38459, Frankewing, Tennessee Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 38459, Frankewing, Tennessee is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

53.33 percent of residents in 38459 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.99 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Southern Tennessee Regional Health System Pulaski with a distance of 11.05 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Frankewing, TN (ZIP Code 38459)

The specter of a lung cancer diagnosis casts a long shadow, demanding swift and effective healthcare. For residents of Frankewing, Tennessee (ZIP Code 38459), the journey to quality care is a critical consideration. This "Lung Cancer Score" analysis explores the landscape of healthcare access, focusing on transportation options and their impact on timely diagnosis and treatment. Understanding these factors is crucial, especially for individuals considering moving to Frankewing, or those already residing within its borders.

Frankewing, a rural community nestled in Giles County, presents unique challenges in healthcare access. The availability of specialized medical facilities is limited, necessitating travel to larger cities for comprehensive lung cancer care. This analysis delves into the complexities of transportation, from personal vehicles to public transit, to assess the ease with which residents can reach essential medical services. We will examine drive times, public transportation options, ride-sharing services, and medical transport solutions, providing a comprehensive overview of the healthcare accessibility landscape.

**The Tyranny of Distance: Driving to Care**

For many Frankewing residents, the automobile is the primary mode of transportation to healthcare. The drive times to specialized medical facilities, such as those offering oncology services, become a significant factor in the Lung Cancer Score. The most direct route often involves navigating the rural roads of Giles County, eventually connecting to major highways.

The nearest major medical center offering comprehensive cancer care is likely in Nashville, Tennessee. The journey to Nashville, a distance of approximately 75 miles, typically involves traveling north on Highway 31A, transitioning to Highway 64, and then connecting to I-65 North. This drive, under ideal conditions, can take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours. However, this timeframe can be significantly impacted by traffic, particularly during peak hours, potentially extending the travel time.

Another option involves traveling to Huntsville, Alabama, which is roughly 60 miles south. The route typically uses Highway 31A South to Highway 31 South. The drive to Huntsville, while shorter in distance, can take a similar amount of time, 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, due to potential traffic congestion and slower speed limits on rural roads.

These drive times highlight the inherent challenges faced by Frankewing residents. The time spent in transit can be particularly taxing for individuals undergoing cancer treatment, adding to their physical and emotional burden. Furthermore, the cost of fuel, vehicle maintenance, and parking fees at medical facilities further exacerbate the financial strain associated with healthcare access.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Frankewing and Giles County are extremely limited. The absence of a robust public transit system significantly restricts healthcare access for individuals who do not own a vehicle or are unable to drive. This is a critical factor in the Lung Cancer Score, as it disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including the elderly, those with disabilities, and individuals with limited financial resources.

There is no established public bus route that directly connects Frankewing to Nashville or Huntsville. While some regional transit authorities may offer demand-response services, these options typically require advance booking and may have limited operating hours, further complicating access to timely medical care. The lack of ADA-compliant features on any available public transit further disadvantages individuals with mobility impairments, making it difficult for them to access medical appointments and treatments.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a potential alternative for transportation to healthcare appointments. However, the availability of these services in Frankewing is often inconsistent and may be limited. The rural nature of the area and the distance to major population centers can make it challenging to secure a ride, particularly during off-peak hours or in emergency situations. The cost of ride-sharing can also be prohibitive for some individuals, adding to the financial burden of healthcare.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by private companies, provide a more specialized option for individuals requiring assistance with transportation. These services typically offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained drivers, ensuring safe and comfortable transport to medical appointments. However, medical transportation services can be expensive, and their availability may be limited depending on the specific needs of the patient and the location of the medical facility.

**Brands to Consider:**

* **Ride-Sharing:** Uber, Lyft (availability may vary)
* **Medical Transport:** First Choice Medical Transport, American Medical Response (AMR), MedTrans

**The Frankewing Healthcare Access Landscape**

The Lung Cancer Score for Frankewing, TN, reflects the challenges associated with healthcare access. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with limited public transit options and the potential for inconsistent ride-sharing services, creates significant barriers to timely diagnosis and treatment. The distance to specialized medical facilities, the potential for traffic delays, and the associated costs of transportation all contribute to a lower score.

For individuals considering moving to Frankewing, or those already residing in the area, understanding these transportation challenges is essential. Planning for healthcare access should be a priority, including considering the availability of reliable transportation, the potential costs associated with travel, and the need for backup plans in case of unforeseen circumstances.

The Lung Cancer Score is not simply a numerical value; it is a reflection of the real-world challenges faced by individuals seeking healthcare in Frankewing. It underscores the importance of proactive planning, the need for community support, and the ongoing efforts to improve healthcare access in rural communities. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach, including advocating for improved public transit, promoting ride-sharing initiatives, and supporting the development of telehealth services to bring care closer to the patient. This understanding is key to navigating the complexities of healthcare access in Frankewing and ensuring that residents have the opportunity to receive the timely and effective care they deserve.