Grove, North Carolina

You may also like

28692, Vilas, North Carolina
Prostate Cancer Score
Prostate Cancer Score

Distance from 28679: 3.74 Miles

Total Population: 4,456

28698, Zionville, North Carolina
Prostate Cancer Score
Prostate Cancer Score

Distance from 28679: 7.34 Miles

Total Population: 2,594

28646, Linville, North Carolina
Prostate Cancer Score
Prostate Cancer Score

Distance from 28679: 12.42 Miles

Total Population: 414

28652, Minneapolis, North Carolina
Prostate Cancer Score
Prostate Cancer Score

Distance from 28679: 13.11 Miles

Total Population: 154

28684, Todd, North Carolina
Prostate Cancer Score
Prostate Cancer Score

Distance from 28679: 14.68 Miles

Total Population: 1,703

28657, Newland, North Carolina
Prostate Cancer Score
Prostate Cancer Score

Distance from 28679: 15.35 Miles

Total Population: 8,226

28662, Pineola, North Carolina
Prostate Cancer Score
Prostate Cancer Score

Distance from 28679: 15.87 Miles

Total Population: 52

28647, Linville Falls, North Carolina
Prostate Cancer Score
Prostate Cancer Score

Distance from 28679: 21.06 Miles

Total Population: None

28694, West Jefferson, North Carolina
Prostate Cancer Score
Prostate Cancer Score

Distance from 28679: 21.93 Miles

Total Population: 6,861

Health Scores in 28679, Sugar Grove, North Carolina