37934, Knoxville, Tennessee Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 37934, Knoxville, Tennessee is 68 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

74.45 percent of residents in 37934 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 7.95 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Parkwest Medical Center with a distance of 4.66 miles from the area.

## Prostate Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 37934

Considering a move to Knoxville, Tennessee, and specifically the 37934 ZIP code? This analysis delves into the critical aspect of healthcare access, focusing on prostate cancer care, and how easily you can get there. We'll explore the various transportation options available, providing a "Prostate Cancer Score" reflecting the ease of reaching essential medical facilities for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. This score considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options, all crucial elements in ensuring timely and convenient healthcare.

The 37934 ZIP code, encompassing areas like Karns and Hardin Valley, presents a unique landscape for healthcare access. Its suburban character, while offering a quieter lifestyle, also necessitates careful consideration of transportation challenges. Prostate cancer, a prevalent health concern for men, demands prompt and consistent medical attention. Therefore, understanding the available transportation networks is paramount.

**The Prostate Cancer Score Methodology:**

Our score will be based on a composite assessment, weighting factors like drive times to major hospitals and cancer centers, the availability and reliability of public transit, the presence of ride-sharing options, and the accessibility of medical transport services. A higher score indicates better access, reflecting a more convenient and efficient healthcare journey.

**Driving Times and Roadways:**

For many residents, the car remains the primary mode of transportation. Access to major healthcare facilities in Knoxville from 37934 relies heavily on several key roadways. Interstate 40 (I-40) is the primary artery, offering relatively swift access to downtown Knoxville and the University of Tennessee Medical Center (UTMC), a major healthcare provider. Expect drive times to UTMC to fluctuate between 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions, especially during peak hours.

Travel to Parkwest Medical Center, another prominent hospital, is generally quicker, taking approximately 10-15 minutes via Middlebrook Pike and then onto Parkwest Boulevard. Be mindful of traffic congestion along Middlebrook Pike, particularly during morning and evening commutes.

For those seeking specialized cancer care, the Thompson Cancer Survival Center, often associated with UTMC, requires a similar drive time as UTMC itself, generally 20-30 minutes, primarily utilizing I-40.

Other roads like Pellissippi Parkway (TN-162) and Oak Ridge Highway (TN-62) offer alternative routes, though they might involve slightly longer travel times, especially when navigating through intersections and traffic signals. The overall drive-time score for 37934 is moderately favorable, with reasonable access to essential healthcare facilities, but heavily reliant on personal vehicle ownership and the ability to navigate traffic.

**Public Transit: Knoxville Area Transit (KAT):**

Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) provides public transportation within the city. However, its coverage in 37934 is limited. Several routes, including the 11 (Northshore Drive) and the 22 (Middlebrook Pike), offer service within the ZIP code, but their frequency and reach might not fully cater to the needs of those requiring frequent medical appointments.

The 11 route, while providing access to Northshore Drive, might necessitate transfers to reach hospitals like UTMC or Parkwest. The 22 route, traveling along Middlebrook Pike, offers a more direct path to Parkwest Medical Center, but it may still involve walking from bus stops to the medical facilities.

KAT buses are equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, including ramps and designated seating, to accommodate passengers with mobility challenges. However, the limited route coverage and potential for longer travel times, especially for patients undergoing cancer treatment, significantly impact the public transit score.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Knoxville and offer a convenient alternative to driving or relying on public transit. They provide on-demand transportation to and from medical appointments. However, the cost can be a factor, especially for frequent visits. Availability, particularly during peak hours or in areas with lower population density, might also be a concern.

Medical transport services, such as those offered by companies specializing in non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), provide a valuable service for individuals who cannot drive themselves or utilize public transit. These services often offer door-to-door transportation, including assistance with mobility devices and medical equipment. While these services are available, their availability and cost can vary, and prior arrangements are typically required.

**The Prostate Cancer Score for 37934:**

Considering all factors, the Prostate Cancer Score for 37934 is **Moderate**. While the area benefits from relatively short drive times to key healthcare facilities, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transit options present challenges. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services adds a layer of convenience, but cost and accessibility remain considerations.

**Recommendations for Residents of 37934:**

For individuals considering moving to Knoxville and residing in 37934, especially those with a history of prostate cancer or at risk, careful consideration of transportation options is crucial. Evaluate the feasibility of driving, the potential reliance on ride-sharing services, and the availability of medical transport options.

Planning and preparation are key. Research the specific healthcare facilities you intend to utilize, assess the proximity of your residence to those facilities, and explore the available transportation routes. Consider the potential costs associated with each mode of transportation and factor them into your overall healthcare budget.

Furthermore, when moving to Knoxville, explore the potential for living near major roads like I-40 or Middlebrook Pike to reduce drive times. If you are reliant on public transit, consider the proximity of your residence to bus routes.

**Conclusion:**

The 37934 ZIP code offers a reasonable level of healthcare access, particularly for those with personal vehicles. However, the limitations of public transit and the potential costs associated with ride-sharing and medical transport services necessitate careful planning. By proactively assessing transportation needs and exploring all available options, residents of 37934 can ensure convenient and timely access to essential prostate cancer care and contribute to a smoother transition to healthcare in Knoxville. This information empowers individuals making the crucial decision of moving to Knoxville, providing a realistic view of transportation and healthcare access.