37345, Huntland, Tennessee Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 37345, Huntland, Tennessee is 35 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

53.90 percent of residents in 37345 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.16 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Lincoln Medical Center with a distance of 17.93 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Huntland, TN (ZIP Code 37345)

This analysis, the "Lung Cancer Score," assesses the accessibility of healthcare for individuals residing in Huntland, Tennessee (ZIP Code 37345), focusing on the critical aspect of transportation. The score considers various transportation options, from personal vehicles to public transit, crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. Residents of Huntland, considering a move or already living there, must understand these factors to ensure adequate healthcare access, especially given the disease's urgency.

The primary concern for lung cancer patients is prompt access to specialized medical care. This includes diagnostic imaging (CT scans, PET scans), pulmonology consultations, oncological treatments (chemotherapy, radiation), and surgical interventions. The ability to reach these services quickly and reliably significantly impacts patient outcomes.

Huntland, a rural community, presents unique transportation challenges. The landscape, while beautiful, necessitates reliance on personal vehicles for most travel. The absence of a robust public transportation system underscores the importance of understanding the drive times and alternative options available.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The most direct route out of Huntland is typically via **Highway 64**, a vital artery connecting the town to larger population centers. Driving east on Highway 64 leads to Winchester, approximately a 20-minute drive. Winchester houses the Southern Tennessee Regional Health System, a primary healthcare provider, offering various medical services, including oncology.

Further east on Highway 64, about a 45-minute drive, lies Tullahoma. Tullahoma is home to medical facilities and specialists. The journey involves navigating Highway 64, then merging onto **Highway 41A**, which can experience moderate traffic during peak hours.

Traveling west on Highway 64 leads to Fayetteville, a roughly 30-minute drive. Fayetteville has medical clinics and some specialist services. The route is generally straightforward, involving a consistent drive on Highway 64.

For more specialized care, residents may need to travel to larger cities like Murfreesboro (approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes) or Nashville (around 2 hours). These longer journeys necessitate navigating **Interstate 24 (I-24)**, a major highway prone to traffic congestion, especially during rush hour. The reliability of personal transportation becomes paramount for these extended trips.

**Public Transit Limitations:**

Huntland currently lacks a dedicated public transportation system. This severely limits healthcare access for those without personal vehicles or those unable to drive. The absence of buses or other public transit options necessitates reliance on alternative transportation solutions.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, though their availability can be limited, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing for longer distances to medical appointments can also be a significant financial burden for patients.

Medical transportation services are available, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments. Companies like MedRide or First Medical Transportation offer specialized vehicles and trained personnel to assist patients with mobility challenges. These services, while valuable, often require pre-booking and can be expensive, potentially creating another barrier to healthcare access.

**ADA Considerations:**

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates accessibility features in public transportation and medical facilities. However, the absence of public transit in Huntland necessitates that patients with disabilities rely on accessible vehicles from ride-sharing services or medical transportation providers. Ensuring the availability and affordability of these accessible transportation options is critical for individuals with mobility limitations.

**Healthcare Access and the Lung Cancer Score:**

The Lung Cancer Score for Huntland (ZIP Code 37345) reflects the challenges and opportunities related to healthcare access. The score considers the following factors:

* **Drive times to medical facilities:** Shorter drive times to general healthcare providers (Winchester, Fayetteville) increase the score. Longer drive times to specialized care (Murfreesboro, Nashville) decrease the score.
* **Availability of ride-sharing services:** Consistent availability and affordability of ride-sharing services positively impact the score.
* **Cost and availability of medical transportation:** The presence of reliable and affordable medical transportation services improves the score.
* **Accessibility for individuals with disabilities:** The availability of accessible transportation options and the accessibility of medical facilities are crucial for a high score.

**Moving to Huntland and Healthcare Considerations:**

Individuals considering moving to Huntland, especially those with a history of lung cancer or at high risk, must carefully evaluate the transportation challenges. They should assess their ability to drive, the availability of support for transportation, and the financial implications of relying on ride-sharing or medical transportation services.

Before relocating, potential residents should research the healthcare facilities in nearby towns, confirm the availability of specialists, and understand the insurance coverage for transportation costs. Contacting local healthcare providers and asking about patient transportation options is highly recommended.

**Improving Healthcare Access:**

Addressing the transportation limitations in Huntland requires a multi-faceted approach. This could include:

* **Advocating for public transportation:** Exploring the feasibility of establishing a public transportation route connecting Huntland to surrounding towns.
* **Supporting ride-sharing initiatives:** Encouraging the expansion of ride-sharing services in the area and exploring subsidized ride programs for patients.
* **Promoting medical transportation services:** Ensuring the availability and affordability of medical transportation services.
* **Community outreach:** Educating residents about available transportation options and providing assistance with scheduling appointments and arranging transportation.

The Lung Cancer Score, while a simplified metric, highlights the critical role of transportation in healthcare access. By understanding the challenges and proactively seeking solutions, the community can improve healthcare outcomes for individuals in Huntland, especially those battling lung cancer. The ability to navigate the transportation landscape is essential for receiving timely and appropriate medical care, ultimately improving the quality of life for residents.