37367, Pikeville, Tennessee Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 37367, Pikeville, Tennessee is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

61.36 percent of residents in 37367 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.23 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Erlanger Bledsoe Hospital with a distance of 3.42 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Pikeville, TN (ZIP Code 37367)

Considering a move to Pikeville, Tennessee, ZIP code 37367, and concerned about healthcare access, particularly for lung cancer care? This write-up provides a comprehensive "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, focusing on transportation options to healthcare facilities, crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment. We'll delve into drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, painting a vivid picture of your healthcare journey in this community. The score aims to help you understand the practical realities of accessing vital medical services, especially for a condition requiring consistent and often urgent care.

The cornerstone of our analysis is understanding that efficient **transportation** is paramount for lung cancer patients. Frequent appointments for scans, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and follow-up visits are commonplace. Delays or difficulties in reaching healthcare providers can significantly impact patient outcomes and quality of life. This score considers the availability, reliability, and accessibility of various transport modes from Pikeville to facilities offering comprehensive lung cancer care.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

Pikeville's geographical location, nestled in the Sequatchie Valley, significantly impacts **healthcare access**. The nearest comprehensive cancer centers are primarily located in Chattanooga, approximately 60-70 miles away. The primary route involves navigating Tennessee State Route 30 (SR-30), a winding two-lane road that can experience heavy traffic, especially during peak hours. Expect drive times to Chattanooga to range from 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and the specific destination.

SR-30 connects to Interstate 24 (I-24) near Monteagle. I-24 offers a faster, more direct route to Chattanooga, but traffic congestion is common, particularly around the city. The drive from Pikeville to Erlanger East Hospital in Chattanooga, a potential destination for lung cancer care, via I-24, could take 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic.

Another option involves taking SR-30 to US-127, then connecting to I-24. This route may offer slight variations in travel time, but it also carries the risk of encountering traffic delays on US-127. The roads are generally well-maintained, but weather conditions, especially during winter, can significantly impact travel times and safety.

**Public Transit: Limited Options:**

Public transit options in and around Pikeville are extremely limited. The Southeast Tennessee Human Resource Agency (SETHRA) provides demand-response transportation services within the region, including to medical appointments. However, these services require advance booking and may not be readily available for urgent needs. The availability of SETHRA services for residents in Pikeville is limited.

There is no fixed-route public transit system that connects Pikeville directly to Chattanooga. This absence of reliable public transit poses a significant challenge for individuals without personal vehicles or those unable to drive. The lack of ADA-compliant public transit further exacerbates the difficulties for patients with mobility limitations. The absence of readily available public **transportation** is a major factor in the "Lung Cancer Score."

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Chattanooga area, but their presence in Pikeville is less consistent. Availability can be sporadic, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Relying solely on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments is risky due to potential delays, cancellations, and higher costs.

Medical transport services offer a more specialized solution for patients requiring assistance. Several companies provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) in the region, including MedTrans Corporation, and First Medical Transportation. These services typically offer door-to-door transport, often with wheelchair accessibility and trained personnel. However, the cost of NEMT can be substantial, and prior booking is essential.

**Medical Facilities and Healthcare Access:**

The primary healthcare facilities offering comprehensive cancer care near Pikeville are located in Chattanooga. These include Erlanger Health System, CHI Memorial Hospital, and Parkridge Health System. Each facility offers various cancer treatment options, including radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgical oncology. The availability of specialized lung cancer care, including pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, and medical oncologists, is a significant advantage for residents in the region.

The distance to these facilities, coupled with the limited **transportation** options, creates a potential barrier to **healthcare access** for Pikeville residents. The "Lung Cancer Score" must reflect the challenges faced by patients in accessing timely and consistent care.

**Lung Cancer Score: Considerations and Recommendations:**

Based on the factors discussed, the "Lung Cancer Score" for Pikeville, TN (37367) reflects the challenges in accessing **healthcare access**. The score considers the following:

* **Drive Times:** Moderate, with travel times to Chattanooga ranging from 1.5 to 2 hours.
* **Public Transit:** Extremely limited, with no direct routes to Chattanooga.
* **Ride-Sharing:** Availability is inconsistent and unreliable.
* **Medical Transport:** Available but costly and requires advance booking.

The score is influenced by the distance to specialized medical facilities, limited public transit, and the potential for traffic delays. The absence of readily available, affordable, and reliable **transportation** significantly impacts the score.

**Recommendations for Individuals Considering Moving to Pikeville:**

* **Personal Vehicle:** Owning a reliable personal vehicle is essential for accessing medical care.
* **Explore Medical Transport:** Investigate medical transport options and establish relationships with providers.
* **Coordinate Appointments:** Schedule appointments strategically, considering traffic patterns and travel times.
* **Community Support:** Explore community resources for assistance with **transportation** and other needs.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Ensure adequate insurance coverage for medical transport and healthcare services.
* **Consider Proximity:** While **moving to Pikeville** offers a quieter lifestyle, prioritize the proximity to healthcare facilities.

**Conclusion:**

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Pikeville, TN (37367) highlights the challenges in accessing **healthcare access** for lung cancer patients. While comprehensive cancer care is available in Chattanooga, the limited **transportation** options pose a significant obstacle. Individuals considering a move to Pikeville should carefully assess their **transportation** needs and develop a comprehensive plan for accessing medical care. Careful planning and proactive engagement with healthcare providers are crucial for ensuring timely diagnosis, treatment, and improved outcomes for lung cancer patients in this community. The score emphasizes the need for careful consideration of **transportation** and access to healthcare when making decisions about relocating.