37354, Madisonville, Tennessee Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 37354, Madisonville, Tennessee is 35 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

57.83 percent of residents in 37354 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.21 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Starr Regional Medical Center Athens with a distance of 14.93 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Madisonville, TN (ZIP Code 37354)

This analysis provides a comprehensive assessment of healthcare access for individuals residing in Madisonville, Tennessee (ZIP Code 37354), with a specific focus on lung cancer treatment. The evaluation considers the critical role of **transportation** in accessing vital medical services, ultimately informing a "Lung Cancer Score" reflecting the ease or difficulty of navigating the healthcare landscape. This score will be a valuable resource for anyone **moving to Madisonville**, or for current residents evaluating their healthcare options.

The score is not a static number, but a complex interplay of factors. It considers drive times to various healthcare facilities, the availability and efficiency of public transit, the prevalence of ride-sharing services, and the existence of specialized medical transport options. Each of these elements is weighted based on its impact on a patient’s ability to receive timely and effective lung cancer care.

Madisonville, nestled in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, presents unique **transportation** challenges. While the town itself is relatively small, access to specialized medical centers often necessitates travel to larger cities like Knoxville or Chattanooga. This geographic reality significantly impacts healthcare access, particularly for individuals managing a serious illness like lung cancer.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The primary roadways serving Madisonville are crucial for understanding **healthcare access**. US-411, a major north-south artery, provides direct access to Knoxville, approximately 50 miles away. The drive, under ideal conditions, can take around an hour and fifteen minutes. However, traffic congestion, especially during peak hours or due to accidents, can significantly extend this travel time, potentially delaying critical medical appointments.

Travel to Chattanooga, roughly 80 miles south via I-75, presents a slightly longer commute. The Interstate offers a generally faster route, with a drive time of approximately one hour and thirty minutes. However, I-75 is known for heavy traffic, particularly around Knoxville and Chattanooga, which could impact travel times. State Route 68 provides a secondary route to the east, connecting Madisonville to Tellico Plains and eventually to the North Carolina border.

The drive times to hospitals in Knoxville and Chattanooga are central to our Lung Cancer Score. These facilities house the specialized oncology departments and treatment centers essential for lung cancer patients. The distance and potential for delays on these roads directly impact the patient’s ability to receive timely diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public **transportation** options in Madisonville are extremely limited. The local Monroe County **transportation** system offers demand-response services, meaning rides must be scheduled in advance. These services are primarily designed for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

The availability of these services for lung cancer patients is critical, as they may be unable to drive due to their condition or the side effects of treatment. However, the limited scope of these services and the need for advance scheduling can create significant barriers to **healthcare access**. The lack of a robust public transit system is a major factor negatively impacting the Lung Cancer Score.

ADA accessibility is a crucial factor in evaluating public transit. The local Monroe County **transportation** system does offer ADA-compliant vehicles, but the overall lack of frequency and geographic coverage severely limits their usefulness for patients needing frequent medical appointments.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Madisonville, but their availability can be inconsistent, especially during off-peak hours or in more rural areas. Reliance on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments can be unreliable and expensive, potentially creating a significant financial burden for patients.

Medical transport services, such as those provided by companies like AMR or FirstCall, offer specialized transportation for patients who require assistance. These services are often equipped with medical personnel and equipment. However, they are typically reserved for patients with specific medical needs and can be costly. The availability of medical transport services is a positive factor, but their limited scope and cost impact the overall Lung Cancer Score.

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

The Lung Cancer Score for ZIP Code 37354 reflects the challenges and opportunities faced by residents seeking lung cancer care. The score is not simply a numerical value; it is a nuanced understanding of the factors influencing **healthcare access**.

The score will be lower due to the reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public **transportation** options, and the potential for traffic delays. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services provides some relief, but their limitations impact the overall score.

The score considers the drive times to the nearest comprehensive cancer centers in Knoxville and Chattanooga. It factors in the potential for delays on US-411 and I-75. The score also considers the availability and accessibility of public transit and ride-sharing services.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Healthcare Landscape:**

For individuals **moving to Madisonville**, understanding the **transportation** challenges is crucial. While the town offers a peaceful setting, the distance to specialized medical facilities necessitates careful planning. Patients with lung cancer must be prepared for longer travel times, potential delays, and the need to rely on personal vehicles or arrange for alternative **transportation**.

The Lung Cancer Score serves as a valuable guide, highlighting the need for careful consideration of **healthcare access** when making decisions about residency in Madisonville. While the community provides a tranquil environment, the limitations in **transportation** options require proactive planning to ensure timely and effective lung cancer care.