38567, Hickman, Tennessee Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 38567, Hickman, Tennessee is 56 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

70.08 percent of residents in 38567 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.75 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Riverview Regional Medical Center with a distance of 9.77 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Hickman, Tennessee (ZIP Code 38567)

Considering a move to Hickman, Tennessee, and concerned about **healthcare access**, particularly for breast cancer screening and treatment? This analysis provides a "Breast Cancer Score" by assessing the **transportation** landscape within and around ZIP Code 38567. The score reflects the ease of reaching essential medical services, factoring in drive times, public transit availability, and ride-sharing options. This information is crucial for anyone considering relocating, ensuring informed decisions about their health and well-being.

Hickman, nestled in the heart of Smith County, presents a unique challenge. Rural communities often face hurdles in accessing specialized medical care. Understanding these challenges is paramount. The Breast Cancer Score aims to illuminate the realities of **healthcare access** in this specific geographic area, helping potential residents make informed choices. This is particularly relevant for individuals with a history of breast cancer or those seeking proactive preventative care.

The primary focus will be on reaching facilities capable of providing comprehensive breast cancer care, including mammography, diagnostic imaging, surgical oncology, radiation therapy, and medical oncology. The analysis will encompass facilities within a reasonable driving distance, considering the practicalities of daily life and the potential impact of travel on treatment schedules.

**Drive Time Dynamics: The Highway to Health**

The most direct route for **transportation** to larger medical centers typically involves navigating the roads and highways. From Hickman, the most accessible major medical facilities are located in Lebanon, Cookeville, and Nashville.

Traveling east on Highway 70, the primary artery connecting Hickman to the outside world, provides access to Lebanon, approximately 30 miles away. Drive times typically range from 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic conditions. Lebanon offers a smaller regional hospital, University Medical Center, which provides some diagnostic imaging services, but may not offer comprehensive breast cancer treatment options.

Moving further east on Highway 70, one can reach Cookeville, approximately 40 miles away. Cookeville Regional Medical Center is a larger facility, potentially offering more specialized breast cancer care, including surgical oncology and radiation therapy. Drive times to Cookeville range from an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes.

For more comprehensive care, the city of Nashville, approximately 60 miles west of Hickman, presents the most robust options. Accessing Nashville involves traveling west on Highway 70 and then connecting to Interstate 40. This journey typically takes between an hour and a half to two hours, depending on traffic, especially during peak commuting times. Nashville is home to several major hospitals with dedicated breast cancer centers, including Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Saint Thomas Health.

The condition of the roads, weather, and the time of day significantly impact drive times. While Highway 70 is generally well-maintained, it can experience congestion, particularly near towns and during rush hour. Interstate 40, while a faster route, can also be subject to traffic delays.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public **transportation** options in Smith County are extremely limited. There is no dedicated public bus system serving Hickman or the surrounding areas. This lack of public transit significantly impacts the Breast Cancer Score, as it restricts **healthcare access** for those who do not drive or cannot afford ride-sharing services.

While there are no fixed-route buses, there might be limited demand-response services offered by the county for seniors and individuals with disabilities. These services often require advance booking and may have limited availability and operating hours. The availability and accessibility of these services need to be confirmed by contacting Smith County's relevant agencies.

Furthermore, the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance of any available demand-response services should be carefully investigated. This includes ensuring that vehicles are accessible for individuals with mobility impairments and that the services are provided in a non-discriminatory manner.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, though their reliability and availability can vary, particularly in rural areas. The cost of ride-sharing can quickly accumulate, especially for frequent appointments, impacting the affordability of **healthcare access**.

Medical **transportation** services are another option, though they often come with a higher price tag. Companies like MedTrans or First Transit may provide non-emergency medical transport, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services typically require pre-booking and may have limited availability.

The availability of these services, the associated costs, and the need for advance booking all contribute to the Breast Cancer Score. It is essential to research the specific providers serving ZIP Code 38567 and inquire about their services, pricing, and availability, especially for individuals requiring regular medical appointments.

**The Breast Cancer Score: A Holistic Assessment**

The Breast Cancer Score for Hickman, Tennessee, reflects the challenges associated with accessing specialized breast cancer care. The score is influenced by the following factors:

* **Drive Times:** The extended drive times to major medical centers in Lebanon, Cookeville, and Nashville significantly impact the score.
* **Public Transit:** The absence of a reliable public transit system severely limits **healthcare access** for those without personal **transportation**.
* **Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:** The availability and cost of ride-sharing and medical **transportation** services offer some relief, but their limitations affect the overall score.

The Breast Cancer Score aims to provide a realistic assessment of the challenges and opportunities associated with accessing breast cancer care in Hickman. It is crucial for anyone considering **moving to Hickman** to carefully weigh these factors and consider their individual needs and circumstances.

**Conclusion: Informed Choices for a Healthy Future**

Navigating the **transportation** landscape in Hickman requires careful planning and consideration. While the community offers a peaceful and rural lifestyle, the lack of readily available **healthcare access** presents a significant challenge. Individuals with a history of breast cancer or those seeking preventative care must be prepared to manage longer travel times and potentially rely on ride-sharing or medical **transportation** services.

This analysis, while not a definitive guide, aims to empower potential residents with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. Understanding the realities of **healthcare access** in ZIP Code 38567 is the first step toward ensuring a healthy and fulfilling life in Hickman, Tennessee.