38589, Wilder, Tennessee Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 38589, Wilder, Tennessee is 25 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

8.57 percent of residents in 38589 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 20.35 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Livingston Regional Hospital with a distance of 13.17 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Wilder, TN (ZIP Code 38589)

The crisp air of Wilder, Tennessee, a community nestled in the Cumberland Plateau, offers a sense of tranquility. Yet, for residents facing a lung cancer diagnosis, the serene landscape can quickly transform into a complex web of transportation challenges. This write-up assesses the accessibility of lung cancer healthcare within ZIP Code 38589, considering drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport options, ultimately providing a "Lung Cancer Score" to gauge healthcare access.

The primary concern for anyone facing a lung cancer diagnosis is timely access to specialized medical care. In Wilder, the nearest comprehensive cancer centers are located in Cookeville, approximately 30 miles east, and Crossville, roughly 40 miles south. These distances, while seemingly manageable, become significant when factoring in the potential for frequent appointments, treatments, and the physical toll of the disease. The quality of *transportation* directly impacts the quality of life and the effectiveness of treatment.

**Driving the Distance:**

The most common mode of *transportation* for Wilder residents is personal vehicles. The primary route to Cookeville involves navigating **Highway 127** south to **I-40** east. The drive, under ideal conditions, takes about 45 minutes to an hour. However, traffic, particularly during peak hours, can significantly extend this time. The journey to Crossville utilizes **Highway 127** south, a route that can take an hour or more, depending on traffic and road conditions.

The roads themselves, while generally well-maintained, can present challenges. **Highway 127** is a two-lane highway in many sections, increasing the risk of delays due to slow-moving vehicles or accidents. Winter weather, common in the Cumberland Plateau, can further complicate travel, making roads icy and dangerous. These factors must be considered when evaluating the feasibility of consistent and timely access to healthcare.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public *transportation* options in Wilder are extremely limited. There is no local bus system operating within the ZIP Code. The closest public transit options are located in Cookeville and Crossville, offering limited routes and schedules. These systems typically do not directly serve Wilder, requiring a significant time commitment for travel.

The Cookeville Transit System offers a few routes, but these are primarily focused on serving the city of Cookeville itself. Similarly, the Crossville City Transit System operates within Crossville. Neither system provides routes that would be practical for residents of Wilder to access lung cancer treatment facilities. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-compliant vehicles and features on these limited routes would need to be confirmed to ensure accessibility for patients with mobility limitations.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Cookeville and Crossville areas, but their presence in Wilder is less consistent. Availability depends on driver density, which is often lower in rural areas. Relying on ride-sharing for regular appointments could prove unreliable and costly.

Medical *transportation* services, specifically designed for patients requiring assistance, offer a more reliable option. Companies such as First Transit and American Medical Response (AMR) may provide non-emergency medical *transportation* to and from medical appointments. However, these services often require advance booking and can be expensive, particularly for frequent trips. The availability of these services in Wilder and their willingness to travel to the more distant cancer centers must be confirmed.

**Healthcare Access: A Multifaceted Challenge:**

The overall "Lung Cancer Score" for ZIP Code 38589 reflects a complex picture. While the presence of cancer centers in Cookeville and Crossville provides access to specialized care, the *transportation* challenges significantly impact healthcare access. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the potential unreliability and cost of ride-sharing services create barriers to timely and consistent care.

Patients in Wilder face the added burden of coordinating *transportation*, potentially relying on family, friends, or medical *transportation* services. The financial implications of these *transportation* costs can be substantial, adding to the already significant financial strain of cancer treatment. Furthermore, the physical toll of travel, especially for patients undergoing treatment, can exacerbate fatigue and discomfort.

**Moving to Wilder: A Consideration for Healthcare:**

For individuals considering *moving to Wilder*, the availability of accessible healthcare should be a paramount consideration. While the community offers a desirable lifestyle, the *transportation* challenges must be carefully weighed against the need for specialized medical care. Prospective residents with a history of lung cancer or other serious health conditions should thoroughly investigate the *transportation* options and the accessibility of healthcare facilities before making a decision.

**Recommendations and Conclusion:**

Improving healthcare access in Wilder requires a multifaceted approach. Increasing the availability of medical *transportation* services, potentially through partnerships with local healthcare providers, would be beneficial. Exploring the feasibility of a shuttle service connecting Wilder to the cancer centers in Cookeville and Crossville could also improve access. Furthermore, promoting telehealth options, where appropriate, could reduce the need for frequent travel.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for ZIP Code 38589 reflects the challenges of accessing specialized medical care in a rural environment. While the community offers a desirable lifestyle, the *transportation* limitations create significant hurdles for residents facing a lung cancer diagnosis. Addressing these challenges requires a collaborative effort, involving healthcare providers, *transportation* services, and community stakeholders, to ensure that all residents have timely and equitable access to the care they need.