37880, Ten Mile, Tennessee Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 37880, Ten Mile, Tennessee is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

33.27 percent of residents in 37880 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.46 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Roane Medical Center with a distance of 12.93 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 37880

Imagine the peace of a rural Tennessee sunrise, the gentle roll of the Clinch River, the quiet charm of Ten Mile, nestled in ZIP Code 37880. Now, picture the stark reality of a breast cancer diagnosis. The serenity shatters, replaced by the urgent need for specialized care, the anxiety of navigating the healthcare system, and the critical importance of accessible transportation. This report, a "Breast Cancer Score" for 37880, examines the vital link between transportation and healthcare access, focusing on the specific challenges faced by residents requiring breast cancer treatment. It's a vital consideration for anyone moving to Ten Mile.

The Breast Cancer Score is not a numerical grade. Instead, it's a qualitative assessment of the transportation landscape and its impact on a patient's ability to receive timely and effective breast cancer care. This analysis considers the drive times to medical facilities, the availability of public transit, the presence of ride-sharing services, and the options for medical transportation. Each element contributes to the overall picture of healthcare access within the ZIP Code.

The primary healthcare hubs for residents of 37880 lie outside the immediate vicinity. The closest major medical centers offering comprehensive breast cancer services are located in Knoxville, approximately 40 to 60 miles away. This necessitates a reliance on personal vehicles, ride-sharing, or medical transport for appointments, chemotherapy sessions, radiation treatments, and follow-up care. The journey itself can be a significant barrier, adding to the emotional and physical toll of the disease.

The most direct route to Knoxville from Ten Mile involves Interstate 75 (I-75) South. This highway provides a relatively smooth and efficient passage, but traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, can significantly extend travel times. Another option is to utilize US-11, a more scenic but slower route, traversing through smaller towns and communities. The choice between these two routes, or a combination of both, depends on the individual's location within 37880, their tolerance for traffic, and their preference for a more relaxed or direct journey.

The roads leading to I-75 from Ten Mile, such as TN-72 and TN-305, are generally well-maintained, but they can experience heavy traffic during school drop-off and pick-up times, potentially delaying access to critical appointments. The condition of these local roads, the availability of parking at the medical facilities, and the overall ease of navigation all contribute to the patient's experience.

Public transportation options in 37880 are limited. The Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) system, while providing extensive coverage within the city, does not extend its routes to Ten Mile. This lack of public transit significantly impacts residents without personal vehicles, particularly those who are elderly, disabled, or financially disadvantaged. The absence of accessible public transportation exacerbates the challenges of healthcare access, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment.

The KAT system, however, is ADA compliant, offering accessible buses and services for individuals with disabilities. While this is a positive aspect, it's irrelevant to residents of 37880 due to the lack of service in the area. The absence of public transportation forces individuals to rely on other, potentially less reliable or more expensive, modes of transportation. This is a significant hurdle for those facing the physical and financial burdens of breast cancer treatment.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Knoxville area and may be an option for residents of 37880. However, the availability of these services can be inconsistent, particularly in rural areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant barrier, especially for frequent trips to and from medical appointments. The reliability of these services, the potential for surge pricing, and the need to pre-book rides all contribute to the complexity of using ride-sharing for healthcare transportation.

Medical transportation services are another option, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments. These services typically offer door-to-door transportation, often with trained medical personnel. While this can be a valuable resource, the cost of medical transportation can be substantial, and the availability of these services may be limited, especially in rural areas. The need to schedule appointments in advance and the potential for delays can also be problematic.

Several medical transport brands operate in the Knoxville area, including but not limited to: AMR (American Medical Response), Priority Ambulance, and various private companies. These services cater to different needs, from basic transportation to advanced medical care during transit. However, the specific services available to residents of 37880 and the associated costs should be carefully investigated.

The Breast Cancer Score for 37880 reveals a complex landscape. While the major highways offer relatively efficient routes to Knoxville, the reliance on personal vehicles and the lack of public transportation create significant challenges for healthcare access. Ride-sharing and medical transportation services offer potential solutions, but their availability, cost, and reliability must be carefully considered.

The overall picture is one of limited healthcare access, particularly for those without reliable transportation. This is a crucial consideration for anyone contemplating moving to Ten Mile, especially those with a history of breast cancer or a higher risk of developing the disease. The availability of transportation directly impacts the ability to receive timely diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care.

Improving healthcare access in 37880 requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes exploring options for expanding public transportation, partnering with ride-sharing services to provide subsidized transportation for medical appointments, and increasing the availability of medical transportation services. Furthermore, telehealth initiatives can play a crucial role in reducing the need for travel, providing access to consultations, and monitoring patient progress remotely.

Ultimately, the Breast Cancer Score for 37880 highlights the critical link between transportation and healthcare access. Addressing the transportation challenges faced by residents is essential to ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to receive the care they need, when they need it, regardless of their location. The well-being of the community hinges on improving this crucial aspect of healthcare access, especially for those battling breast cancer.