37333, Farner, Tennessee Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 37333, Farner, Tennessee is 21 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

56.95 percent of residents in 37333 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.61 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Starr Regional Medical Center Athens with a distance of 25.87 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Commute to Healthcare in Farner, Tennessee (ZIP Code 37333)**

Farner, Tennessee, nestled in the verdant embrace of the Cherokee National Forest, presents a unique landscape for its residents. The serenity of the mountains, however, can create challenges regarding healthcare access, especially for those facing the complexities of a breast cancer diagnosis. This analysis, the "Breast Cancer Score," evaluates the transportation landscape in ZIP Code 37333, focusing on commute times, available transportation options, and their suitability for individuals needing regular medical care.

The journey to healthcare in Farner begins with understanding the distances involved. The nearest comprehensive medical facilities, capable of providing specialized breast cancer care, are located in larger towns and cities. These include hospitals in Athens, Cleveland, and Chattanooga, each representing a significant commute for residents of Farner. The "Breast Cancer Score" considers the impact of these travel times on a patient's ability to receive timely and consistent care.

The primary mode of transportation for most Farner residents is personal vehicles. The most direct route to Athens, approximately 50 miles away, involves navigating Highway 68. This two-lane highway winds through the mountains, offering scenic views but also potential delays due to winding roads and traffic. The drive typically takes around one hour and fifteen minutes, but this can vary significantly depending on traffic, weather conditions, and the driver's familiarity with the route.

To reach Cleveland, a journey of approximately 60 miles, residents typically utilize Highway 64. This route offers a slightly faster commute, generally taking around one hour and twenty minutes, as it features more stretches of divided highway. However, traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, can add to the travel time.

Chattanooga, the largest city within reasonable proximity, is about 80 miles from Farner. The most common route involves taking Highway 64 East to Interstate 75 South. This route offers the fastest commute, typically taking around one hour and thirty minutes, due to the higher speed limits and controlled access of the interstate. However, traffic on I-75 can be heavy, especially during rush hour and on weekends, potentially adding significant time to the journey.

Public transportation options in Farner are extremely limited. There are no local bus services operating within the town itself. The nearest public transit options are available in larger cities like Athens, Cleveland, and Chattanooga. These services, while offering some degree of accessibility, are not designed to serve the specific transportation needs of Farner residents.

The Athens Area Transit System (AATS) provides bus services within Athens. However, these routes do not extend to Farner, and the service is not designed for long-distance travel to other healthcare facilities. The AATS does offer some ADA-accessible buses.

The Cleveland Urban Area Transit System (CUATS) provides bus services within Cleveland. Like the Athens system, CUATS does not directly serve Farner. Some routes are ADA-accessible, but this system is not a viable option for residents seeking transportation to breast cancer care.

The Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation AuthorityRegional Transportation Authority (CARTA) offers a more extensive network of bus routes within Chattanooga. While CARTA may be the most viable option for Farner residents, the commute to Chattanooga would require a personal vehicle or a ride-share service to reach a CARTA bus stop. CARTA does offer a significant number of ADA-accessible buses and paratransit services, but these are still limited by the distance and the need for an initial transportation leg.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Farner area, but their availability and cost can vary. The remote location of Farner may result in longer wait times and higher fares compared to urban areas. This can be a significant barrier for patients needing frequent transportation for appointments, chemotherapy, or radiation treatments.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by private companies, provide a specialized option for patients. These services typically offer door-to-door transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel to assist patients. However, these services can be expensive and may not be covered by all insurance plans.

The "Breast Cancer Score" also considers the impact of limited healthcare access on patient outcomes. Studies have shown that timely access to care is critical for successful breast cancer treatment. Delays in diagnosis and treatment can lead to poorer outcomes, including a higher risk of mortality. The transportation challenges faced by Farner residents can exacerbate these delays, potentially impacting their overall health and well-being.

For individuals considering moving to Farner, the availability of reliable transportation to healthcare facilities should be a significant factor. The "Breast Cancer Score" highlights the need for careful planning and consideration of the transportation challenges. Prospective residents should assess their individual needs, including the frequency of medical appointments, the availability of support networks, and the potential costs associated with transportation.

The "Breast Cancer Score" also underscores the need for community initiatives to address the transportation challenges. This could include advocating for expanded public transportation options, partnering with ride-sharing services to offer discounted fares, or establishing a local volunteer driver program. These efforts could improve healthcare access for Farner residents and improve their health outcomes.

In conclusion, the "Breast Cancer Score" for Farner, Tennessee (ZIP Code 37333) reveals significant transportation challenges for individuals needing breast cancer care. The long commute times, limited public transit options, and variable availability of ride-sharing services create barriers to accessing timely and consistent medical care. Addressing these challenges through community initiatives and careful planning is crucial to ensuring that Farner residents have the opportunity to receive the best possible care.