37924, Knoxville, Tennessee Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 37924, Knoxville, Tennessee is 68 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

63.72 percent of residents in 37924 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.01 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center with a distance of 8.56 miles from the area.

## Prostate Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 37924

Considering a move to Knoxville, Tennessee, and specifically ZIP Code 37924? This area, encompassing parts of West Knoxville, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to urban amenities. However, when evaluating a potential new home, especially for those concerned about healthcare access, a detailed analysis of transportation options becomes crucial. This write-up provides a "Prostate Cancer Score" assessment, focusing on the ease of accessing prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment within and from 37924, a critical consideration given the prevalence of this disease among men.

Our score considers the practicalities of transportation, the availability of healthcare facilities, and the overall patient experience. We'll examine drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing services, and medical transport, painting a clear picture of how easily you can reach the necessary medical appointments and treatments. This information is vital, not only for current residents but also for those contemplating moving to Knoxville and needing to understand the healthcare landscape.

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

The primary mode of transportation in 37924, as in much of Knoxville, is the automobile. The time it takes to reach key healthcare providers is a significant factor in our score. Several major thoroughfares and roads dictate the flow of traffic, impacting access to medical facilities.

For prostate cancer care, the University of Tennessee Medical Center (UTMC) stands out as a primary destination. From the heart of 37924, a drive to UTMC, located near downtown Knoxville, typically involves navigating **Kingston Pike (US-11/US-70)**, a major east-west artery. During off-peak hours, this journey might take 15-20 minutes. However, during rush hour, especially in the morning and late afternoon, congestion on Kingston Pike can easily extend the drive to 30-45 minutes.

Another crucial route involves **Northshore Drive**, providing access to various medical offices and UTMC from the north side of 37924. **Pellissippi Parkway (TN-162)** offers a faster route to UTMC from the western edge of 37924, but can also experience congestion during peak times. Similarly, **Interstate 40 (I-40)**, while providing a more direct route to downtown, can be heavily congested, particularly around the Papermill Drive exit.

The drive to other healthcare providers, such as the Parkwest Medical Center, located a bit further west, typically involves using Kingston Pike and **Middlebrook Pike**. The drive time to Parkwest from 37924 is usually around 15-25 minutes, depending on traffic. These drive times are a crucial part of the healthcare access equation, influencing the overall patient experience, and impacting the "Prostate Cancer Score."

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) provides public transportation within Knoxville. While KAT offers service in 37924, its impact on healthcare access for prostate cancer patients is limited. The routes serving the area, primarily the **11 (Kingston Pike)** and **31 (Northshore Drive)**, offer connectivity to downtown and UTMC. However, these routes often have infrequent service, especially on weekends and evenings.

Furthermore, the travel time on public transit is significantly longer than driving. A trip from 37924 to UTMC on the bus could easily take 45 minutes to an hour or more, factoring in wait times and transfers. While KAT buses are ADA-accessible, offering ramps and designated seating for individuals with disabilities, the overall reliance on public transit for frequent medical appointments can be challenging. The limited frequency and extended travel times significantly lower the "Prostate Cancer Score" for those relying on public transportation.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a convenient alternative to driving or relying on public transit. These services are readily available in 37924 and can provide door-to-door transportation to medical appointments. The cost, however, can be a factor, especially for frequent appointments like those required for prostate cancer treatment.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for patients with mobility limitations or other needs, also exist in Knoxville. These services, such as CareRide and FirstCall Medical Transportation, offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained drivers. However, these services typically require pre-booking and can be more expensive than ride-sharing. The availability and cost of these services contribute to the overall "Prostate Cancer Score," particularly for those unable to drive or use public transportation.

**Healthcare Facilities: Proximity and Specialization**

The proximity of healthcare facilities to 37924 is a significant positive factor. UTMC, with its comprehensive cancer center, offers a wide range of diagnostic and treatment options for prostate cancer, including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Parkwest Medical Center also provides cancer care services. The presence of these facilities within a reasonable driving distance enhances the "Prostate Cancer Score."

Furthermore, the availability of specialized urologists, oncologists, and other healthcare professionals in the area contributes to the overall quality of care. Researching the specific expertise and experience of these specialists is crucial when evaluating healthcare access.

**The Prostate Cancer Score: A Holistic View**

The "Prostate Cancer Score" for 37924 reflects a nuanced assessment. While the area benefits from the presence of major healthcare facilities and the availability of ride-sharing services, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limitations of public transit pose challenges. Traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, can significantly impact drive times, adding stress and inconvenience to the patient experience.

The score is not a static number but a dynamic evaluation that considers individual circumstances. For those who can drive and are comfortable with navigating traffic, the score is higher. For those who rely on public transit or have mobility limitations, the score is lower.

Ultimately, when considering a move to Knoxville and evaluating healthcare access in 37924, a thorough understanding of transportation options, healthcare facility locations, and the availability of support services is essential. This detailed analysis, including drive times, public transit limitations, and ride-sharing services, empowers potential residents to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs. This comprehensive evaluation, including the practicalities of transportation, contributes to a more accurate "Prostate Cancer Score" and facilitates a smoother transition for those moving to Knoxville.