38235, Mc Lemoresville, Tennessee Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 38235, Mc Lemoresville, Tennessee is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

56.79 percent of residents in 38235 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.10 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Baptist Memorial Hospital - Carroll County with a distance of 9.59 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 38235**

The journey to healthcare, particularly for those facing the complexities of a breast cancer diagnosis, is a critical aspect of well-being. In the rural landscape of ZIP Code 38235, encompassing the charming community of McLemoresville, Tennessee, access to specialized medical care presents unique transportation challenges. This analysis aims to provide a "Breast Cancer Score," an assessment of transportation options, and a glimpse into the realities of healthcare access for residents.

The "Breast Cancer Score" is a subjective metric, considering factors like drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing options, and medical transport services. This score will help individuals understand the ease or difficulty of accessing essential breast cancer care within and around 38235. The goal is to empower residents with knowledge, enabling them to make informed decisions about their healthcare journey, especially when considering moving to McLemoresville.

**The Road Ahead: Drive Times and Highways**

For residents of 38235, the primary mode of transportation for healthcare is the personal vehicle. The nearest significant medical centers are in the neighboring towns of Paris and McKenzie, Tennessee. These towns offer a range of medical services, including oncology departments and breast cancer screening facilities.

Driving to Paris, the county seat of Henry County, typically involves a journey along Tennessee State Route 79. The drive is generally straightforward, taking approximately 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific location within 38235. However, this drive time can be significantly impacted by weather conditions, such as heavy rain or fog, which are common in this region.

McKenzie, a smaller town to the east, is accessible via Tennessee State Route 22. The drive to McKenzie is shorter, typically taking around 15 to 20 minutes. This proximity makes McKenzie a convenient option for some medical needs.

For more specialized care, such as advanced cancer treatment or surgery, residents may need to travel to larger cities like Jackson, Tennessee, or even Memphis. The journey to Jackson involves a drive of approximately one hour via US-641 and US-45. This longer drive time necessitates careful planning and consideration of potential delays.

Memphis, a major medical hub, is roughly a two-hour drive. This journey involves navigating multiple highways, including US-79 and I-40, which can be subject to heavy traffic, especially during peak hours. The distance to Memphis underscores the importance of reliable transportation and the potential for significant travel time when seeking specialized breast cancer care.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in 38235 are extremely limited. There is no established bus system or readily available public transit within the ZIP Code itself. This lack of public transit presents a significant barrier to healthcare access for individuals who do not own a car or are unable to drive due to health reasons.

The absence of public transportation necessitates reliance on personal vehicles, ride-sharing services, or medical transport, making healthcare access more challenging for vulnerable populations, including the elderly, low-income individuals, and those undergoing cancer treatment. The lack of accessibility features, such as wheelchair ramps or audio-visual announcements, further exacerbates the challenges for individuals with disabilities.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their availability can be sporadic, particularly in rural areas like 38235. The reliability of these services depends on driver availability and the demand for rides. Residents may experience longer wait times or difficulty securing a ride, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance with healthcare appointments, offer a more specialized solution. Companies like CareRide and MedTrans provide non-emergency medical transportation, often including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services can be crucial for individuals who cannot drive or require assistance with mobility. However, the cost of medical transport can be a significant financial burden, and availability may be limited, requiring advance booking.

**Breast Cancer Score Assessment**

Considering the factors discussed, the "Breast Cancer Score" for transportation and healthcare access in 38235 is moderate. The proximity to Paris and McKenzie offers relatively short drive times for basic medical services. However, the lack of public transit, the potential unreliability of ride-sharing, and the cost of medical transport create significant challenges.

The score is further influenced by the longer travel times to Jackson and Memphis for specialized care. This necessitates careful planning, potential reliance on others for transportation, and the added stress of long journeys during a vulnerable time.

**Implications for Moving to McLemoresville**

For individuals considering moving to McLemoresville, the "Breast Cancer Score" highlights the importance of assessing transportation needs and healthcare access. Prospective residents should carefully evaluate their ability to drive, their access to a reliable vehicle, and their financial resources for transportation.

Individuals with a history of breast cancer or those at high risk should consider the availability of specialized medical care in the area and the ease of accessing it. Researching local hospitals, oncology departments, and support services is crucial.

The lack of public transit underscores the need for a personal vehicle or reliance on family, friends, or medical transport services. Planning for potential transportation challenges, especially during treatment, is essential.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Healthcare Landscape**

Accessing healthcare in 38235 requires careful consideration of transportation options. While the proximity to Paris and McKenzie offers some convenience, the absence of public transit, the potential unreliability of ride-sharing, and the cost of medical transport pose challenges, especially for those facing breast cancer.

The "Breast Cancer Score" serves as a reminder of the importance of planning and preparation. Residents must be proactive in securing reliable transportation, researching available medical services, and exploring support networks. By understanding the transportation landscape and healthcare access, individuals can navigate their healthcare journey with greater confidence and ensure they receive the care they need.