37915, Knoxville, Tennessee Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 37915, Knoxville, Tennessee is 63 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

71.33 percent of residents in 37915 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 2.61 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center with a distance of 2.16 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 37915

Considering a move to Knoxville, Tennessee, and your health is paramount? This assessment focuses on healthcare access, specifically for breast cancer treatment, within the 37915 ZIP code. We'll explore the transportation landscape, a critical factor in your ability to receive timely and consistent care. Understanding the challenges and opportunities of transportation is crucial for anyone facing a breast cancer diagnosis, making it a key element in our "Breast Cancer Score" for this area.

The 37915 ZIP code, nestled in the heart of Knoxville, offers a blend of residential neighborhoods and commercial hubs. While the area itself doesn't house major medical centers, it provides relatively easy access to several key healthcare providers via various transportation options. The "Breast Cancer Score" considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-share services, and specialized medical transport, providing a holistic view of healthcare access.

**Driving the Distance: Highways and Roads**

For those who prefer the autonomy of a personal vehicle, the primary arteries for accessing breast cancer treatment facilities are readily available. Interstate 40 (I-40) is the major east-west thoroughfare, connecting 37915 to the University of Tennessee Medical Center (UTMC), a leading cancer treatment facility, in approximately a 15-20 minute drive, depending on traffic. Interstate 75 (I-75), running north-south, provides another access route, though its impact is less direct in this ZIP code.

Several surface roads also play a vital role. Kingston Pike, a major commercial corridor, offers direct access to UTMC and other medical offices. Papermill Drive and Northshore Drive provide alternative routes, especially useful for navigating traffic congestion on Kingston Pike. The proximity to these major roadways ensures relatively quick commutes to crucial appointments, a significant advantage in managing a breast cancer diagnosis. However, peak traffic times, particularly during rush hour, can significantly extend these drive times, impacting the "Breast Cancer Score."

**Public Transit: Navigating the City**

The Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) system offers public transportation options within the 37915 ZIP code. While the system is not as extensive as in larger metropolitan areas, it provides a viable alternative for those without personal vehicles or who prefer to avoid driving. Several KAT routes serve the area, with varying levels of frequency and coverage.

Route 11, the Kingston Pike route, is a key connection, offering direct access to UTMC and other medical facilities along Kingston Pike. Route 22, serving Northshore Drive, provides access to other medical offices and commercial areas. The frequency of these routes varies, with more frequent service during peak hours.

KAT strives to be ADA-compliant, with accessible buses equipped with ramps and designated seating. However, the overall coverage and frequency of routes may pose challenges for those requiring frequent appointments. Careful planning and consideration of wait times are crucial when relying on public transit. The "Breast Cancer Score" takes into account the potential limitations of public transportation, particularly for patients undergoing frequent treatments.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-share services like Uber and Lyft offer convenient alternatives, particularly for those needing on-demand transportation. These services can be readily accessed within the 37915 ZIP code, providing a reliable means of reaching medical appointments. However, the cost of frequent ride-share trips can accumulate, impacting the overall financial burden associated with breast cancer treatment.

Specialized medical transport services are also available, catering to patients with mobility limitations or specific medical needs. These services often provide door-to-door transportation, including assistance with getting in and out of vehicles. Companies like Senior Transportation Connection and other local providers offer non-emergency medical transportation. While these services provide crucial support, they often require advance booking and may involve additional costs.

**Healthcare Access and the "Breast Cancer Score"**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for 37915 considers these transportation factors in relation to the availability of breast cancer treatment options. UTMC is the primary destination, offering comprehensive cancer care, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and supportive services. Other local hospitals and clinics also provide breast cancer screening and diagnostic services.

The score evaluates the accessibility of these facilities based on drive times, public transit options, ride-share availability, and the presence of medical transport services. Factors like traffic congestion, route frequency, and the cost of transportation are also considered. A higher score indicates better access to care, with shorter drive times, more frequent public transit, and readily available ride-share and medical transport options.

**Moving to Knoxville: A Holistic Perspective**

When considering a move to Knoxville, particularly for individuals concerned about breast cancer care, the "Breast Cancer Score" provides valuable insights. While the 37915 ZIP code offers relatively good access to healthcare, it's essential to weigh the transportation options against individual needs and preferences.

For those with personal vehicles, the proximity to major highways and roads offers a significant advantage. For those relying on public transit, careful planning and consideration of route schedules are crucial. Ride-share services and medical transport providers offer additional support, but the associated costs should be factored into the overall assessment.

Ultimately, the "Breast Cancer Score" aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of healthcare access within 37915, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs when moving to Knoxville. It highlights the importance of considering transportation as a critical component of healthcare access, ensuring that individuals can receive the timely and consistent care they deserve.