37757, Jacksboro, Tennessee Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 37757, Jacksboro, Tennessee is 53 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

58.77 percent of residents in 37757 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.78 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Lafollette Medical Center with a distance of 5.76 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Jacksboro, TN (ZIP Code 37757)

The decision to relocate, especially when considering health needs, demands meticulous planning. This analysis provides a "Breast Cancer Score" for ZIP code 37757 (Jacksboro, Tennessee), evaluating healthcare access, particularly for breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. This score considers transportation options, a critical factor impacting the quality and timeliness of care. The goal is to illuminate the realities of navigating healthcare in this community, offering insights for those contemplating a move or seeking to understand the existing landscape.

Jacksboro, nestled in Campbell County, presents a unique challenge: a rural setting with limited public transportation options. This necessitates a strong reliance on personal vehicles, impacting the accessibility of specialized medical services. The "Breast Cancer Score" will reflect these limitations, highlighting both challenges and potential solutions for residents.

The foundation of the score rests on the proximity to comprehensive breast cancer care. This includes facilities offering mammography, biopsies, surgical oncology, radiation therapy, and medical oncology. The analysis will explore drive times, public transportation limitations, and alternative transportation strategies.

**Drive Time Dynamics: The Highway's Embrace**

The primary artery connecting Jacksboro to regional healthcare hubs is Interstate 75 (I-75). Traveling south on I-75 offers the most direct route to Knoxville, the primary location for advanced medical care. However, traffic conditions, particularly during peak hours, can significantly impact drive times. A typical drive to the University of Tennessee Medical Center (UTMC), a major cancer center, is approximately 45-60 minutes under ideal conditions. This drive utilizes I-75 South, then transitions to the Alcoa Highway (US-129) and eventually to the UTMC campus.

Alternatively, for those seeking care at Covenant Health facilities, such as Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center, the drive is also predominantly via I-75 South, then merges onto I-640 West, and finally exits onto the Northshore Drive. This journey typically takes between 50 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic.

Local roads, such as State Route 63 (E Central Ave) and State Route 116, offer alternative routes, but they are generally slower and less direct. These roads are often subject to more frequent traffic delays and may not be suitable for urgent medical needs. The condition of these roads and the potential for delays must be factored into the "Breast Cancer Score."

**Public Transit: A Limited Lifeline**

Public transportation options within Campbell County are severely limited. The Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) system, while offering extensive routes within the city of Knoxville, does not provide direct service to Jacksboro. This absence of public transit significantly impacts healthcare access for individuals without personal vehicles, creating a barrier to timely diagnosis and treatment.

While KAT does offer some routes that extend into the surrounding counties, the frequency and coverage are insufficient to serve the needs of residents in Jacksboro. Furthermore, the lack of ADA-accessible transportation options within the local area further exacerbates the challenges for individuals with mobility impairments. The "Breast Cancer Score" will reflect this significant deficiency in public transportation infrastructure.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gap**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Knoxville area. However, their availability in Jacksboro is less consistent. Ride availability, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather, can be unreliable. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant financial burden, especially for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance with transportation, offer a more specialized solution. These services often provide door-to-door transportation and may be equipped to handle medical equipment. However, the availability and cost of these services vary. Researching and securing reliable medical transportation is crucial for those without personal vehicles or who are unable to drive themselves.

**The "Breast Cancer Score" Breakdown**

The "Breast Cancer Score" will be calculated based on a weighted system. Drive times to major cancer centers will be a primary factor, with longer drive times negatively impacting the score. The availability and reliability of public transportation, ride-sharing, and medical transportation will also be assessed. The score will also consider the presence of local healthcare providers offering screening services, such as mammograms.

**Factors impacting the score:**

* **Drive Time to Cancer Centers:** (Weighted heavily) – Shorter drive times will result in a higher score.
* **Public Transportation Availability:** (Weighted moderately) – The absence of public transit will negatively impact the score.
* **Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport Availability:** (Weighted moderately) – Reliability and cost will be assessed.
* **Local Screening Services:** (Weighted lightly) – The presence of local mammography services will positively impact the score.

**Moving to Jacksboro: A Healthcare Perspective**

For individuals considering a move to Jacksboro, understanding the limitations of healthcare access is paramount. The reliance on personal vehicles and the scarcity of public transportation necessitate careful planning. Prospective residents should factor in the potential for longer travel times to medical appointments and the need for reliable transportation options.

Individuals with existing breast cancer diagnoses or a high risk of developing the disease should prioritize proximity to comprehensive cancer care. This may involve carefully evaluating the drive times to specialized facilities and exploring the availability of medical transportation services.

The "Breast Cancer Score" will serve as a valuable tool for those seeking to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs in Jacksboro. It is essential to supplement this analysis with thorough research, consultation with healthcare providers, and a realistic assessment of individual transportation capabilities. The goal is to empower individuals with the knowledge they need to navigate the healthcare landscape and ensure timely access to quality care.

The "Breast Cancer Score" aims to provide a realistic assessment of healthcare access, highlighting the challenges and potential solutions. It underscores the importance of proactive planning and the need to consider transportation as an integral component of healthcare. This information is crucial for those moving to Jacksboro, TN, and for those already residing there, ensuring they can effectively manage their healthcare needs.