37716, Clinton, Tennessee Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 37716, Clinton, Tennessee is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

64.57 percent of residents in 37716 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.61 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Methodist Medical Center Of Oak Ridge with a distance of 7.44 miles from the area.

## Prostate Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Clinton, TN (ZIP Code 37716)

Considering a move to Clinton, Tennessee (ZIP code 37716)? This assessment delves into the crucial aspect of healthcare access, specifically focusing on prostate cancer care, a significant health concern for men. Understanding the ease of transportation to medical facilities is paramount, especially when dealing with potential diagnoses, treatments, and follow-up appointments. This report examines the available transportation options, including drive times, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport, to provide a comprehensive "Prostate Cancer Score" reflecting the accessibility of healthcare within and around Clinton.

Clinton, nestled in Anderson County, offers a blend of small-town charm and proximity to larger urban centers. However, its location necessitates careful consideration of transportation when evaluating healthcare access. The primary focus will be on reaching medical facilities specializing in prostate cancer care, including urology clinics, radiation oncology centers, and hospitals equipped for surgical interventions.

**Drive Times: The Backbone of Healthcare Access**

For many residents, personal vehicles represent the primary mode of transportation. The efficiency of this option directly impacts the Prostate Cancer Score. From Clinton, the most direct route to Knoxville, a hub for specialized medical care, involves navigating **I-75 South**. Drive times to major hospitals and clinics in Knoxville, such as the University of Tennessee Medical Center (UTMC) and Parkwest Medical Center, typically range from 25 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Navigating **Highway 61** (Oak Ridge Highway) offers an alternative route, particularly to facilities located in Oak Ridge. This route, while slightly shorter in distance to some Oak Ridge locations, can be slower due to traffic signals and lower speed limits. Expect drive times to Oak Ridge facilities to range from 15 to 30 minutes. The ease of access to these facilities, particularly for diagnostic appointments and follow-up care, significantly impacts the overall score.

**Public Transit: A Less-Traveled Path**

Public transportation options in the area are limited but available. The Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) system provides some service to Anderson County, though routes and frequency are not as extensive as in the city of Knoxville. KAT Route 90, the Clinton Connector, offers service within Clinton and connects to the KAT system in Knoxville.

However, this route has limited frequency, typically running hourly or less frequently, and may require transfers, adding significant travel time. ADA accessibility is provided on KAT buses, ensuring accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges. The Prostate Cancer Score is negatively impacted by the reliance on public transit, given the potential for increased travel times and the need for careful planning.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area. However, availability can fluctuate, particularly during off-peak hours or in less populated areas. Relying on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments could prove costly and unreliable. The Prostate Cancer Score acknowledges the potential of ride-sharing, but it also highlights the need for caution due to its inherent unpredictability.

Medical transport services, designed specifically for individuals needing assistance getting to and from medical appointments, offer a more specialized solution. Several companies operate in the region, including First Call Medical Transportation and Senior Transportation of East Tennessee. These services typically provide door-to-door transportation, including assistance with mobility and medical equipment. While these services can improve the Prostate Cancer Score, they often come with added costs, which must be considered.

**Scoring the Factors: Building the Prostate Cancer Score**

The Prostate Cancer Score is not a single number but a composite assessment based on the factors mentioned above. The primary weight is given to drive times to specialized medical facilities. Shorter drive times to a variety of facilities offering comprehensive prostate cancer care will result in a higher score. The availability of multiple options, like the University of Tennessee Medical Center and Parkwest Medical Center in Knoxville, improves the score.

The second most important factor is the reliability and efficiency of public transit. Limited public transportation options negatively affect the score. The presence of ADA-compliant services, while important, does not fully compensate for the lack of frequency and extensive route coverage.

The availability of ride-sharing services, while helpful, is given less weight due to its potential for unreliability. Medical transport services, though beneficial, are factored in considering their cost.

**Moving to Clinton: Considering the Score**

For someone considering moving to Clinton, particularly if they have a family history of prostate cancer or are in an age group where the risk is elevated, the Prostate Cancer Score becomes a crucial element in their decision-making process. The score reflects the ease of access to the necessary medical care.

While Clinton offers a pleasant living environment, the potential for longer travel times to specialized medical facilities, coupled with the limited public transportation options, will likely result in a moderate Prostate Cancer Score. Prospective residents should carefully consider the implications of these factors. They should also research the specific medical facilities in Knoxville and Oak Ridge, noting the range of services offered, the insurance accepted, and the availability of appointments.

**Conclusion: A Balanced Perspective**

Clinton, Tennessee, offers a blend of lifestyle advantages, but healthcare access, particularly for specialized care like prostate cancer treatment, requires careful consideration. The Prostate Cancer Score, based on drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, provides a valuable framework for evaluating healthcare accessibility. While the proximity to Knoxville and Oak Ridge offers access to a range of medical resources, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limitations of public transit must be acknowledged. Prospective residents should carefully weigh these factors and make informed decisions based on their individual healthcare needs and preferences.