37804, Maryville, Tennessee Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 37804, Maryville, Tennessee is 56 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

65.70 percent of residents in 37804 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 8.71 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Blount Memorial Hospital with a distance of 2.24 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Maryville (ZIP Code 37804)

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a diagnosis as life-altering as breast cancer, can be fraught with anxieties. Geographic barriers can exacerbate these concerns, transforming a necessary medical appointment into a logistical ordeal. This analysis, a “Breast Cancer Score,” assesses the accessibility of breast cancer-related healthcare within ZIP Code 37804 (Maryville, Tennessee), focusing on transportation options. Understanding these pathways is crucial for residents and those considering moving to Maryville, offering a clearer picture of healthcare access.

The primary consideration is drive time. For many, a personal vehicle remains the most convenient mode of transportation. From the heart of Maryville, accessing the closest comprehensive cancer centers requires navigating the local roadways. The Blount Memorial Hospital, a cornerstone of local healthcare, offers initial screenings and some treatment options. Reaching it from central Maryville typically involves a short drive, often less than ten minutes, depending on traffic. This accessibility provides a baseline of care, vital for early detection and initial management.

For more specialized care, including advanced treatments like radiation therapy and complex surgeries, patients often need to travel to larger facilities. The University of Tennessee Medical Center (UTMC) in Knoxville, a regional hub for cancer care, becomes a key destination. The most direct route involves taking US-129 North, also known as Alcoa Highway, a major artery connecting Maryville to Knoxville. This drive typically takes around 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions, which can be particularly heavy during peak commuting hours.

Another option is to utilize US-411 North, which offers a slightly longer, but often less congested, route to Knoxville. However, this option might add an additional 10 to 15 minutes to the journey. The choice of route often depends on the time of day and the individual's preference. This highlights the importance of planning and considering potential delays, especially when dealing with the stress of a cancer diagnosis.

Public transportation, while offering an alternative, presents limitations. The Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) system provides bus service, but its routes within Maryville and between Maryville and Knoxville are limited. Route 11, which runs between Maryville and Knoxville, is the most relevant option. However, frequency can be an issue, with buses running at intervals that might not align with medical appointment schedules. Furthermore, the travel time on the bus is significantly longer than driving, potentially adding an hour or more to the journey.

ADA accessibility is a critical consideration. KAT buses are equipped with ramps and other features to accommodate passengers with disabilities. However, the availability of accessible stops and the overall efficiency of the system in providing timely transportation for those with mobility limitations remain a challenge. This is a crucial factor for breast cancer patients who may experience fatigue, weakness, or other physical limitations due to treatment.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a more flexible alternative to public transit. Availability in Maryville is generally good, and these services provide door-to-door transportation. However, the cost can be a significant factor, especially for frequent appointments. Patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy may require multiple trips per week, making ride-sharing a potentially expensive option.

Medical transportation services offer specialized assistance. Companies like FirstCall Medical Transportation and other local providers cater specifically to patients with medical needs. These services often provide transportation in wheelchair-accessible vehicles and offer assistance with getting in and out of the vehicle. While these services can be invaluable, they often require pre-booking and can be more costly than ride-sharing.

The availability of support services within Maryville also impacts the overall "Breast Cancer Score." The presence of local support groups, such as those affiliated with the American Cancer Society or other non-profit organizations, can provide crucial emotional and practical assistance. These groups often offer transportation assistance, connecting patients with volunteers or resources that can help with rides to appointments. This local support network can significantly alleviate the burden of transportation challenges.

The "Breast Cancer Score" for ZIP Code 37804, therefore, is a complex metric. While the proximity of Blount Memorial Hospital provides a good starting point, the reliance on personal vehicles or longer travel times to Knoxville for specialized care presents a challenge. Public transportation offers a limited, but accessible, alternative. Ride-sharing and medical transportation services provide more flexible, though potentially costly, options. The availability of local support services and the individual's physical condition and financial resources further influence the overall score.

Moving to Maryville requires careful consideration of these factors. Prospective residents, particularly those with a history of breast cancer or other health concerns, should thoroughly research their transportation options and assess the accessibility of healthcare facilities. Understanding the nuances of commute times, public transit routes, and the availability of support services is crucial for making an informed decision.

The "Breast Cancer Score" is not a static number but a dynamic assessment. It reflects the evolving landscape of healthcare access and transportation options. As Maryville continues to grow and develop, improvements in public transportation, the expansion of healthcare facilities, and the availability of support services will all contribute to improving the score, making Maryville an even more supportive community for those facing the challenges of breast cancer.