38568, Hilham, Tennessee Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 38568, Hilham, Tennessee is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

57.67 percent of residents in 38568 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.53 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Livingston Regional Hospital with a distance of 7.37 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Hilham, Tennessee (ZIP Code 38568)

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a diagnosis as life-altering as breast cancer, demands more than just medical expertise. It necessitates readily available and reliable transportation, a crucial element in determining a patient's overall well-being and treatment adherence. This report, the "Breast Cancer Score," analyzes the transportation landscape within and surrounding Hilham, Tennessee (ZIP Code 38568), evaluating the ease of access to breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. This assessment considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing services, and medical transport, providing a comprehensive overview for residents and those considering moving to Hilham.

Hilham, a small community nestled within Overton County, presents unique challenges and opportunities when it comes to healthcare access. The rural nature of the area, while offering scenic beauty, often translates to longer distances to specialized medical facilities. The nearest comprehensive cancer centers are located in larger cities, making transportation a significant factor in a patient's journey.

**Drive Times: The Road to Recovery**

The primary mode of transportation for most Hilham residents is by personal vehicle. Understanding drive times to relevant healthcare facilities is paramount. The closest hospital with a dedicated cancer center is Cookeville Regional Medical Center, approximately a 25- to 35-minute drive, depending on traffic and the specific location within Hilham. The route typically involves taking **Highway 111** south to **Interstate 40** east, followed by an exit onto **Willow Avenue** or **West 7th Street** in Cookeville.

For more specialized care, such as radiation therapy or advanced surgical procedures, patients may need to travel to Nashville, approximately a 1-hour and 45-minute to 2-hour drive. This journey involves taking **Highway 111** south to **Interstate 40** west. Alternatively, some may opt for the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, which offers comprehensive breast cancer services.

The drive times, although manageable, highlight the importance of reliable vehicles and the potential impact of weather conditions, particularly during winter months. The drive along **Highway 111** can be prone to accidents, which can increase travel times.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Hilham and the surrounding areas are extremely limited. The Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency (UCHRA) offers a demand-response transit service, but this is not a fixed-route bus system. It operates on a reservation basis and may not be ideal for frequent appointments or urgent needs.

The UCHRA service operates within Overton County and surrounding counties, and availability depends on scheduling and demand. The service is ADA-accessible, meaning it provides accommodations for individuals with disabilities. However, the limited operating hours and the need for advance booking make it a less-than-ideal solution for many breast cancer patients, who often require frequent and unpredictable trips for treatment and follow-up care.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Cookeville area, but their availability in Hilham itself may be limited, especially during off-peak hours or in more remote locations. Patients may need to arrange for rides in advance or rely on family and friends for transportation.

Medical transport services, such as non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) providers, offer a more specialized solution. These services typically provide transportation for individuals who cannot drive themselves but do not require an ambulance. Several NEMT providers operate in the region, including companies like First Transit and LogistiCare. However, availability and coverage may vary, and patients should investigate insurance coverage and out-of-pocket costs.

**The Impact of Transportation on Healthcare Access**

The availability of transportation directly impacts a patient's ability to access timely and appropriate care. Delays in diagnosis or treatment due to transportation challenges can negatively affect outcomes. The Breast Cancer Score, therefore, considers the ease of access to healthcare facilities, the availability of transportation options, and the potential barriers faced by patients.

For individuals considering moving to Hilham, understanding the transportation landscape is crucial. The Breast Cancer Score emphasizes the need for careful planning, including securing reliable transportation, identifying potential support networks, and understanding the limitations of available services.

**Recommendations and Conclusion**

For residents of Hilham and those considering a move, proactively planning for transportation needs is essential. Here are some recommendations:

* **Explore all available transportation options:** Contact the UCHRA for information on their demand-response transit service. Investigate NEMT providers in the area and understand their coverage and costs.
* **Build a support network:** Enlist the help of family, friends, and neighbors for transportation assistance.
* **Consider the location of healthcare providers:** Choose healthcare providers that are accessible via reliable transportation methods.
* **Plan for potential delays:** Factor in potential traffic, weather conditions, and appointment scheduling when planning trips.

The Breast Cancer Score for Hilham highlights the importance of addressing transportation challenges to ensure equitable access to healthcare. While the community offers a peaceful setting, the limited public transit and reliance on personal vehicles necessitate careful planning and proactive measures to ensure that breast cancer patients can navigate the journey to recovery with as few obstacles as possible. By understanding the transportation landscape, residents and potential newcomers can make informed decisions and advocate for improved healthcare access within the community.