37866, Sharps Chapel, Tennessee Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 37866, Sharps Chapel, Tennessee is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

43.87 percent of residents in 37866 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.49 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Claiborne Medical Center with a distance of 14.47 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Commute to Healthcare in Sharps Chapel, TN (ZIP Code 37866)

The crisp air of Sharps Chapel, Tennessee, nestled amidst the rolling hills of Union County, offers a tranquil escape. Yet, the very serenity that attracts newcomers also presents a critical challenge: **healthcare access**. This analysis, a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, focuses on the **transportation** landscape for individuals residing in ZIP code 37866, particularly those requiring specialized care, like that for lung cancer. We'll delve into the realities of navigating the roads, public transit, and alternative **transportation** options, painting a picture of the obstacles and opportunities for residents seeking timely and effective medical attention. The implications are particularly crucial for those **moving to Sharps Chapel**, as they must understand the practicalities of accessing healthcare.

The primary consideration in our Lung Cancer Score is drive time to the nearest comprehensive cancer center. For residents of 37866, this means a journey to Knoxville, approximately 40 miles away. The most direct route involves navigating a combination of highways and local roads. From Sharps Chapel, one would typically embark on Highway 61, a winding two-lane road that snakes through the rural landscape. This initial stretch, while picturesque, can be slow-going, especially during peak traffic hours.

As you approach Maynardville, the route merges onto Highway 33, offering a slightly wider and more direct path. This segment is crucial, as it dictates the overall **transportation** efficiency. Traffic flow on Highway 33 can vary significantly, impacted by school buses, local commerce, and the occasional accident. The drive then transitions onto Interstate 75 South, a major artery leading directly into Knoxville.

The final leg on I-75 provides a more predictable and faster journey, but it's still subject to the vagaries of interstate traffic. Congestion around the Knoxville exits, particularly during rush hour, can add significant delays. The total drive time, under ideal conditions, can range from 45 minutes to an hour. However, factors like weather, accidents, and peak traffic can easily extend this to an hour and a half or even longer. This time constraint is a significant factor in our Lung Cancer Score, as it directly impacts the timeliness of treatment and the patient's overall prognosis.

Public transit options in this rural area are extremely limited. Union County does not have a dedicated public bus system. The closest public transit options are in Knoxville. The Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) system operates a network of buses, but service to Sharps Chapel is nonexistent. Even if a resident could arrange **transportation** to Knoxville, the KAT system is unlikely to be a viable solution for those needing frequent cancer treatments. The ADA accessibility of KAT buses varies, with some routes offering wheelchair lifts and other accommodations, but the lack of direct service to Sharps Chapel renders this moot.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Knoxville. However, their presence in Sharps Chapel is sporadic. Availability is often dependent on driver density and time of day. Relying on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments in Knoxville would be unreliable and expensive. The cost of a one-way trip could easily exceed $75, and the wait times for a driver could be significant, especially during off-peak hours. This unreliable **transportation** option further diminishes the Lung Cancer Score.

Medical **transportation** services, such as those offered by companies specializing in non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), offer a more structured solution. These services provide door-to-door **transportation** for medical appointments. Companies like AMR (American Medical Response) and First Medical Transport operate in the Knoxville area and may service Sharps Chapel. However, these services come with a cost, and availability may be limited. Scheduling in advance is usually required, which could be a challenge for unexpected medical needs.

The Lung Cancer Score for Sharps Chapel, therefore, reflects the challenges of **healthcare access**. The reliance on personal vehicles and the lengthy drive times to Knoxville, coupled with the lack of public transit and the limitations of ride-sharing, create significant barriers to timely medical care. The absence of readily available and affordable **transportation** options exacerbates the difficulties faced by patients, particularly those with mobility issues or limited financial resources.

The implications of this **transportation** landscape are particularly relevant for individuals considering **moving to Sharps Chapel**. Prospective residents, especially those with pre-existing health conditions or a family history of cancer, must carefully assess the realities of accessing medical care. The Lung Cancer Score highlights the importance of factoring in the time, cost, and reliability of **transportation** when making a decision about where to live.

In conclusion, the Lung Cancer Score for ZIP code 37866 is negatively impacted by the geographical isolation and the limited **transportation** options. While the beauty and tranquility of Sharps Chapel are undeniable, the challenges of accessing specialized medical care, particularly for a disease like lung cancer, must be carefully considered. Residents and those **moving to Sharps Chapel** should prioritize understanding the logistical hurdles of **healthcare access** and proactively plan for their medical needs. This includes exploring options for medical **transportation**, establishing relationships with healthcare providers in Knoxville, and potentially considering the proximity to healthcare facilities when making housing decisions. The success of treatment and overall well-being hinges on a clear understanding of the **transportation** realities in this rural community.