37719, Coalfield, Tennessee Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 37719, Coalfield, Tennessee is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

50.00 percent of residents in 37719 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.96 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Methodist Medical Center Of Oak Ridge with a distance of 10.27 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Coalfield, Tennessee (ZIP Code 37719)

The journey to healthcare, especially for a diagnosis as life-altering as breast cancer, demands more than just medical expertise. It requires accessible, reliable, and timely transportation. For residents of Coalfield, Tennessee (ZIP Code 37719), this journey presents unique challenges. This analysis, a "Breast Cancer Score" for this specific area, examines the available transportation options, evaluating their efficacy in connecting patients to vital breast cancer healthcare services. It’s a crucial consideration for anyone contemplating moving to Coalfield, ensuring they understand the realities of accessing essential care.

The very fabric of healthcare access in Coalfield is interwoven with the limitations of its transportation infrastructure. The rural landscape, while offering scenic beauty, contributes to longer travel times and fewer options. This is particularly significant for individuals battling breast cancer, who often require frequent appointments for diagnosis, treatment (chemotherapy, radiation), and follow-up care. The absence of readily available transportation can translate to delayed diagnoses, missed appointments, and ultimately, compromised health outcomes.

**Driving the Distance: Highways and Byways**

For many Coalfield residents, the primary mode of transportation is their personal vehicle. The most direct route to major healthcare facilities involves navigating the winding roads that characterize this region. The primary artery is **Highway 62**, which snakes its way east and west, providing access to larger towns and cities. Traveling east on Highway 62 leads towards Oak Ridge, a city with significant medical resources. The drive, depending on traffic, typically takes approximately 30-45 minutes.

Further east, Highway 62 intersects with **Interstate 75**, offering a faster route to Knoxville, a major healthcare hub. However, this adds additional travel time, potentially exceeding an hour, depending on the specific Knoxville destination and traffic conditions. The drive, while on a major interstate, also requires navigating potentially congested sections.

Heading west on Highway 62 leads to Wartburg and beyond, but healthcare options are more limited in this direction. The roads become narrower and less well-maintained, potentially impacting travel times and vehicle reliability. Local roads, such as **Flat Creek Road** and **Coalfield Highway**, offer alternative routes, but they are often slower and less direct, particularly during inclement weather.

**Public Transit: A Limited Lifeline**

Public transportation options in Coalfield are extremely limited, posing a significant barrier to healthcare access. There is no established public bus system operating directly within the ZIP code. The nearest public transit options are available in Oak Ridge and Knoxville.

The Oak Ridge Transit System (ORTS) offers bus routes, but they are primarily focused on serving the city's internal needs and may not adequately connect with Coalfield. Similarly, Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) provides an extensive network, but accessing it from Coalfield requires a significant drive and potentially multiple transfers, making it impractical for many patients.

The lack of ADA-accessible public transit is a major concern. Individuals undergoing breast cancer treatment may experience physical limitations, making it difficult to navigate stairs, long distances, or crowded environments. The absence of readily available, accessible public transportation compounds these challenges.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Patchwork Solutions**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the broader Knoxville area, but their presence in Coalfield is less consistent. Availability can vary depending on the time of day and the demand. Reliance on ride-sharing can also be expensive, especially for frequent appointments.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients, offer a more specialized solution. These services typically provide door-to-door transportation, including assistance with mobility and medical equipment. Several medical transport companies operate in the region, but their availability and cost can vary. Researching and securing a reliable medical transport provider is crucial for individuals with breast cancer in Coalfield.

**The Breast Cancer Score: A Critical Assessment**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Coalfield, Tennessee (37719), reflects the interplay of these transportation factors. The score would be negatively impacted by the following:

* **Limited Public Transit:** The absence of a local bus system or readily accessible public transit significantly restricts healthcare access.
* **Long Drive Times:** The reliance on personal vehicles and the distance to major healthcare facilities contribute to increased travel times and potential delays.
* **Inconsistent Ride-Sharing:** The unpredictable availability and cost of ride-sharing services pose a challenge.
* **Cost of Medical Transport:** The reliance on medical transport services, while helpful, can be expensive and may not be covered by all insurance plans.
* **Accessibility Concerns:** The lack of ADA-accessible transportation options exacerbates the challenges faced by individuals with physical limitations.

Conversely, the score would be positively influenced by:

* **Proximity to Major Highways:** The presence of Highway 62 and access to Interstate 75 provide routes to healthcare facilities.
* **Availability of Medical Transport:** The presence of medical transport services, even if limited, offers a crucial lifeline.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Healthcare Landscape**

For individuals considering moving to Coalfield, or for current residents facing a breast cancer diagnosis, a thorough understanding of transportation options is paramount. The lack of robust public transit, the reliance on personal vehicles, and the potential limitations of ride-sharing services create significant challenges.

The "Breast Cancer Score" highlights the need for careful planning and resourcefulness. Securing reliable transportation, whether through personal vehicles, medical transport services, or the assistance of family and friends, is essential. It is vital to research healthcare facilities in advance, including their accessibility and parking arrangements.

Coalfield residents facing a breast cancer diagnosis must be proactive in advocating for their healthcare needs. This includes exploring all available transportation options, seeking assistance from support groups and community organizations, and communicating openly with their healthcare providers about any transportation-related challenges.

The journey through breast cancer is already arduous. Ensuring access to timely and reliable transportation is a crucial step in mitigating the burdens of this disease and improving the chances of a positive outcome. This assessment should serve as a call to action, encouraging both individuals and the community to work towards creating a more accessible and supportive healthcare environment for everyone in Coalfield, Tennessee.