38575, Moss, Tennessee Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 38575, Moss, Tennessee is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

49.79 percent of residents in 38575 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.93 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Macon Community Hospital with a distance of 21.25 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 38575

The journey to healthcare, particularly when facing the complexities of a breast cancer diagnosis, is a critical factor in patient outcomes. This analysis provides a "Breast Cancer Score" for residents of ZIP Code 38575 (Moss, Tennessee), focusing on transportation options and their impact on healthcare access. The score considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options, providing a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities for individuals navigating this difficult landscape.

Moss, Tennessee, nestled in the heart of Clay County, presents unique challenges when it comes to healthcare access. The rural setting often translates to longer travel times, potentially impacting the timely delivery of care. Understanding the available transportation infrastructure is paramount in assessing the accessibility of breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment for residents of this community. This analysis aims to illuminate the realities of healthcare access, providing a valuable resource for residents and those considering moving to Moss.

**Drive Times: The Road to Care**

The primary mode of transportation in Moss is undoubtedly the personal vehicle. The drive times to the nearest healthcare facilities offering breast cancer services are a crucial component of the Breast Cancer Score. Residents primarily rely on State Route 52 and State Route 53 for local travel. These roads, while scenic, can be winding and subject to traffic, especially during peak hours.

The nearest hospitals with comprehensive breast cancer services, including screening mammograms, diagnostic imaging, surgical oncology, and radiation therapy, are located in Cookeville and Lebanon, Tennessee. Driving to Cookeville Regional Medical Center, a major regional healthcare provider, involves a journey of approximately 45 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific route taken. This trip typically involves navigating State Route 52 East towards Cookeville, then connecting to I-40 East.

Traveling to Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital in Lebanon, another option for breast cancer care, presents a longer commute, typically ranging from 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours. This route involves taking State Route 52 East to I-40 West. These extended drive times can be particularly challenging for patients undergoing treatment, requiring frequent visits and potentially exacerbating the physical and emotional toll of the disease.

The drive times are a significant factor in the Breast Cancer Score, reflecting the potential delays in accessing timely care. The longer the drive, the greater the challenges in scheduling appointments, attending follow-up visits, and managing the overall burden of treatment.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Clay County are extremely limited. There is no established public bus system that directly serves the residents of Moss or provides transportation to healthcare facilities in Cookeville or Lebanon. This lack of public transit significantly impacts individuals who do not have access to a personal vehicle, particularly those with mobility limitations or financial constraints.

The absence of public transportation exacerbates the healthcare access challenges, potentially isolating individuals and hindering their ability to receive timely and consistent care. The lack of ADA-compliant public transit options further compounds the difficulties for individuals with disabilities. This absence significantly lowers the Breast Cancer Score.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Cookeville, but their presence in Moss is inconsistent and may not be readily available. The reliability of these services for medical appointments is questionable, especially for early morning or late evening appointments. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier for individuals with limited financial resources.

Medical transportation services offer a more specialized solution for patients needing assistance getting to and from appointments. Companies like AMR (American Medical Response) and private medical transport providers may operate in the area, offering non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT). These services typically require advance booking and may have associated costs, which can vary depending on the distance and level of assistance required.

The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services partially mitigates the transportation challenges. However, their accessibility, reliability, and affordability are crucial factors in determining their impact on the Breast Cancer Score. The limited presence of these services in Moss contributes to a lower score.

**Impact on the Breast Cancer Score**

The Breast Cancer Score for ZIP Code 38575 is influenced by several factors. The extended drive times to healthcare facilities, the lack of public transportation, and the inconsistent availability of ride-sharing services all contribute to a lower score.

The score reflects the potential difficulties residents may face in accessing timely breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. The limited transportation options can lead to delays in seeking care, missed appointments, and increased stress for patients and their families.

**Moving to Moss: Considering Healthcare Access**

For individuals considering moving to Moss, Tennessee, understanding the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access is essential. Prospective residents should carefully assess their transportation needs and consider the potential challenges of accessing healthcare services.

Individuals with a history of breast cancer or those at high risk should proactively research available healthcare providers, transportation options, and support services in the area. This includes exploring the availability of medical transportation, establishing relationships with local healthcare providers, and familiarizing themselves with the travel routes to healthcare facilities.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Journey**

The Breast Cancer Score for ZIP Code 38575 highlights the transportation challenges faced by residents in accessing breast cancer care. The combination of long drive times, limited public transit, and the variable availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services creates significant barriers to timely and consistent care.

Understanding these challenges is crucial for residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers alike. Addressing these transportation barriers through initiatives such as improved public transit options, enhanced ride-sharing availability, and increased access to medical transportation services can significantly improve healthcare access and outcomes for individuals affected by breast cancer in Moss, Tennessee. This information is vital for anyone moving to Moss and seeking to understand the realities of healthcare access.