37355, Manchester, Tennessee Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 37355, Manchester, Tennessee is 56 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

59.84 percent of residents in 37355 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.79 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Unity Medical Center with a distance of 0.77 miles from the area.

## Prostate Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Manchester, TN (ZIP Code 37355)

Considering a move to Manchester, Tennessee (ZIP Code 37355)? This analysis focuses on the crucial aspect of healthcare access, specifically concerning prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment, a significant health concern for men. We'll examine the transportation landscape, from car travel to public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport options, to provide a 'Prostate Cancer Score' reflecting the ease with which residents can access necessary healthcare services. This score will help you understand the realities of healthcare access in this community.

The foundation of any healthcare journey begins with transportation. In Manchester, the reliance on personal vehicles is paramount. Navigating to healthcare facilities, especially those specializing in prostate cancer care, often involves driving. Understanding the drive times to key locations is crucial.

For residents in ZIP Code 37355, the primary route to larger medical centers will likely involve Interstate 24 (I-24). This major artery provides relatively swift access to Nashville, approximately 70 miles northwest, and Chattanooga, roughly 80 miles southeast. The drive to Nashville, home to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, a renowned institution for cancer care, typically takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Chattanooga, with facilities like Erlanger Health System, offers a similar drive time.

Local healthcare options within Manchester itself are important. The closest medical facilities are likely to be accessed via US-41, also known as Hillsboro Boulevard, and US-41A, or Mcminnville Highway. These roads provide access to local clinics and hospitals. Drive times within Manchester are generally short, typically under 15 minutes. However, the availability of specialized prostate cancer services within the town is limited, making the longer drives to Nashville or Chattanooga necessary for comprehensive care.

Public transportation in Manchester presents a significant challenge. Coffee County, where Manchester is located, does not have a robust public transit system. This lack of public transportation significantly impacts healthcare access for those without personal vehicles, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources. This presents a considerable barrier to consistent and timely healthcare.

The absence of a well-developed public transit system necessitates reliance on alternative transportation solutions. Ride-sharing services, like Uber and Lyft, are available in Manchester, but their availability and cost can fluctuate. The cost of frequent rides to Nashville or Chattanooga for appointments and treatments can quickly become a financial burden.

Medical transportation services offer a specialized solution. Companies like American Medical Response (AMR) and other regional providers offer non-emergency medical transport, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services, while providing crucial support, come with associated costs and require advance booking, adding complexity to the healthcare journey.

The 'Prostate Cancer Score' for Manchester, TN (37355) is therefore influenced by several factors. The dependence on personal vehicles, the relatively long drive times to specialized cancer centers, and the limited public transportation options all contribute to a lower score. While ride-sharing and medical transport offer alternatives, their cost and availability impact accessibility.

Considering the factors influencing prostate cancer care access, the 'Prostate Cancer Score' for Manchester, TN (37355) is moderately low. While the town offers local medical facilities, the need for specialized care necessitates travel to larger cities. The lack of public transit and the reliance on personal vehicles or potentially expensive ride-sharing services present significant challenges for residents, particularly those with mobility limitations or financial constraints.

For individuals considering moving to Manchester, this score highlights the importance of carefully assessing transportation needs and healthcare access. Planning for potential long drives to specialized cancer centers and exploring the availability and affordability of ride-sharing or medical transport services is essential.

The proximity to major highways like I-24 provides a degree of accessibility, but the reliance on personal vehicles underscores the need for reliable transportation. The absence of a robust public transit system creates a healthcare access gap, particularly for those without personal vehicles or the means to afford ride-sharing or medical transport.

This analysis emphasizes the importance of proactive planning when considering healthcare access in Manchester. Researching local healthcare providers, understanding the drive times to specialized centers, and assessing the availability and affordability of alternative transportation options are crucial steps. The 'Prostate Cancer Score' serves as a valuable tool for evaluating the healthcare landscape and making informed decisions about moving to Manchester.