37617, Blountville, Tennessee Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 37617, Blountville, Tennessee is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

74.19 percent of residents in 37617 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.22 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Indian Path Community Hospital with a distance of 9.23 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Blountville (ZIP Code 37617)

The air hangs heavy with the promise of change. You, a resident of or a potential newcomer to Blountville, Tennessee (ZIP Code 37617), are likely pondering the complexities of life, particularly concerning your health. This write-up delves into the crucial aspect of healthcare access, specifically focusing on lung cancer care, and how the available **transportation** options impact your journey. We’ll assess the landscape of **healthcare access** in this rural setting, offering insights for those considering **moving to Blountville**.

Blountville, nestled within Sullivan County, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. The town's charm, characterized by its historical significance and scenic beauty, is juxtaposed with the realities of rural healthcare. One of the most pressing concerns is the distance to specialized medical facilities, especially those equipped to handle the complexities of lung cancer diagnosis and treatment. Your ability to navigate these distances is paramount.

**Drive-Time Dilemmas: The Open Road to Care**

For those who rely on personal vehicles, the drive times to specialized lung cancer care facilities are critical. The nearest comprehensive oncology centers are primarily located in Kingsport, a city approximately 15-20 miles east of Blountville. This journey typically involves navigating the familiar roads of Tennessee.

The primary artery connecting Blountville to Kingsport is **Highway 126**, a route that can experience moderate traffic during peak hours, particularly near the city limits. This highway, while generally well-maintained, can be subject to delays due to accidents or construction. From Highway 126, you’ll likely merge onto **Interstate 26 (I-26)**, a major thoroughfare providing quicker access to healthcare facilities.

Alternatively, you might utilize **Highway 19** to reach Kingsport. This route, while offering a more scenic drive, tends to be slower, particularly in the more rural stretches. Regardless of the chosen path, the drive itself can be physically and emotionally taxing for individuals facing a lung cancer diagnosis.

Further afield, larger hospitals with advanced oncology departments are found in Johnson City, approximately 30-40 miles south. Reaching these facilities involves traversing **Interstate 26** and **Highway 11E**, adding to the overall travel time. These longer distances can necessitate careful planning, particularly for regular appointments and treatments.

**Public Transit: A Limited Lifeline**

The public **transportation** options in Blountville are extremely limited. Sullivan County, like many rural areas, lacks a comprehensive public transit system. This poses a significant barrier to **healthcare access** for individuals who do not own a vehicle or are unable to drive due to health reasons.

The primary public transit option is the **Bristol Tennessee Essential Services (BTES)** bus system, which does not extend into Blountville. This means that relying on public transit for lung cancer care is virtually impossible without a complex series of transfers and long wait times. The absence of readily available public transit significantly impacts the ability of vulnerable populations to access timely and consistent care.

ADA accessibility on the BTES buses is a factor to consider, but its relevance is moot given the lack of service to Blountville.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gap**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Kingsport and Johnson City areas. However, their availability in Blountville itself can be inconsistent. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant financial burden, especially for frequent appointments.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are available in the region. These services often offer specialized vehicles and trained personnel to assist patients with mobility challenges. However, these services can be expensive and require advance booking, making them less ideal for urgent situations.

**Navigating the Healthcare Landscape: A Summary**

The Lung Cancer Score for Blountville (ZIP Code 37617) reveals a landscape characterized by challenges. While the drive times to healthcare facilities in Kingsport are relatively manageable, the lack of public transit and the potential limitations of ride-sharing and medical **transportation** services pose significant hurdles.

For individuals considering **moving to Blountville**, it is imperative to carefully assess their **transportation** needs and their ability to navigate the distances to specialized medical care. Those with lung cancer or at high risk should prioritize proximity to healthcare facilities or ensure reliable access to **transportation**.

This analysis underscores the importance of proactive planning and awareness. Understanding the **healthcare access** landscape is crucial for making informed decisions about your health and well-being in Blountville.