37921, Knoxville, Tennessee Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 37921, Knoxville, Tennessee is 75 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

77.13 percent of residents in 37921 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 3.42 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is East Tennessee Childrens Hospital with a distance of 3.35 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in 37921

The journey to healthcare, a vital aspect of life, becomes particularly critical when battling a disease like lung cancer. This write-up analyzes the transportation landscape within ZIP Code 37921, offering a "Lung Cancer Score" to assess healthcare accessibility. It considers drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing services, all crucial elements for residents facing diagnosis and treatment. This information is especially relevant for those considering moving to Knoxville, Tennessee, and seeking optimal healthcare access.

ZIP Code 37921 encompasses a significant portion of West Knoxville, a rapidly growing area. Its sprawling nature influences transportation dynamics, making understanding healthcare access a complex but essential undertaking. The "Lung Cancer Score" isn't a numerical value but a comprehensive assessment of the challenges and opportunities residents face when accessing lung cancer-related healthcare.

**Drive Times: The Asphalt Arteries of Care**

The primary mode of transportation in 37921 is the personal vehicle. Navigating the city's roadways is often the quickest path to medical appointments. Accessing major hospitals like the University of Tennessee Medical Center (UTMC) and Parkwest Medical Center, both critical for lung cancer care, requires understanding peak-hour traffic.

From the heart of 37921, a drive to UTMC, located near downtown Knoxville, typically involves navigating the I-640 East and then the I-75 South. During off-peak hours, this journey might take around 20-25 minutes. However, during rush hour, particularly between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM, the commute can easily extend to 40-50 minutes, significantly impacting the patient's comfort and timeliness.

Parkwest Medical Center, situated off Parkwest Boulevard, is generally more accessible from 37921. A drive along Kingston Pike or Northshore Drive, depending on the specific location within the ZIP code, usually takes 15-20 minutes. Traffic congestion, though less severe than on the interstate, can still cause delays, especially near major intersections like Pellissippi Parkway and Middlebrook Pike.

Smaller clinics and specialist offices, often crucial for follow-up care and consultations, are scattered throughout the area. Drive times to these facilities vary considerably. Patients must factor in travel time when scheduling appointments, considering their physical condition and the potential for traffic delays.

**Public Transit: A Network of Accessibility**

The Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) system provides public transportation within 37921. While offering a valuable service, its reach and frequency can pose challenges for those with mobility issues or undergoing cancer treatment.

Several KAT routes serve 37921, including the 11, 22, and 31. These routes primarily run along major thoroughfares like Kingston Pike and Northshore Drive. However, the frequency of these routes, especially during evenings and weekends, can be limited, requiring patients to carefully plan their trips.

ADA accessibility is a crucial consideration. KAT strives to provide accessible buses with ramps and designated seating for individuals with disabilities. However, the availability of accessible stops and the overall travel time can still be a concern. Patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation often experience fatigue and require frequent rest, making long bus rides challenging.

The KAT system's website and app offer route planning and real-time tracking, allowing patients to monitor bus arrival times and potential delays. However, the reliance on public transit requires careful planning and consideration of potential waiting times and transfers.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer an alternative transportation option, particularly for those who cannot drive or prefer not to. These services provide door-to-door transportation, eliminating the need to navigate public transit schedules or parking challenges.

However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a significant factor, especially for frequent appointments. The price fluctuates based on demand and distance. Patients must budget for these expenses, considering the financial burden of cancer treatment.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients with medical needs, offer specialized support. Companies like MedRide and First Transit provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained drivers.

These services often coordinate directly with healthcare providers, ensuring timely and safe transport to appointments. While offering a valuable service, medical transportation may require advance booking and can also be subject to cost considerations.

**The "Lung Cancer Score" and Considerations for Moving to Knoxville**

The "Lung Cancer Score" for 37921 highlights the need for careful consideration of transportation options when accessing lung cancer healthcare. While personal vehicles offer the most direct route, traffic congestion can significantly impact travel times. Public transit provides an alternative but requires careful planning and may present challenges for those with mobility issues. Ride-sharing and medical transportation services offer valuable support but come with associated costs.

For individuals considering moving to Knoxville and facing a lung cancer diagnosis or treatment, understanding these transportation dynamics is critical. Proximity to major hospitals, access to reliable transportation options, and the availability of supportive services are essential factors to consider.

The "Lung Cancer Score" emphasizes the importance of proactive planning. Patients should research available transportation options, assess their financial resources, and communicate their needs with their healthcare providers. This proactive approach can significantly improve healthcare access and enhance the quality of life during a challenging time. The goal is to ensure that transportation does not become a barrier to receiving timely and effective lung cancer care.