37379, Soddy Daisy, Tennessee Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 37379, Soddy Daisy, Tennessee is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

47.17 percent of residents in 37379 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.32 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Erlanger Medical Center with a distance of 15.52 miles from the area.

**Asthma Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Soddy Daisy, TN (ZIP Code 37379)**

Navigating the complexities of healthcare access, particularly for individuals managing asthma, necessitates a comprehensive understanding of transportation options. This analysis, tailored for residents of Soddy Daisy, Tennessee (ZIP Code 37379), assesses the accessibility of healthcare facilities, considering various transportation modes and their potential impact on asthma management. The goal is to provide a clear “Asthma Score” reflecting the ease or difficulty of reaching medical care, vital for those considering moving to Soddy Daisy or already residing there.

Soddy Daisy, nestled in Hamilton County, presents a unique transportation landscape. The primary challenge is the reliance on personal vehicles. Public transportation, though present, is limited. This necessitates a detailed exploration of drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing services, and medical transport, all interwoven to determine the overall “Asthma Score.”

**Drive Times: The Arteries of Access**

The cornerstone of healthcare access in Soddy Daisy is the automobile. The primary routes to medical facilities in Chattanooga, the nearest major city, are Highway 27 and Dayton Pike. Driving times are subject to traffic, particularly during peak hours. A trip to CHI Memorial Hospital in Chattanooga, approximately 15 miles south, can take 25-45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The journey utilizes Highway 27, a major thoroughfare, and requires navigating city streets.

Parkridge Medical Center, another prominent healthcare provider, is also accessible via Highway 27, with a similar travel time. The route involves a combination of highway and surface streets, making it crucial to factor in potential delays. Accessing Erlanger Health System, including its various campuses, involves similar routes and travel times.

For residents of Soddy Daisy, the drive to a healthcare provider is often a significant undertaking, especially for those experiencing an asthma exacerbation. The stress of driving, coupled with the potential for traffic delays, can exacerbate asthma symptoms. The “Asthma Score” will reflect this inherent challenge.

**Public Transit: A Limited Alternative**

The Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation AuthorityRegional Transportation Authority (CARTA) provides public transportation within Hamilton County. However, its service to Soddy Daisy is limited. The primary route serving the area is Route 28, which travels along Dayton Pike. While this route offers access to Chattanooga, the frequency of service is relatively low, especially during evenings and weekends.

Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible buses is essential for individuals with disabilities, including those with severe asthma. CARTA does offer ADA-compliant buses, but the limited route coverage and infrequent service present significant barriers to healthcare access for many residents. The “Asthma Score” will critically assess the limitations of public transit.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative to driving or relying on public transit. These services can provide convenient transportation to medical appointments. However, the availability of ride-sharing in Soddy Daisy may be limited, especially during off-peak hours. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, particularly for frequent medical visits.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients with medical needs, offer a specialized solution. Companies like American Medical Response (AMR) and other local providers offer non-emergency medical transport. These services are often equipped to accommodate patients with mobility issues and can provide a more comfortable and supportive transportation experience. However, these services can be expensive and may require prior arrangements. The “Asthma Score” will weigh the advantages and disadvantages of ride-sharing and medical transport.

**The "Asthma Score" and its Implications**

The “Asthma Score” for healthcare access in Soddy Daisy, TN (ZIP Code 37379) will be determined by considering the following factors:

* **Drive Time:** The average travel time to major healthcare facilities, factoring in traffic conditions.
* **Public Transit Availability:** The frequency, route coverage, and ADA accessibility of CARTA services.
* **Ride-Sharing Availability and Cost:** The reliability and expense of Uber and Lyft services.
* **Medical Transport Options:** The availability, cost, and accessibility of non-emergency medical transport services.

The score will be presented on a scale, with a higher score indicating better healthcare access. The score will be accompanied by a detailed explanation of the factors contributing to the rating. The “Asthma Score” is designed to be a valuable tool for individuals with asthma, providing a clear understanding of the transportation challenges associated with accessing healthcare in Soddy Daisy.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Landscape**

For individuals with asthma considering moving to Soddy Daisy, or already residing there, understanding the transportation landscape is paramount. While the area offers a pleasant environment, the limited public transit options and reliance on personal vehicles present challenges to healthcare access. Careful planning and consideration of alternative transportation options, such as ride-sharing and medical transport, are essential. The “Asthma Score” aims to provide a clear picture of these challenges, empowering individuals to make informed decisions regarding their healthcare needs. This assessment highlights the need for proactive planning when considering healthcare access in Soddy Daisy, a crucial element for those managing asthma.