37873, Surgoinsville, Tennessee Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 37873, Surgoinsville, Tennessee is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

59.86 percent of residents in 37873 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.57 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Hawkins County Memorial Hospital with a distance of 11.64 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Surgoinsville, TN (ZIP Code 37873)

The picturesque town of Surgoinsville, Tennessee (ZIP Code 37873), nestled in the rolling hills of Hawkins County, offers a tranquil lifestyle. However, the serenity of rural living often presents challenges, particularly when it comes to healthcare access. This write-up analyzes the transportation landscape for individuals seeking lung cancer diagnosis and treatment, creating a "Lung Cancer Score" based on commute times, available transportation options, and accessibility considerations. This information is crucial for anyone considering moving to Surgoinsville or seeking care within the region.

The Lung Cancer Score considers the critical need for timely diagnosis and treatment. Delays in accessing specialized care can significantly impact outcomes. Therefore, the score weighs factors like travel time to oncology centers, availability of public transit, and the presence of ride-sharing services. It also factors in accessibility for individuals with mobility limitations. The ultimate goal is to provide a realistic assessment of the transportation hurdles faced by someone battling lung cancer in Surgoinsville.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The primary artery connecting Surgoinsville to larger towns and cities is **Highway 11W**, a major thoroughfare. Driving to the nearest comprehensive cancer care facility, Holston Valley Medical Center in Kingsport, typically takes approximately 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. This drive involves navigating **Highway 11W** and, upon reaching Kingsport, utilizing local roads to reach the hospital. Traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, can extend this commute, potentially delaying critical appointments.

Another option involves driving to Johnson City, approximately 45-60 minutes away, where additional oncology services are available. This route primarily utilizes **Highway 11E** and local roads. The condition of these roadways, particularly during inclement weather, can impact travel times and safety. Rural roads may lack adequate lighting and shoulder space, adding to the challenges.

For those residing in the more remote areas of Surgoinsville, accessing these healthcare facilities necessitates navigating smaller county roads, which may be less well-maintained and potentially more hazardous. The driving experience is a significant component of the Lung Cancer Score, factoring in both distance and potential travel hazards.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public transportation options in Surgoinsville and the surrounding area are extremely limited. The primary provider, **Kingsport Area Transit Service (KATS)**, offers bus routes within Kingsport. However, these routes do not directly serve Surgoinsville. Individuals relying on public transit would need to arrange for a ride to Kingsport to access the KATS system. This adds significant travel time and complexity to the journey.

Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible buses within the KATS system is crucial for individuals with mobility limitations. While KATS strives to provide accessible services, the limited frequency and route coverage pose significant challenges for patients requiring frequent appointments. The lack of robust public transit significantly lowers the Lung Cancer Score for Surgoinsville residents.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Kingsport and Johnson City areas. However, their availability in Surgoinsville itself can be sporadic, particularly during off-peak hours or in less populated areas. Reliance on ride-sharing for frequent medical appointments can be costly and unreliable, potentially leading to missed appointments and delayed treatment.

Medical transportation services, such as MedTrans, offer specialized transportation for patients with medical needs. These services provide door-to-door transportation, including assistance with boarding and disembarking. However, these services often require pre-booking and can be expensive, posing a financial burden for patients. While medical transportation services provide a valuable option, their cost and availability further influence the Lung Cancer Score.

**Accessibility Considerations:**

Accessibility is a critical component of the Lung Cancer Score. Individuals undergoing cancer treatment often experience fatigue, mobility limitations, and other physical challenges. Healthcare facilities must provide accessible parking, ramps, elevators, and waiting areas. The availability of accessible transportation options is equally crucial.

The lack of readily available public transit and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services pose significant accessibility barriers for patients in Surgoinsville. This underscores the need for comprehensive planning and support systems to ensure that all patients can access the care they need.

**The Lung Cancer Score for Surgoinsville (37873):**

Considering the factors outlined above, the Lung Cancer Score for Surgoinsville, Tennessee (37873) is moderate. While the drive times to oncology centers are manageable, the limited public transit options, the potential unreliability of ride-sharing, and the cost of medical transportation services present significant challenges.

The score is negatively impacted by the lack of readily available public transportation and the potential for delays due to traffic congestion. However, the proximity to Kingsport and Johnson City, with their respective oncology services, offers some mitigation. The overall score reflects the need for careful planning and reliance on personal vehicles or pre-arranged transportation for accessing healthcare.

**Recommendations and Considerations for Moving to Surgoinsville:**

Individuals considering a move to Surgoinsville, especially those with a history of or risk factors for lung cancer, should carefully evaluate the transportation landscape. They should:

* **Assess their ability to drive:** Reliable personal transportation is essential.
* **Explore medical transportation options:** Research local medical transportation services and understand their costs and availability.
* **Factor in potential travel times:** Account for traffic congestion and weather conditions when scheduling appointments.
* **Consider proximity to healthcare facilities:** Evaluate the distance to oncology centers and the availability of specialized care.
* **Plan for potential mobility limitations:** Ensure that housing and transportation options are accessible.

Living in Surgoinsville offers a unique lifestyle. However, the challenges related to healthcare access, particularly for those battling lung cancer, necessitate careful consideration and proactive planning. The Lung Cancer Score serves as a valuable tool for understanding the transportation hurdles and making informed decisions about healthcare access.