38547, Brush Creek, Tennessee Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 38547, Brush Creek, Tennessee is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

52.29 percent of residents in 38547 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.98 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Riverview Regional Medical Center with a distance of 6.78 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 38547

The journey to healthcare, particularly for something as critical as breast cancer screening and treatment, becomes a significant factor when considering where to live. In the rural expanse of Brush Creek, Tennessee, ZIP code 38547, the "Breast Cancer Score" aims to illuminate the accessibility of essential medical services. This assessment considers the transportation options available, the time required to reach them, and the overall ease of healthcare access. This information is crucial for anyone contemplating moving to Brush Creek, ensuring they understand the realities of their healthcare landscape.

The foundation of our score is rooted in the understanding that timely access to care directly impacts outcomes. Early detection and prompt treatment are paramount in the fight against breast cancer. Therefore, the distance and method of transportation to medical facilities specializing in breast cancer care become critical components of our analysis. We will delve into the specifics of drive times, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options, painting a comprehensive picture of healthcare access within and around 38547.

Driving remains the most prevalent mode of transportation in this area. The primary routes to consider are Highway 70, the main artery connecting Brush Creek to larger towns, and Highway 56, which offers alternative routes. The drive time to Cookeville Regional Medical Center, the closest facility with comprehensive cancer services, is approximately 30-45 minutes via Highway 70. The drive to Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, a nationally recognized facility, can take upwards of two hours, primarily utilizing I-40 West. Traffic conditions, especially during peak hours, can significantly impact these travel times.

Navigating these highways and roads can be challenging, particularly during inclement weather. The winding roads and rural nature of the area necessitate careful driving. Residents should always factor in potential delays when planning medical appointments. The availability of reliable transportation is a key consideration when assessing the overall Breast Cancer Score for 38547.

Public transportation options are limited in Brush Creek and the surrounding areas. The Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency (UCHRA) provides demand-response transportation services. While UCHRA offers door-to-door service, availability and scheduling limitations must be considered. These services are designed to assist individuals with healthcare appointments, but advance booking is typically required. ADA accessibility is a key feature of UCHRA's fleet, ensuring that individuals with mobility challenges can access their services.

The lack of readily available public transit underscores the importance of personal vehicles or alternative transportation solutions. The Breast Cancer Score must account for the challenges faced by those without access to a private car. The availability of ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft is limited in 38547. Coverage is often sporadic, and wait times can be significant. This makes relying on ride-sharing for time-sensitive medical appointments a risky proposition.

Medical transport services offer a crucial lifeline for individuals who cannot drive themselves or lack access to other transportation options. Several medical transport companies operate in the region, providing non-emergency and emergency transportation. These services typically require prior arrangements and can be costly. However, they provide a valuable service, especially for those undergoing treatment and experiencing mobility issues.

The Breast Cancer Score must also consider the availability of local medical facilities. While Cookeville Regional Medical Center provides comprehensive cancer care, including diagnostic imaging and treatment, the availability of specialized breast cancer services within Brush Creek itself is limited. This necessitates travel to larger towns and cities for specialized care. The score must reflect the impact of these travel requirements on healthcare access.

The Breast Cancer Score for 38547 will be influenced by the factors outlined above. It will be a composite measure, reflecting the drive times to various medical facilities, the availability of public transportation and ride-sharing services, and the presence of medical transport options. The score will also consider the overall healthcare infrastructure in the area, including the availability of primary care physicians and specialists.

Moving to Brush Creek requires a realistic assessment of healthcare access. The Breast Cancer Score is designed to provide prospective residents with the information they need to make informed decisions. Understanding the transportation challenges and the available resources is essential for ensuring timely access to breast cancer screening and treatment. The score will serve as a valuable tool, empowering individuals to navigate the healthcare landscape and make choices that prioritize their health and well-being.

The score will not only focus on the practical aspects of transportation but also incorporate the emotional and psychological impact of traveling for healthcare. The stress of long drives, the uncertainty of ride-sharing availability, and the financial burden of medical transport can all contribute to anxiety and delay seeking necessary medical care. The score will strive to capture these nuances, providing a holistic view of healthcare access.

The Breast Cancer Score for 38547 will be a dynamic measure, subject to change as transportation options evolve and healthcare resources expand. It will be regularly updated to reflect the latest information, ensuring that residents and prospective residents have access to the most current and accurate data. The goal is to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare and to advocate for improvements in healthcare access within the community.

The final score will be presented with clear and concise explanations, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare access landscape in 38547. It will be accompanied by recommendations for improving healthcare access, such as advocating for expanded public transportation options or supporting the development of telemedicine services. This comprehensive approach will ensure that the Breast Cancer Score serves as a valuable resource for the community, promoting health and well-being for all.

The ultimate aim is to create a transparent and informative tool that empowers individuals to navigate the complexities of healthcare access. The Breast Cancer Score will be a testament to the importance of accessible healthcare, particularly in rural communities like Brush Creek, where transportation and healthcare access are inextricably linked. This information will be crucial for anyone considering moving to Brush Creek, enabling them to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs and ensuring they can access the critical services they require.