37687, Roan Mountain, Tennessee Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 37687, Roan Mountain, Tennessee is 34 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

55.05 percent of residents in 37687 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.65 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Sycamore Shoals Hospital with a distance of 14.14 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Roan Mountain, TN (ZIP Code 37687)**

Roan Mountain, Tennessee, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, offers breathtaking natural beauty and a close-knit community. However, its remote location presents unique challenges when it comes to healthcare access, particularly for those facing a breast cancer diagnosis. This analysis, a "Breast Cancer Score," explores the transportation landscape within and around ZIP code 37687, providing insights into the ease or difficulty of accessing vital medical services. It considers drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing availability, offering a comprehensive view for residents and those considering moving to Roan Mountain.

The cornerstone of any breast cancer journey is timely access to medical professionals. This includes oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, and support staff. The ability to reach these providers quickly and reliably significantly impacts treatment outcomes and quality of life. Transportation, therefore, becomes a critical factor in the overall "Breast Cancer Score" for Roan Mountain.

**Drive Times and Roadways: The Primary Arteries**

The primary mode of transportation in and out of Roan Mountain is by personal vehicle. The town is served by several key roadways, each influencing the time it takes to reach essential healthcare facilities. The most direct route to larger medical centers is via US-19E, a two-lane highway that winds its way through the mountains.

Driving from Roan Mountain to Johnson City, the nearest city with comprehensive medical facilities, typically takes between 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic and weather conditions. This journey involves navigating US-19E, which can be slow-going due to its winding nature and occasional congestion.

Reaching larger hospitals in Asheville, North Carolina, a more distant but often preferred option for specialized care, requires a drive of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. This route involves taking US-19E south to US-19, then connecting to I-26 East. The I-26 corridor can experience heavy traffic, especially during peak hours, potentially extending travel times.

The mountainous terrain and winding roads can be particularly challenging for individuals undergoing treatment, who may experience fatigue, nausea, or other side effects. The "Breast Cancer Score" must account for these realities.

**Public Transit: Limited Options**

Public transportation options in Roan Mountain are extremely limited. The area lacks a comprehensive bus system or other readily available public transit. This absence significantly impacts those who cannot drive, lack access to a personal vehicle, or are unable to drive due to medical conditions.

The absence of reliable public transit poses a significant barrier to healthcare access, especially for those with limited financial resources or mobility challenges. This factor weighs heavily on the "Breast Cancer Score," highlighting the need for alternative transportation solutions.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Johnson City area, but their presence in Roan Mountain is less consistent. Availability can vary depending on the time of day, day of the week, and driver availability. Reliance on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments can be unreliable and expensive, particularly for those on a fixed income.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are an option. These services often provide door-to-door assistance and can accommodate individuals with mobility limitations. However, these services may be costly and require advance booking, which can pose challenges in emergency situations or for unexpected appointments.

**The "Breast Cancer Score" and Its Implications**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Roan Mountain reflects the interplay of these transportation factors. The score would likely be negatively impacted by the limited public transit options, the reliance on personal vehicles, and the potential challenges posed by mountainous roads. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services offers some mitigation, but their reliability and cost remain significant considerations.

For individuals considering moving to Roan Mountain, the "Breast Cancer Score" underscores the importance of carefully evaluating healthcare access. It is crucial to consider the distance to medical facilities, the availability of transportation options, and the potential impact of travel time on treatment and quality of life.

**Recommendations for Improving Healthcare Access**

Several strategies could improve the "Breast Cancer Score" for Roan Mountain. Investing in a community shuttle service that provides transportation to medical appointments would be invaluable. Partnering with ride-sharing companies to offer subsidized transportation for medical needs could also make a difference.

Furthermore, advocating for expanded medical transport services and exploring telehealth options could help bridge the gap in healthcare access. These initiatives would not only benefit those facing breast cancer but also improve healthcare access for all residents of Roan Mountain.

**Conclusion: A Call to Action**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Roan Mountain serves as a reminder of the critical link between transportation and healthcare access. While the town offers a beautiful and close-knit community, the challenges of its remote location must be acknowledged. By understanding the transportation landscape and advocating for improvements, we can work towards ensuring that all residents of Roan Mountain, especially those facing a breast cancer diagnosis, have the access they need to receive timely and effective medical care. This proactive approach will contribute to a higher "Breast Cancer Score" and improve the overall health and well-being of the community.