38017, Collierville, Tennessee Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 38017, Collierville, Tennessee is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

57.95 percent of residents in 38017 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.08 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Baptist Memorial Hospital Tipton with a distance of 32.98 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in 38017

The shadow of a lung cancer diagnosis looms large, demanding swift and efficient access to specialized medical care. For residents of Collierville, Tennessee, ZIP Code 38017, this critical aspect of healthcare access hinges significantly on the available transportation options. This write-up analyzes the transportation landscape and its potential impact on a hypothetical patient's ability to receive timely and appropriate care, ultimately assigning a "Lung Cancer Score" based on these factors.

Collierville, a rapidly growing suburb, presents a unique challenge. While offering a high quality of life, its sprawling nature and reliance on personal vehicles influence healthcare access. The Lung Cancer Score considers the time and ease with which a patient can reach essential medical facilities, including oncologists, pulmonologists, diagnostic imaging centers, and radiation therapy clinics.

The primary arteries for transportation in 38017 are US-72 (Poplar Avenue), a major east-west thoroughfare, and Houston Levee Road, which runs north-south. Interstate 269, a newer bypass, provides a faster route to some destinations, but its limited accessibility for public transit or ride-sharing services presents challenges. The ability to navigate these roads, especially during peak traffic hours, is a crucial factor in our scoring.

**Drive Times and Road Conditions:**

Driving remains the dominant mode of transportation in Collierville. A patient in 38017 can reach Baptist Memorial Hospital-Collierville, the closest full-service hospital, with relative ease. The drive, primarily via Poplar Avenue, typically takes 10-15 minutes, barring significant traffic congestion. However, specialized oncology services are often concentrated in Memphis, approximately 30 miles west.

Reaching the West Cancer Center in Memphis, a leading cancer treatment facility, can take 45 minutes to an hour during rush hour, primarily via I-269 and I-22. This extended travel time, particularly for frequent appointments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy, can significantly impact a patient's well-being and treatment adherence. Road conditions are generally good, but accidents or construction on these highways can cause delays, adding to the stress of managing a cancer diagnosis.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

The public transit system in the Memphis area, operated by the Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA), offers limited service to Collierville. Bus route 34, which runs along Poplar Avenue, provides the most direct connection to Memphis. However, the frequency of this route is limited, and travel times can be significantly longer than driving, often exceeding an hour to reach central Memphis. ADA accessibility is available on MATA buses, which is a critical consideration for patients with mobility limitations.

The lack of extensive public transit options poses a significant barrier to healthcare access for those who cannot drive or lack access to a personal vehicle. This limitation contributes negatively to the Lung Cancer Score.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Collierville, offering a convenient alternative to driving. However, the cost of these services can be a significant burden, particularly for frequent appointments. Furthermore, ride-sharing availability can fluctuate, especially during off-peak hours or in areas with limited demand.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by companies like First Transit or CareRide, specialize in transporting patients to and from medical appointments. These services often provide door-to-door assistance and are equipped to handle patients with mobility issues. While offering a valuable service, medical transportation can be expensive and may require advance booking, adding another layer of complexity to scheduling appointments.

**Healthcare Access and the "Moving to Collierville" Factor:**

For individuals considering moving to Collierville, the availability and accessibility of healthcare services, including transportation options, should be a critical factor. The Lung Cancer Score highlights the importance of considering the distance to specialized cancer care centers, the availability of reliable transportation, and the potential financial burden of accessing these services.

The decision to move to a new area often involves weighing various factors, including quality of life, cost of living, and access to essential services. For individuals with a history of cancer or at high risk, the proximity to comprehensive cancer care and the ease of transportation to those facilities are paramount.

**Lung Cancer Score Assessment:**

Based on the analysis of transportation options in 38017, the Lung Cancer Score is moderately impacted. While the presence of ride-sharing services and the proximity to a local hospital offer some advantages, the reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the distance to specialized cancer centers in Memphis pose significant challenges.

The score is negatively affected by the potential for long travel times to access specialized care, the cost of ride-sharing services, and the limited availability of public transit. The score is positively influenced by the presence of a local hospital and the availability of ride-sharing services.

**Recommendations:**

* **Explore all transportation options:** Patients should thoroughly investigate all available transportation options, including ride-sharing, medical transportation services, and, if feasible, public transit.
* **Plan for potential delays:** Factor in potential traffic congestion and travel time when scheduling appointments, especially during peak hours.
* **Assess financial resources:** Budget for the potential costs of transportation, including gas, ride-sharing fees, or medical transportation services.
* **Consider location relative to healthcare:** When choosing a residence, prioritize proximity to healthcare facilities and transportation hubs.
* **Advocate for improved public transit:** Support efforts to expand public transit options in Collierville and the surrounding areas to improve healthcare access for all residents.

The Lung Cancer Score serves as a reminder that healthcare access is not solely about the availability of medical facilities; it also encompasses the ability to reach those facilities efficiently and affordably. For residents of 38017, understanding the transportation landscape is crucial for navigating the complexities of a lung cancer diagnosis and ensuring timely access to the care they need.