37754, Heiskell, Tennessee Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 37754, Heiskell, Tennessee is 56 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

58.57 percent of residents in 37754 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.94 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Physicians Regional Medical Center with a distance of 4.83 miles from the area.

## Prostate Cancer Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 37754 (Heiskell, TN)

The decision to relocate, especially when considering healthcare needs, demands a thorough understanding of accessibility. This write-up provides a "Prostate Cancer Score" for ZIP Code 37754, focusing on transportation options to and from healthcare facilities relevant to prostate cancer diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. This assessment considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport options, offering a comprehensive picture for those considering moving to Heiskell, Tennessee.

ZIP Code 37754, encompassing the charming community of Heiskell, sits nestled within the rolling hills of East Tennessee. Its location, while offering a tranquil lifestyle, presents unique challenges when it comes to healthcare access. The primary concern for individuals diagnosed with prostate cancer is the timely and convenient access to specialized medical care. This is where our "Prostate Cancer Score" comes into play, evaluating the ease with which residents can reach critical healthcare services.

The most common mode of transportation in Heiskell is the personal vehicle. Therefore, drive times to key healthcare facilities are paramount. The primary thoroughfare connecting Heiskell to Knoxville, the major medical hub, is **Highway 61**. Depending on traffic, a drive to the University of Tennessee Medical Center (UTMC), a leading cancer center, can take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes. This journey involves navigating **Highway 61** south, merging onto **Interstate 75** south, and then exiting onto **Northshore Drive**.

Alternatively, for those preferring a more direct route, **Highway 116** offers a less congested, albeit slower, option. This route necessitates navigating winding country roads, potentially adding 15-20 minutes to the travel time. This route merges onto **Highway 62** to Knoxville. The specific travel time will vary depending on the time of day and traffic conditions. The drive to Parkwest Hospital, another prominent healthcare provider, is generally comparable in time to UTMC, utilizing similar routes.

Public transportation options in the area are limited, which can significantly impact the "Prostate Cancer Score." The Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) system provides bus service, but its routes and frequency are not extensive in the Heiskell area. The nearest KAT route, **Route 11 (Clinton Pike)**, runs along Clinton Pike, a considerable distance from the heart of Heiskell. Accessing this route would require a local taxi or ride-sharing service.

The KAT system does offer ADA-accessible buses, equipped with ramps and other features to accommodate individuals with mobility limitations. However, the limited service frequency and the distance to the nearest route pose a significant hurdle for individuals undergoing prostate cancer treatment, who may experience fatigue, weakness, or other side effects that make driving or long waits at bus stops challenging. This lack of readily available public transportation negatively impacts the "Prostate Cancer Score."

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Knoxville area. While these services provide a degree of flexibility, their availability and cost can vary. Residents of Heiskell may experience longer wait times, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing, especially for frequent appointments like radiation therapy or chemotherapy, can quickly become a financial burden, further impacting the "Prostate Cancer Score."

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a specialized solution. Companies like FirstMed Transportation and American Medical Response (AMR) provide non-emergency medical transport. These services typically offer door-to-door assistance, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel to assist patients. While these services can be invaluable, they often come at a higher cost than ride-sharing or public transit, which needs to be considered when assessing the overall "Prostate Cancer Score."

The "Prostate Cancer Score" for ZIP Code 37754 is significantly influenced by the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited availability of alternative transportation options. The drive times to key healthcare facilities in Knoxville, while manageable, can be stressful for patients. The lack of robust public transit and the potential cost of ride-sharing or medical transport services present additional challenges.

For individuals considering moving to Heiskell, Tennessee, and who are concerned about healthcare access, especially regarding prostate cancer, a thorough evaluation of their individual needs is essential. Factors to consider include the frequency of medical appointments, the type of treatment required, and their physical capabilities.

The "Prostate Cancer Score" for this area would be improved with the expansion of public transit routes, the provision of more affordable ride-sharing options, and the availability of subsidized medical transport services. These improvements would enhance healthcare access and make Heiskell a more attractive location for individuals seeking a tranquil lifestyle while maintaining access to quality medical care.

Ultimately, the "Prostate Cancer Score" is not a static number, but a dynamic assessment that reflects the interplay of various factors. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access, particularly for those facing the challenges of prostate cancer. The decision to move to Heiskell or any location must be made with a clear understanding of these considerations, ensuring that healthcare needs can be met effectively and affordably. The journey from Heiskell to healthcare requires careful planning.