23703, Portsmouth, Virginia Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 23703, Portsmouth, Virginia is 73 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

65.11 percent of residents in 23703 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 4.00 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center with a distance of 3.01 miles from the area.

**Prostate Cancer Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 23703**

The health of men in Portsmouth, Virginia, particularly those residing in the 23703 ZIP code, depends on a multifaceted interplay of factors. One crucial element is healthcare access, especially for a condition like prostate cancer. This write-up analyzes the transportation landscape, a significant determinant of healthcare access, for residents of 23703, providing a “Prostate Cancer Score” based on commute times, transportation options, and overall ease of reaching medical facilities. The goal is to illuminate the challenges and opportunities for residents navigating the healthcare system, particularly those facing a prostate cancer diagnosis.

The 23703 ZIP code, encompassing a significant portion of Portsmouth, presents a unique transportation profile. Understanding the realities of moving to Portsmouth and the associated healthcare access is paramount. The city's geography, marked by waterways and bridges, influences travel patterns and affects how individuals can reach critical medical appointments, including those related to prostate cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment.

**Driving Times and Roadways:**

For those relying on personal vehicles, the primary arteries for healthcare access in 23703 are Interstate 264 (I-264) and U.S. Route 17 (US-17), also known as Victory Boulevard. Accessing Sentara Obici Hospital in Suffolk, a major regional healthcare provider, from various points within 23703 typically involves navigating I-264 and US-17. The drive, under normal traffic conditions, can range from 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the specific origin within the ZIP code and the time of day. Morning and evening rush hours often significantly extend these commute times, potentially adding another 15-30 minutes.

Furthermore, access to the Portsmouth Naval Medical Center, a vital resource for military personnel and their families, is primarily via US-17 and High Street. The drive is usually shorter, around 10-20 minutes, but traffic congestion around the naval base can cause delays. The availability of parking at these facilities also contributes to the overall time commitment.

Accessing specialist care, such as urologists or oncologists, might necessitate travel to Norfolk or Virginia Beach. This involves using I-264, the Downtown Tunnel, and the Midtown Tunnel. These routes, while offering direct access, can be heavily congested, especially during peak hours. Commute times to these locations can easily exceed 45 minutes, potentially impacting patients' ability to attend appointments and adhere to treatment schedules.

**Public Transit Options:**

Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) provides public transportation services within the region. Several bus routes serve the 23703 ZIP code, offering a potentially viable alternative to driving, particularly for those without personal vehicles or those seeking to avoid traffic. Routes 4, 14, and 20 are among those that traverse the area, connecting to key destinations like the Portsmouth Naval Medical Center and the downtown Portsmouth area.

However, public transit in Portsmouth presents challenges. The frequency of bus service, particularly during off-peak hours and weekends, can be limited. Waiting times between buses can be lengthy, potentially adding significant time to the overall commute. Furthermore, the system's coverage may not reach all areas within 23703, necessitating walking or other forms of transportation to reach a bus stop.

HRT is committed to ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance, ensuring that buses are equipped with features like ramps and lifts to accommodate passengers with mobility impairments. However, the physical accessibility of bus stops, such as the presence of sidewalks and curb cuts, can vary, impacting the ease with which individuals can access the system.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Portsmouth, offering an on-demand transportation option. These services can be particularly useful for individuals who cannot drive or who need a convenient way to get to appointments. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a barrier for some, especially for frequent trips. Surge pricing during peak hours or in areas with limited availability can further increase the expense.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are also available. These services often cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those who require assistance. Companies such as American Medical Response (AMR) and local private providers offer non-emergency medical transportation. However, availability and cost vary, and advance booking is often required.

**Prostate Cancer Score and Analysis:**

Based on the factors discussed, the "Prostate Cancer Score" for healthcare access in 23703 is moderately challenging. The reliance on personal vehicles, while offering flexibility, is subject to traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours. Public transit, while available, presents limitations in terms of frequency, coverage, and potential wait times. Ride-sharing and medical transportation offer viable alternatives but come with potential cost and availability constraints.

For individuals diagnosed with prostate cancer, the ability to attend regular appointments, undergo treatments, and receive timely care is crucial. Delays in transportation can lead to missed appointments, impacting treatment outcomes and overall quality of life. The challenges in navigating the transportation landscape, especially during times of illness or treatment, can be significant.

The score takes into account the following factors:

* **Drive Time Variability:** The potential for significant delays due to traffic congestion.
* **Public Transit Limitations:** Limited frequency and coverage of bus routes.
* **Ride-Sharing Costs:** The potential financial burden of relying on ride-sharing services.
* **Medical Transportation Availability:** The need for advance booking and potential cost considerations.
* **Accessibility:** The physical accessibility of public transit and medical facilities.

**Recommendations and Considerations:**

Improving healthcare access in 23703 requires a multi-pronged approach. Investing in public transit, including increasing the frequency of bus routes and expanding service coverage, could significantly improve healthcare access for residents. Enhancing the infrastructure around bus stops, such as providing shelters and improved pedestrian access, would make public transit more user-friendly.

Promoting ride-sharing options, potentially through subsidies or partnerships with healthcare providers, could alleviate transportation barriers. Expanding the availability of medical transportation services and ensuring affordability would also be beneficial.

For individuals considering moving to Portsmouth and residing in 23703, understanding the transportation landscape is essential. Careful consideration should be given to the availability of transportation options, potential commute times, and associated costs. Individuals with existing health conditions, particularly those requiring frequent medical appointments, should prioritize proximity to healthcare facilities or easy access to reliable transportation.

Finally, the healthcare system itself can play a role in improving healthcare access. Telemedicine, where appropriate, can reduce the need for in-person appointments. Coordinating transportation assistance for patients, such as offering shuttle services or partnering with ride-sharing companies, can further ease the burden of healthcare access. Ultimately, a collaborative effort involving transportation providers, healthcare providers, and community organizations is needed to ensure that residents of 23703 have equitable access to the healthcare they need, especially when facing a diagnosis of prostate cancer.