37367, Pikeville, Tennessee Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 37367, Pikeville, Tennessee is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

61.36 percent of residents in 37367 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.23 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Erlanger Bledsoe Hospital with a distance of 3.42 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Pikeville, TN (ZIP Code 37367)

The quiet charm of Pikeville, Tennessee (ZIP code 37367), nestled amidst the rolling hills of Bledsoe County, offers a tranquil escape for many. However, when considering a move, particularly for individuals managing hypertension, a critical factor emerges: access to consistent and reliable healthcare. This write-up delves into the transportation landscape within and around Pikeville, assessing its impact on healthcare access and, ultimately, providing a "Hypertension Score" to help prospective residents understand the challenges and opportunities.

For those managing hypertension, regular medical appointments, medication refills, and potential emergency care are non-negotiable. The ability to reach healthcare providers quickly and efficiently is paramount. This assessment considers the primary modes of transportation available in and around Pikeville, focusing on drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing services, and medical transport, all within the context of accessing necessary healthcare.

Pikeville's geography dictates the primary reliance on personal vehicles. The town is relatively small, and navigating within its confines is generally straightforward. However, the surrounding area presents more significant challenges. The primary arteries for travel are **Highway 127** and **Highway 30**. **Highway 127** provides north-south access, while **Highway 30** offers an east-west route. These highways are essential for reaching larger towns and cities where specialized medical care is often located.

Drive times to healthcare facilities are a crucial component of the Hypertension Score. The closest primary care physicians and pharmacies are located within Pikeville itself, offering relatively quick access for routine appointments and medication refills. However, for specialized care, such as cardiology or endocrinology, residents typically need to travel to Chattanooga, approximately 60-70 miles away. This drive, primarily via **Highway 127** and **Interstate 24**, can take between 1.5 and 2 hours, depending on traffic. Similarly, the drive to Knoxville, approximately 110 miles via **Highway 30** and **I-75**, can take upwards of 2.5 hours.

The availability of public transportation is limited in Pikeville and the surrounding areas. This presents a significant hurdle for individuals who do not drive or prefer alternative modes of transport. Currently, there are no established public bus routes directly serving Pikeville. While some regional transit options may exist, they are unlikely to offer frequent or direct routes to healthcare facilities outside of Pikeville.

The absence of robust public transit necessitates reliance on other options. Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their availability is often sporadic, particularly during off-peak hours or in more remote locations. This can make securing a ride for a medical appointment challenging, potentially leading to delays or missed appointments. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, especially for frequent trips.

Medical transportation services are another option for those needing assistance. Several companies specialize in providing non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) for appointments and other healthcare-related needs. These services typically involve scheduling in advance and may offer transportation in wheelchair-accessible vehicles. However, availability and cost can vary, and these services may not be readily available for urgent situations.

The availability of healthcare access in Pikeville is further complicated by the location of hospitals and specialized medical centers. The nearest hospital, Bledsoe County Hospital, is located in Pikeville, offering basic emergency services and primary care. However, for more complex medical needs, residents often need to travel to larger hospitals in Chattanooga or Knoxville. This necessitates careful planning and consideration of transportation options, particularly for individuals with mobility limitations or chronic health conditions.

The "Hypertension Score" for Pikeville, TN (37367) reflects the challenges and opportunities presented by its transportation landscape. It is not a single numerical value but rather a holistic assessment based on the factors discussed.

**Factors impacting the score include:**

* **Drive Times:** The relatively long drive times to specialized medical facilities in Chattanooga and Knoxville negatively impact the score.
* **Public Transportation:** The lack of reliable public transit significantly lowers the score.
* **Ride-Sharing Availability:** The sporadic nature of ride-sharing services adds to the score's complexity.
* **Medical Transportation:** The availability of medical transport services provides a slight positive influence on the score, but it’s tempered by cost and scheduling requirements.
* **Proximity to Primary Care:** The presence of primary care physicians and pharmacies within Pikeville offers a positive influence on the score.

**Overall, the Hypertension Score for Pikeville, TN (37367) is moderate to low.** While the town offers some immediate healthcare resources, the limitations in transportation options to specialized care centers pose significant challenges for individuals managing hypertension.

**Recommendations for Prospective Residents:**

* **Assess Transportation Needs:** Carefully evaluate personal transportation needs, including the ability to drive or access reliable transportation.
* **Plan for Appointments:** Schedule medical appointments well in advance and factor in travel time.
* **Explore Medical Transportation Options:** Research and contact medical transportation providers to understand their services, costs, and availability.
* **Consider Proximity to Healthcare:** Prioritize living locations that offer easy access to primary care physicians and pharmacies.
* **Advocate for Improved Transportation:** Support initiatives that aim to improve public transportation options or increase the availability of ride-sharing services in the area.

**Conclusion:**

Moving to Pikeville, TN, can be a rewarding experience, offering a slower pace of life and a strong sense of community. However, for individuals managing hypertension, a thorough understanding of healthcare access and transportation options is essential. By carefully considering the factors outlined in this "Hypertension Score" write-up, prospective residents can make informed decisions and proactively plan for their healthcare needs, ensuring a healthy and fulfilling life in their new home. The ability to navigate the transportation landscape effectively is crucial for maintaining consistent healthcare access and managing hypertension effectively, making the transition to Pikeville a success.