37334, Fayetteville, Tennessee Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 37334, Fayetteville, Tennessee is 34 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

63.99 percent of residents in 37334 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.96 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Lincoln Medical Center with a distance of 0.79 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Fayetteville, TN (ZIP Code 37334)

Considering a move to Fayetteville, Tennessee (ZIP Code 37334)? Beyond the charm of this historic town, it's crucial to understand the realities of healthcare access, particularly for a significant health concern like breast cancer. This analysis provides a "Breast Cancer Score" for Fayetteville, focusing on transportation options to and from crucial medical facilities. This score, while not a definitive medical assessment, highlights the challenges and conveniences of navigating the healthcare landscape in this area, considering drive times, public transit, and alternative transportation solutions.

The cornerstone of this score is **transportation**. How easily can residents get to their appointments for mammograms, biopsies, treatment, and follow-up care? This is especially critical for those undergoing breast cancer treatment, who may experience fatigue, nausea, or other side effects that impact their ability to drive. The score will consider factors like drive times, public transportation availability, ride-sharing options, and medical transport services.

Fayetteville, a town of around 7,000 residents, is located in Lincoln County. Its healthcare infrastructure, while present, is limited compared to larger metropolitan areas. The primary healthcare provider is Lincoln Medical Center, offering a range of services, including diagnostic imaging. However, specialized breast cancer care, like comprehensive oncology services and radiation therapy, is not available locally. This necessitates travel to larger cities for advanced treatment.

**Drive Time Dynamics:**

The most common mode of **transportation** for healthcare in Fayetteville is personal vehicles. The drive times to the nearest facilities offering specialized breast cancer care are a significant factor.

* **Huntsville, Alabama:** Approximately 45 miles south, Huntsville offers comprehensive cancer care at facilities like Huntsville Hospital. The primary route is via US-231 S, a relatively well-maintained highway. Drive times typically range from 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on traffic. This drive, while manageable, can be taxing, especially for those undergoing treatment.
* **Nashville, Tennessee:** About 80 miles north, Nashville provides access to renowned cancer centers like Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center. The primary route is via US-64 E, which merges onto I-24 E. The drive time is typically 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, again depending on traffic conditions. This longer drive adds to the challenges of healthcare access.
* **Chattanooga, Tennessee:** Approximately 90 miles east, Chattanooga offers cancer care at facilities like CHI Memorial. The primary route is via US-64 E and I-24 W. The drive time is similar to Nashville, ranging from 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic.

These drive times are estimates and can be significantly impacted by traffic, particularly during peak hours. This underscores the importance of planning and considering potential delays when scheduling appointments.

**Public Transit Prospects:**

Fayetteville's public **transportation** options are limited. There is no established public bus system within the town or Lincoln County. This severely restricts **healthcare access** for those without personal vehicles or the ability to drive. This is a major disadvantage for individuals facing mobility challenges or those who cannot afford a car.

The absence of public transit necessitates reliance on other **transportation** solutions, which may be less reliable and more expensive.

**Ride-Share Realities:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Fayetteville, but their availability and reliability can be inconsistent, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing to and from distant medical facilities can be substantial, adding a significant financial burden to **healthcare access**.

The availability of these services is also dependent on the number of drivers in the area, which can fluctuate. Relying solely on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments is not always a viable option.

**Medical Transport Matters:**

Medical **transportation** services, such as non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), are available in the area. These services provide door-to-door **transportation** for individuals who require assistance getting to and from medical appointments.

Several companies offer NEMT in the region, but their availability and cost can vary. These services are often booked in advance, and the cost can be significant, especially for long-distance trips. This is a crucial resource for those who cannot drive and lack other **transportation** options.

**Breast Cancer Score Considerations:**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Fayetteville, TN (37334) is influenced by the following factors:

* **Drive Time:** The significant drive times to specialized cancer care facilities in Huntsville, Nashville, and Chattanooga are a major disadvantage. This factor contributes significantly to a lower score.
* **Public Transit:** The complete absence of public transit severely limits **healthcare access**, especially for those with mobility limitations or without personal vehicles. This negatively impacts the score.
* **Ride-Sharing:** The inconsistent availability and potential cost of ride-sharing services pose challenges. This factor moderately affects the score.
* **Medical Transport:** The availability of medical **transportation** services offers a crucial alternative. However, the cost and need for advance booking can still be a barrier. This factor provides a moderate positive impact on the score.
* **Local Healthcare:** The presence of Lincoln Medical Center for basic diagnostic services is a positive, but the lack of specialized breast cancer care limits the score.

**Moving to Fayetteville:**

For individuals considering **moving to Fayetteville**, it is vital to carefully assess their **healthcare access** needs, especially if they have a history of breast cancer or are at high risk.

While Fayetteville offers a pleasant lifestyle, the limited healthcare infrastructure and **transportation** options present challenges. Prospective residents should factor in the drive times, the cost of **transportation**, and the potential need for medical **transportation** services when making their decision.

**Conclusion:**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Fayetteville, TN (37334) is moderate. While the town offers a sense of community and a lower cost of living compared to larger cities, the challenges of **healthcare access**, particularly for specialized breast cancer care, are significant. The reliance on personal vehicles, the lack of public **transportation**, and the potential costs associated with ride-sharing and medical **transportation** services require careful consideration. Residents should proactively plan for their healthcare needs, exploring all available **transportation** options and understanding the potential financial implications. This comprehensive understanding is essential for making informed decisions about **moving to Fayetteville** and ensuring access to timely and effective breast cancer care.