37710, Briceville, Tennessee Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 37710, Briceville, Tennessee is 31 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

51.61 percent of residents in 37710 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.18 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Methodist Medical Center Of Oak Ridge with a distance of 9.92 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Briceville, TN (ZIP Code 37710)

Briceville, Tennessee, nestled in the foothills of the Cumberland Mountains, presents a unique landscape for residents, one where natural beauty intertwines with the practicalities of daily life. For those managing asthma, this intersection becomes particularly significant, especially when considering **healthcare access**. This write-up will delve into the **transportation** landscape within and around ZIP Code 37710, evaluating the challenges and opportunities for individuals requiring regular medical care. We'll assess the ease of reaching essential appointments, focusing on drive times, public transit options, and alternative **transportation** solutions, ultimately providing an "Asthma Score" to gauge the relative difficulty of accessing **healthcare** in this area. This information is particularly relevant for anyone **moving to Briceville**, ensuring they are well-informed about the realities of managing their health in this location.

The primary consideration for anyone living in Briceville is the reliance on personal vehicles. The town itself is relatively small, and the surrounding areas, including the nearest significant medical facilities, are dispersed. Driving is often the most direct route to appointments, but the specifics of the journey are crucial.

The primary artery connecting Briceville to larger towns and cities is State Route 116. Heading south on SR-116, one can reach the town of Clinton, approximately 15 miles away. Clinton is home to several medical clinics and the Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge, a comprehensive hospital. The drive to Clinton typically takes between 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific location within Briceville. The road is generally well-maintained, but the winding nature of SR-116, particularly in certain sections, can potentially exacerbate motion sickness for some individuals.

Further afield, Knoxville, a major regional hub, offers a wider array of specialized medical services. The drive to Knoxville, utilizing SR-116 to Interstate 75 South, is approximately 35 to 45 miles and takes roughly an hour. This longer journey necessitates careful planning, considering potential traffic congestion, especially during peak hours. The I-75 corridor can experience significant delays, particularly around Knoxville's downtown area, which could be detrimental for someone experiencing an asthma flare-up.

Public **transportation** options in Briceville are limited. The Anderson County **Transportation** System (ACTS) provides some bus service, but the routes and schedules are infrequent and primarily cater to essential trips like grocery shopping or accessing social services. ACTS does offer ADA-accessible vehicles, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can utilize the service. However, the limited route coverage and infrequent schedules make it a less-than-ideal option for regular **healthcare** appointments. The lack of direct routes to medical facilities in Clinton or Knoxville is a major drawback.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their reliability can vary. While they offer a potential alternative to driving, particularly for those unable to drive themselves, the availability of drivers in Briceville and the surrounding areas is often limited, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Surge pricing, a common feature of ride-sharing services, can also significantly increase the cost of **transportation**, potentially creating a financial burden for those with chronic conditions.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are another option. Companies like Firstat Nursing Services or other local providers may offer non-emergency medical **transportation**. These services typically provide door-to-door assistance, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. However, the cost of these services can be substantial, and availability might be limited, requiring advance booking.

The terrain in and around Briceville also presents a challenge. The mountainous landscape can lead to winding roads and steep inclines, potentially adding to the travel time and making the journey more stressful for individuals with asthma. The air quality in the area, while generally good, can be affected by seasonal changes and local factors, such as wildfires or agricultural activities. These environmental factors can trigger asthma symptoms and necessitate careful monitoring and medication adjustments.

Evaluating these factors, we can now formulate an "Asthma Score" for **healthcare access** in Briceville (ZIP Code 37710). This score will be based on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 representing the most challenging access and 5 representing the easiest.

* **Drive Time:** The primary reliance on personal vehicles and the distances to medical facilities contribute to a moderate score. The drive to Clinton is manageable, but the longer journey to Knoxville presents challenges. **Score: 3**

* **Public Transit:** The limited availability and infrequent schedules of public **transportation** significantly hinder **healthcare access**. The lack of direct routes to medical facilities is a major disadvantage. **Score: 1**

* **Ride-Sharing:** The fluctuating availability and potential for surge pricing make ride-sharing a less reliable option. **Score: 2**

* **Medical Transportation:** While medical **transportation** services offer a viable solution, the cost and potential for limited availability lower the score. **Score: 2**

* **Environmental Factors:** The mountainous terrain and potential for air quality fluctuations add to the complexity of managing asthma in this area. **Score: 3**

**Overall Asthma Score for Briceville (ZIP Code 37710): 2.2**

This score indicates that accessing **healthcare** in Briceville presents moderate challenges for individuals with asthma. The reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public **transportation** options necessitate careful planning and consideration. Anyone **moving to Briceville** with asthma should thoroughly assess their **transportation** needs and explore all available options, including ride-sharing, medical **transportation**, and the potential for telehealth appointments. Regular communication with their healthcare provider is crucial to ensure their asthma management plan is adapted to the realities of living in this location. Proactive planning, including understanding the local **transportation** landscape, is key to successfully managing asthma and maintaining a good quality of life in Briceville.