37325, Delano, Tennessee Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 37325, Delano, Tennessee is 24 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

55.59 percent of residents in 37325 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.42 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Starr Regional Medical Center Athens with a distance of 14.83 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Delano, Tennessee (ZIP Code 37325)

Considering a move to Delano, Tennessee, and concerned about healthcare access, particularly for breast cancer screening and treatment? This analysis provides a "Breast Cancer Score" by assessing the available transportation options to medical facilities offering these services. We'll explore drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport within and around ZIP code 37325, offering a realistic picture of your healthcare journey. This information will help you understand the ease with which you can access vital breast cancer care in your new community.

Delano, nestled in the heart of McMinn County, offers a tranquil lifestyle. However, its relative remoteness necessitates careful consideration of transportation options for healthcare needs. The “Breast Cancer Score” isn’t a numerical grade but a comprehensive assessment of the logistical challenges and opportunities surrounding breast cancer care access. It emphasizes the importance of **transportation** in ensuring timely diagnoses and treatments.

The primary focus is on facilities offering mammograms, diagnostic imaging, surgical oncology, radiation therapy, and medical oncology. These services are crucial for comprehensive breast cancer care. We’ll evaluate the practicality of reaching these facilities from various points within 37325, taking into account the realities of traffic and road conditions. **Healthcare access** is paramount, and this analysis aims to illuminate the pathways to it.

**Driving Times: The Backbone of Access**

Driving remains the dominant mode of **transportation** for most residents of Delano. The nearest hospitals with comprehensive breast cancer services are primarily located in Athens, Tennessee, and Chattanooga, Tennessee. From Delano, the journey to Athens typically involves traveling along Highway 30, a two-lane road that can experience moderate traffic, especially during peak hours. The drive to Athens, home to the Starr Regional Medical Center, is approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.

The drive to Chattanooga, a more significant healthcare hub, presents a longer journey. The most direct route involves taking Highway 64 East, which eventually merges onto I-75 North. Expect a drive time of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions and the specific location of the medical facility within Chattanooga. This route is generally well-maintained, but traffic congestion can occur, especially around Cleveland, Tennessee, and the outskirts of Chattanooga.

Consider the impact of these drive times on appointments. Factor in potential delays due to traffic, the need for pre-appointment preparation, and post-treatment fatigue. These considerations highlight the critical role of efficient **transportation** in managing the complexities of breast cancer care.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transit options in Delano and McMinn County are limited. The Athens Area Transit System (AATS) provides some bus service within Athens, but it doesn't extend to Delano. This severely restricts the feasibility of public **transportation** for accessing healthcare facilities outside of Athens.

There is no direct public transit route from Delano to Chattanooga. This absence presents a significant barrier for individuals without personal vehicles or those unable to drive. The lack of accessible public **transportation** poses a particular challenge for those with mobility limitations or those undergoing treatment that may impair their ability to drive.

The AATS buses are equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, including wheelchair lifts and designated seating. However, the lack of service to Delano renders these features irrelevant for residents of 37325. This underscores the need for alternative **transportation** solutions for those relying on public transit.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, including Delano. However, their availability can fluctuate, particularly during off-peak hours or in less populated areas. The cost of ride-sharing to Athens or Chattanooga can also be a significant factor, especially for frequent appointments.

Medical transport services offer a more specialized solution. Companies like American Medical Response (AMR) and local private ambulance services provide non-emergency medical **transportation**. These services typically offer door-to-door service, including assistance with mobility and medical equipment. However, medical transport services can be expensive, and prior arrangements are often required.

The availability and affordability of ride-sharing and medical transport services are crucial factors in assessing the overall **healthcare access** landscape. These services offer essential alternatives to personal vehicles and public transit, particularly for individuals with mobility limitations or those undergoing treatment that may affect their ability to drive.

**Moving to Delano: Weighing the Options**

For those considering **moving to Delano**, understanding the **transportation** challenges is crucial. While Delano offers a peaceful environment, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transit options require careful consideration. The drive times to Athens and Chattanooga, while manageable, can add stress and logistical complexity to healthcare appointments.

The cost of ride-sharing and medical transport services should also be factored into the equation. Exploring insurance coverage for medical **transportation** is essential. Consider the potential need for assistance from family members, friends, or community support networks to facilitate **transportation** to and from medical appointments.

**The "Breast Cancer Score" Conclusion**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Delano, Tennessee (37325) reflects a mixed picture. While the proximity to Athens offers relatively quick access to some healthcare services, the longer drive to Chattanooga necessitates careful planning. The limited public transit options and the reliance on personal vehicles or potentially costly ride-sharing and medical transport services present challenges.

The "Breast Cancer Score" isn't a simple rating. It’s a call for proactive planning. It underscores the importance of understanding the available **transportation** resources and proactively arranging for reliable access to healthcare. For individuals facing breast cancer, the ability to reach medical facilities easily and consistently is essential. This analysis empowers potential residents of Delano to make informed decisions regarding their **healthcare access** and **transportation** needs. It highlights the importance of exploring all available options and planning for the realities of the healthcare journey, ensuring that **moving to Delano** is a move that supports their health and well-being.