38564, Granville, Tennessee Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 38564, Granville, Tennessee is 35 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

55.81 percent of residents in 38564 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.93 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Riverview Regional Medical Center with a distance of 10.77 miles from the area.

## Prostate Cancer Score: A Commute to Healthcare Analysis for Granville, TN (ZIP Code 38564)

The decision to relocate, especially when health considerations are paramount, demands a thorough understanding of local resources. For those considering moving to Granville, Tennessee (ZIP Code 38564), and particularly those with concerns about prostate cancer, a crucial factor is healthcare access. This analysis provides a detailed assessment of transportation options to medical facilities specializing in prostate cancer care, culminating in a "Prostate Cancer Score" reflecting the ease and efficiency of reaching these vital services.

Granville, nestled in the heart of Middle Tennessee, presents a unique challenge for healthcare access due to its rural setting. The nearest comprehensive medical centers equipped to handle prostate cancer diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up are located in larger towns and cities, necessitating travel. This write-up will explore the available transportation options, evaluating their accessibility, convenience, and overall impact on the patient experience.

**Driving the Distance: Navigating the Roads**

For most residents of Granville, the primary mode of transportation to healthcare facilities will be personal vehicles. The most direct route to larger medical centers typically involves navigating a network of state highways and county roads.

The primary artery connecting Granville to the outside world is **Highway 70**. This two-lane highway provides access to Cookeville, approximately a 25-minute drive east, where the closest hospital with advanced cancer care, **Cookeville Regional Medical Center**, is located. The drive is generally straightforward, but traffic can become congested during peak hours, potentially extending the commute.

Further afield, **Interstate 40 (I-40)** offers access to larger metropolitan areas. To reach Nashville, a city with numerous specialized cancer centers, one would travel west on I-40, a journey of approximately 90 minutes. This highway, while offering a faster route, can experience heavy traffic, especially during rush hour and on weekends, potentially adding significant travel time.

**Highway 56**, a state highway, provides an alternative route to Cookeville, though it is generally considered a slower option. This route is less congested, but it may involve navigating winding roads and potentially encountering slower-moving vehicles.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in and around Granville are extremely limited. Putnam County, where Cookeville is located, offers a public transit system, but it is primarily designed for local travel within the city. Service to Granville is infrequent, and schedules may not align with the needs of patients seeking medical appointments.

Furthermore, the public transit system's accessibility for individuals with disabilities, including those undergoing cancer treatment, needs careful consideration. While the system is mandated to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ensuring accessible routes and vehicles, it is crucial to confirm the availability of these features and the ease of their utilization. The limited frequency of service and potential for long wait times can pose a significant challenge for patients, especially those experiencing fatigue or other side effects of treatment.

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

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area, though their availability can be inconsistent, particularly in rural areas like Granville. While these services offer a convenient alternative to driving, their reliability and cost can be unpredictable. Patients relying on ride-sharing for medical appointments must factor in potential delays and surge pricing, which could significantly impact their healthcare budget.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients with mobility limitations or other needs, offer a more specialized solution. Several companies operate in the region, providing non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) services. These services typically involve scheduled pick-up and drop-off, often utilizing wheelchair-accessible vehicles.

**Evaluating the Options: The Prostate Cancer Score**

To arrive at a "Prostate Cancer Score" for Granville, we must consider several factors:

* **Drive Time:** The average drive time to the nearest hospital with cancer care (Cookeville Regional Medical Center) is approximately 25 minutes. The drive to Nashville, with more specialized facilities, is 90 minutes.
* **Public Transit:** Public transit is very limited, with infrequent service and potential accessibility challenges.
* **Ride-Sharing:** Availability is inconsistent, and costs can fluctuate.
* **Medical Transportation:** Available, but may require advance booking and could be a significant expense.
* **Accessibility:** Accessibility for patients with disabilities is a critical factor, particularly for public transit and medical facilities.

Based on these factors, we can assign a preliminary score. The score will range from 1 to 10, with 1 representing extremely poor access and 10 representing excellent access.

Considering the reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit, and the variable availability of ride-sharing, Granville receives a **Prostate Cancer Score of 4**. This score indicates that while access to healthcare is possible, it requires significant reliance on personal transportation, potentially long travel times, and limited alternative options.

**Moving to Granville: Informed Decisions**

For individuals considering moving to Granville and managing prostate cancer, this score highlights the importance of careful planning. Prospective residents should:

* **Assess their transportation needs:** Consider the reliability of their vehicle, the availability of assistance with driving, and the potential for needing medical transportation.
* **Research healthcare providers:** Identify specialists and facilities in Cookeville, Nashville, or other nearby cities.
* **Factor in travel time and costs:** Account for the time spent traveling to appointments and the associated expenses, including fuel, vehicle maintenance, and potential ride-sharing or medical transportation fees.
* **Explore support services:** Investigate local support groups and resources for cancer patients and their families.

Moving to Granville can offer a peaceful and fulfilling lifestyle. However, the limited healthcare access necessitates proactive planning and a realistic understanding of the transportation challenges. This Prostate Cancer Score provides a starting point for making informed decisions about healthcare access and ensuring a smooth transition to a new community. The journey to better health requires careful consideration of all factors, including the ease with which one can access vital medical services.