42167, Tompkinsville, Kentucky Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 42167, Tompkinsville, Kentucky is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

66.19 percent of residents in 42167 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.59 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Monroe County Medical Center with a distance of 1.31 miles from the area.

## Prostate Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Tompkinsville (ZIP Code 42167)

The quaint charm of Tompkinsville, Kentucky, nestled in the heart of Monroe County, beckons with promises of a slower pace and close-knit community. But for men considering a move to this haven, particularly those concerned about prostate health, a critical question arises: how accessible is healthcare, specifically when it comes to prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment? This write-up delves into the realities of **transportation** and **healthcare access** in ZIP Code 42167, offering a "Prostate Cancer Score" to help prospective residents make informed decisions.

Our assessment considers various factors, including drive times to medical facilities offering prostate cancer services, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services. We will also explore the impact of these elements on the overall **healthcare access** landscape for men in Tompkinsville, providing a clearer picture for those contemplating **moving to Tompkinsville**.

Tompkinsville, a rural community, presents unique challenges and opportunities when it comes to healthcare. The nearest comprehensive medical facilities are located in Bowling Green, Glasgow, and possibly Cookeville, Tennessee. These locations offer a range of services, from primary care physicians to specialized urologists and oncologists, crucial for prostate cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment.

**Drive Time Analysis:**

The primary mode of **transportation** for accessing healthcare in Tompkinsville is by car. The drive times to the nearest medical centers are a significant factor in our Prostate Cancer Score.

* **Bowling Green, KY (Approx. 60 miles):** Reaching Bowling Green, home to the Medical Center and several specialist clinics, involves a drive primarily on the Cumberland Parkway and then onto I-65 North. Expect a drive time of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, assuming normal traffic conditions. This is the closest location with comprehensive services.

* **Glasgow, KY (Approx. 35 miles):** Glasgow, KY, offers the T.J. Samson Community Hospital, a smaller facility with some specialized services. The route primarily utilizes KY-100 and KY-90. The drive time is approximately 45 minutes.

* **Cookeville, TN (Approx. 75 miles):** Reaching Cookeville, TN, involves a drive via KY-90 and TN-111 South. This route offers access to additional healthcare options, including hospitals and specialist clinics. The drive time is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

These drive times, while manageable, highlight the importance of personal vehicle ownership and the potential impact of distance on timely access to care, particularly in urgent situations.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transit options in Tompkinsville and the surrounding areas are extremely limited. There is no dedicated public bus system serving the area. This significantly impacts those who do not drive or have limited access to personal vehicles. This lack of public **transportation** poses a considerable barrier to **healthcare access**, especially for individuals with mobility limitations or those unable to drive.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Bowling Green and Glasgow, but their availability in Tompkinsville is uncertain and likely limited. Booking a ride might be challenging, and wait times could be significant.

Medical transport services are available, but often come at a considerable cost. Companies like LifeLine Ambulance or Air Evac Lifeteam might be utilized in emergency situations, but their primary function is for critical care and not routine medical appointments. These services are crucial for those unable to drive, but they should not be considered a sustainable solution for regular healthcare needs.

**ADA Accessibility:**

The lack of public transit and the reliance on personal vehicles raise concerns about ADA accessibility. Individuals with disabilities may face significant challenges in accessing healthcare in Tompkinsville. While medical facilities are generally required to be ADA compliant, the journey to those facilities may present considerable obstacles.

**Prostate Cancer Score and Considerations:**

Based on the analysis, the Prostate Cancer Score for ZIP Code 42167 is moderately low. While access to care is available, it is significantly impacted by the following:

* **Distance:** The drive times to medical facilities in Bowling Green, Glasgow, and Cookeville are considerable, potentially impacting the ability to receive timely diagnosis and treatment.

* **Limited Public Transit:** The absence of a public transit system severely restricts **healthcare access** for those without personal vehicles.

* **Ride-Share Uncertainty:** The limited availability of ride-sharing services adds another layer of difficulty in accessing appointments.

* **Medical Transport Costs:** While medical transport services are available, they are costly and primarily designed for emergencies.

**Recommendations for Prospective Residents:**

For men considering **moving to Tompkinsville**, particularly those with a family history of prostate cancer or those already experiencing symptoms, several factors should be carefully considered:

* **Vehicle Ownership:** Owning a reliable vehicle is essential for accessing healthcare.

* **Proactive Screening:** Regular prostate cancer screenings are crucial. Establish a relationship with a primary care physician in Tompkinsville or a nearby town to facilitate this.

* **Specialist Consultation:** If you have concerns, consider establishing a relationship with a urologist in Bowling Green or Glasgow.

* **Emergency Planning:** Plan for potential emergencies. Know the location of the nearest hospitals and medical transport services.

* **Community Support:** Explore local community resources for potential assistance with **transportation** to medical appointments.

**Conclusion:**

Tompkinsville offers a peaceful lifestyle, but its rural location presents challenges regarding **healthcare access**, particularly for prostate cancer care. While access to medical facilities is available, the distance, lack of public transit, and limited ride-sharing options necessitate careful planning and proactive healthcare management. Prospective residents, especially those with pre-existing health concerns, should thoroughly assess their ability to manage the **transportation** requirements associated with accessing healthcare before making the move. The Prostate Cancer Score serves as a valuable tool to help inform this decision.