37772, Lenoir City, Tennessee Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 37772, Lenoir City, Tennessee is 71 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

67.29 percent of residents in 37772 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.66 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Fort Loudoun Medical Center with a distance of 3.05 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Lenoir City (ZIP Code 37772)

The journey to quality healthcare, particularly for a diagnosis as significant as breast cancer, is a complex one. It involves not only the expertise of medical professionals but also the ease with which a patient can access care. This write-up analyzes the accessibility of breast cancer treatment options for residents of Lenoir City, Tennessee (ZIP Code 37772), focusing on transportation logistics. We will delve into drive times, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation options, offering a comprehensive "Breast Cancer Score" assessment for this specific community. This information is particularly relevant for anyone considering moving to Lenoir City, as healthcare access is a critical quality-of-life factor.

The core of this assessment lies in understanding the geographical proximity of key medical facilities. The primary hospital serving Lenoir City is Parkwest Medical Center, located in Knoxville. Other options include University of Tennessee Medical Center, also in Knoxville, and Blount Memorial Hospital in Maryville. Drive times are significantly influenced by traffic conditions, especially during peak hours.

Navigating the roads of East Tennessee is essential. From Lenoir City, the most direct route to Parkwest Medical Center involves Interstate 75 (I-75) South. Expect a drive time of approximately 20-30 minutes in light traffic. The distance is about 20 miles. During rush hour, particularly weekdays between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM, and 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM, this commute can easily extend to 45 minutes or even an hour. Secondary routes include US-11, which parallels I-75, but this road is often slower due to stoplights and local traffic.

Reaching University of Tennessee Medical Center necessitates a similar journey, also primarily via I-75 South. The drive is slightly longer, about 25-40 minutes in ideal conditions, and can easily exceed an hour during peak times. Blount Memorial Hospital, located in Maryville, requires a drive south on US-129, which then merges onto US-411. This trip is typically 30-45 minutes, contingent on traffic flow.

Public transportation options in Lenoir City are limited. The Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) system does not currently offer direct routes into Lenoir City. This represents a significant barrier to healthcare access for those who cannot drive or do not own a vehicle. The lack of public transportation significantly impacts the "Breast Cancer Score" for this area.

While KAT does not serve Lenoir City directly, it does offer connections from Knoxville. The closest KAT bus stop is in the city of Knoxville. This requires a transfer, which adds considerable time and complexity to the journey. The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility of KAT buses is generally good, with ramps and other accommodations available. However, the multi-leg nature of the trip, coupled with the limited service to Lenoir City, makes public transit a less-than-ideal option for many patients.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Lenoir City. However, their reliability and cost can vary. Availability may be limited, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant financial burden, particularly for frequent appointments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy. The "Breast Cancer Score" is negatively affected by the reliance on potentially unreliable and expensive ride-sharing services.

Medical transportation services offer a specialized solution for patients needing assistance. Several companies operate in the area, including private ambulance services, non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) providers, and companies that offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services can be particularly helpful for patients with mobility limitations or those undergoing treatment that affects their ability to drive. However, these services can be costly and require advance booking, which adds another layer of complexity to the healthcare journey.

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Lenoir City, considering transportation factors, is moderate. While the proximity to hospitals in Knoxville and Maryville is a positive aspect, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transportation options are significant drawbacks. The availability of ride-sharing services and medical transportation provides some alternatives, but their cost and reliability can be concerns.

For someone moving to Lenoir City, the availability of transportation is a crucial factor to consider. Residents with their own vehicles have the best access to healthcare, but those who rely on public transportation or ride-sharing services face significant challenges. The lack of direct public transit is a major concern.

The "Breast Cancer Score" is further impacted by the availability of support services within the community. The presence of local support groups, patient navigators, and other resources can significantly improve the experience of breast cancer patients. The integration of these services with transportation options is crucial for creating a truly accessible healthcare system.

In conclusion, while Lenoir City offers access to quality medical facilities, the transportation infrastructure presents challenges for breast cancer patients. The "Breast Cancer Score" reflects the need for improved public transportation options, increased affordability and reliability of ride-sharing services, and greater integration of medical transportation with support services. Prospective residents should carefully consider these factors when assessing the suitability of Lenoir City as a place to live, especially if access to healthcare is a primary concern. This analysis underscores the importance of considering the intricate relationship between transportation and healthcare access, a critical component of community well-being.