38587, Walling, Tennessee Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 38587, Walling, Tennessee is 48 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

57.29 percent of residents in 38587 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.24 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Saint Thomas Highlands Hospital with a distance of 9.54 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in ZIP Code 38587

The journey to healthcare, particularly for something as critical as breast cancer screening and treatment, is a complex equation. In ZIP Code 38587, encompassing the vibrant, rural community of Walling, Tennessee, that equation is heavily influenced by transportation. This write-up provides a "Breast Cancer Score" assessment, considering the crucial element of **transportation** options and their impact on **healthcare access** for residents. This is especially relevant for those **moving to Walling**, understanding the practicalities of accessing vital medical services.

The geography of Walling, nestled in the Cumberland Plateau, presents unique challenges. The area’s relative isolation necessitates reliance on personal vehicles. The primary arteries for travel are State Route 108, which winds its way through the heart of Walling, and US-70S, providing a more direct route to larger towns and cities. Drive times, therefore, are paramount in determining the ease with which residents can access mammograms, specialist appointments, and chemotherapy treatments.

For a standard mammogram, the closest facilities are likely in Sparta, approximately a 20-to-30-minute drive via SR-108 or US-70S, depending on traffic and the specific location within Sparta. This drive time, while manageable, becomes significantly more challenging for those undergoing treatment, requiring frequent visits.

Specialist appointments, such as those with oncologists or surgeons, often necessitate travel to Cookeville, approximately a 45-minute drive via US-70S. This longer journey demands careful planning, particularly for individuals experiencing fatigue or other side effects of treatment. The drive itself, on a winding two-lane highway, can be physically and emotionally taxing.

Chemotherapy treatments, a cornerstone of breast cancer care, often require multiple visits per week. The drive to Cookeville, for instance, and back, can consume a significant portion of the day. The cumulative impact of these frequent trips, coupled with the physical and emotional demands of treatment, underscores the importance of readily available and reliable **transportation** options.

Public **transportation** in ZIP Code 38587 is limited. The Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency (UCHRA) offers a demand-response transit system, which is the primary public transit option. However, service frequency and availability are limited, and the system is not designed for high-frequency, time-sensitive medical appointments. It is essential to contact UCHRA directly to assess availability and ADA accessibility features for specific needs.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, though their reliability and cost can vary. Availability is often dependent on driver density, which may be limited in a rural area like Walling. While a ride-share might be a viable option for occasional appointments, the cost can quickly become prohibitive for frequent treatments.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are another consideration. Companies like Medical Transport of America and First Medical Transportation offer services in the broader region. These services often provide door-to-door assistance and can be a valuable resource for patients who cannot drive or lack other **transportation** options. However, availability and cost should be thoroughly investigated.

The "Breast Cancer Score" in ZIP Code 38587 is therefore significantly influenced by the reliance on personal vehicles. The drive times to necessary medical facilities, while not excessive, can pose challenges, especially for those undergoing treatment. The limited public **transportation** options and the potential for variable ride-share availability further complicate **healthcare access**.

The presence of medical **transportation** services offers a crucial lifeline for those unable to drive or lacking access to other **transportation** options. However, the cost and availability of these services should be carefully considered.

For individuals **moving to Walling**, understanding these **transportation** challenges is crucial. The availability of a reliable vehicle is almost a necessity. Researching and budgeting for medical **transportation** services, should the need arise, is also recommended.

The overall "Breast Cancer Score" in ZIP Code 38587 reflects a moderate level of **healthcare access**. While the necessary medical facilities are within reasonable driving distance, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public **transportation** options create potential barriers. Careful planning, proactive research into **transportation** alternatives, and the consideration of medical **transportation** services are essential for ensuring timely and consistent access to breast cancer care. The ease of navigating the roads and the availability of alternative means of getting to medical appointments are critical factors in the overall well-being of residents. The ability to obtain timely and accessible care is paramount, and for those **moving to Walling**, these factors should be carefully considered.