37727, Del Rio, Tennessee Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 37727, Del Rio, Tennessee is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

28.64 percent of residents in 37727 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.66 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Tennova Healthcare - Newport Medical Center with a distance of 9.43 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Del Rio, TN (ZIP Code 37727)

The crisp mountain air of Del Rio, Tennessee, offers a scenic backdrop for life. However, when faced with a diagnosis like lung cancer, the beauty of the landscape can be overshadowed by the practicalities of healthcare access. This write-up delves into the transportation landscape within and around ZIP Code 37727, evaluating its impact on a hypothetical patient's ability to receive timely and effective lung cancer care. We'll consider drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation, ultimately aiming to establish a "Lung Cancer Score" that reflects the challenges and opportunities in this rural environment.

For individuals considering moving to Del Rio or those already residing here, understanding these transportation dynamics is crucial. The ability to easily reach medical appointments, treatment centers, and support services can significantly influence a patient's quality of life and treatment outcomes. This analysis will illuminate the realities of healthcare access in this East Tennessee community.

The foundation of healthcare access in Del Rio, as in many rural areas, rests upon the private automobile. The primary artery connecting Del Rio to the broader healthcare network is Highway 25/70. This winding road provides the most direct route to larger towns and cities, where more specialized medical facilities are located. A drive to the nearest major hospital, located in Newport, TN, typically takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions. This relatively short commute time is a significant advantage for residents.

However, the road to Knoxville, where more comprehensive cancer treatment centers are situated, is a different story. The journey involves navigating Highway 25/70 to I-40 West. This trip, covering approximately 70 miles, can easily take 1.5 to 2 hours, especially during peak traffic hours. The time spent in transit can be a significant burden for patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy, potentially impacting their physical and emotional well-being.

Beyond Highway 25/70, other roads play a role in local transportation. Smaller county roads, such as Del Rio Road and Hartford Road, provide access to various parts of the community. While these roads offer convenient access within the ZIP code, they do not offer direct access to larger medical facilities. Their narrow, winding nature can also pose challenges for emergency medical services.

Public transportation options in Del Rio are limited. The primary mode of public transit is the local transit system, which operates on a demand-response basis. This means that rides must be scheduled in advance, and the service area is often restricted. While the system may offer some level of accessibility for individuals with disabilities, including ADA-compliant vehicles, the limited service area and scheduling requirements can be a significant barrier for patients requiring frequent medical appointments. The frequency of service and the availability of rides to Knoxville are essential factors to consider.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are also available in Del Rio, though their presence is not as consistent as in larger urban areas. Availability may be limited, particularly during off-peak hours or in more remote areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also add to the financial burden of healthcare, especially for patients with limited incomes. Reliability and affordability are key considerations.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, provide a crucial lifeline for individuals who cannot drive themselves or lack access to other transportation options. Several medical transport brands operate in the region, offering services ranging from basic transportation to specialized medical assistance during transit. These services often cater to patients with mobility limitations or those requiring medical supervision.

The availability and cost of medical transportation services can vary widely. It is essential for patients to research and compare different providers to find the most suitable option for their needs. The distance to treatment centers, the frequency of appointments, and the patient's physical condition will all influence the selection of a medical transportation service.

Evaluating the transportation landscape in Del Rio, TN, reveals a mixed picture. While the proximity to Newport provides relatively quick access to basic healthcare services, the longer commute to Knoxville and the limited public transit options present significant challenges for lung cancer patients. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with the potential limitations of ride-sharing services and the cost of medical transportation, can create barriers to healthcare access.

To quantify these factors, we can assign a "Lung Cancer Score." This score will consider the following: average drive times to major cancer treatment centers, the availability and accessibility of public transit, the presence and reliability of ride-sharing services, and the cost and availability of medical transportation.

**The Lung Cancer Score for ZIP Code 37727:**

* **Drive Time to Newport Hospital:** 4/5 (relatively short commute)
* **Drive Time to Knoxville Cancer Centers:** 2/5 (long commute, traffic dependent)
* **Public Transit:** 1/5 (limited service, demand-response)
* **Ride-Sharing Availability:** 2/5 (variable, cost dependent)
* **Medical Transportation:** 3/5 (availability varies, cost dependent)

**Overall Score: 2.4/5**

This score reflects the challenges faced by lung cancer patients in Del Rio. While the proximity to Newport offers some advantages, the longer commute to Knoxville, coupled with the limitations of public transit and ride-sharing, creates significant hurdles. The availability of medical transportation services helps mitigate some of these challenges, but the overall score highlights the need for improved transportation infrastructure and resources to ensure equitable healthcare access for all residents.

For individuals considering moving to Del Rio, this score underscores the importance of carefully evaluating their transportation needs and access to healthcare. Researching available medical transportation options, exploring potential support networks, and considering the impact of commute times on treatment plans are crucial steps in making an informed decision. For current residents, advocating for improved public transit, supporting local healthcare initiatives, and raising awareness about the transportation challenges faced by cancer patients are vital contributions.