37340, Guild, Tennessee Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 37340, Guild, Tennessee is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

46.06 percent of residents in 37340 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.41 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Tennova Health Care-Cleveland with a distance of 39.03 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in ZIP Code 37340 (Guild, TN)**

The journey to healthcare, particularly for something as critical as breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, is a complex one. It's a journey fraught with emotional and physical challenges, and the accessibility of medical resources can significantly impact a patient's experience and outcome. This write-up analyzes the transportation landscape within and surrounding ZIP Code 37340 (Guild, TN), offering a "Breast Cancer Score" based on healthcare access, focusing on drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport options. Understanding these facets is crucial for residents, especially those considering moving to Guild, to ensure they can navigate the healthcare system effectively.

The very fabric of Guild, Tennessee, is woven with the Tennessee River and the surrounding mountains. This geographical reality shapes the transportation options available to residents. The primary route for accessing healthcare facilities is by car. The major arteries serving the area are U.S. Highway 27, the main thoroughfare, and the slightly less direct but still vital, State Route 153.

Drive times to healthcare providers are a critical component of our Breast Cancer Score. The closest major medical center is often considered to be CHI Memorial Hospital, located in Chattanooga. A drive from Guild to CHI Memorial, taking U.S. 27, typically takes between 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. This drive time is generally considered acceptable, offering relatively quick access to comprehensive care. However, this time can increase significantly during peak traffic hours, especially during the morning and evening commutes.

Another crucial factor is the availability of specialized breast cancer treatment centers. The MaryEllen Locher Breast Center, also in Chattanooga, offers advanced diagnostic and treatment services. The drive to this center, again via U.S. 27, is roughly the same as to CHI Memorial. This proximity is a positive aspect of the Breast Cancer Score, offering residents access to specialized care within a reasonable timeframe.

Public transit options in the Guild area are limited. The Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation AuthorityRegional Transportation Authority (CARTA) provides bus service in the broader Chattanooga area. However, direct routes to and from Guild are not readily available. Residents would likely need to drive to a designated CARTA transfer point, such as a park-and-ride location, to access bus routes. This added layer of transportation can significantly extend travel times and complicate healthcare access.

CARTA does offer some routes that may indirectly serve the needs of individuals seeking healthcare. For example, Route 10, which runs along a portion of U.S. 27, could be utilized. However, the frequency of these routes and the need for transfers to reach specific medical facilities pose significant challenges. ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessible buses are available, ensuring accessibility for individuals with mobility limitations.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative transportation option. Their availability in Guild is generally good, providing on-demand transportation to healthcare appointments. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a significant factor, especially for frequent appointments or longer distances.

Medical transport services are also available. These services cater specifically to individuals with medical needs, offering transportation in specialized vehicles. While they provide a valuable service, they can be expensive and often require pre-booking. Companies like First Call Medical Transportation and other local providers serve the Chattanooga area, including Guild.

The Breast Cancer Score for Guild, TN, is therefore a nuanced assessment. The drive times to major medical centers and specialized facilities are generally favorable. However, the limited public transit options and the potential cost of ride-sharing services present challenges. The availability of medical transport services provides a safety net, but at a premium.

For individuals considering moving to Guild, these transportation factors must be carefully weighed. The relatively quick access to healthcare via car is a definite advantage. However, the lack of robust public transit and the potential reliance on ride-sharing or medical transport should be considered.

The Breast Cancer Score for Guild, TN, can be summarized as follows:

* **Drive Time Accessibility:** Generally good, with 20-30 minute drives to major medical centers via U.S. 27.
* **Public Transit:** Limited, with no direct routes to Guild. CARTA routes require transfers and may not be ideal for frequent medical appointments.
* **Ride-Sharing:** Available, but cost-prohibitive for some.
* **Medical Transport:** Available, but expensive.

The final score is "moderate," with the caveat that the score can vary greatly depending on individual circumstances, financial resources, and mobility limitations.