37715, Clairfield, Tennessee Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 37715, Clairfield, Tennessee is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

42.37 percent of residents in 37715 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.49 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Lafollette Medical Center with a distance of 15.29 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Clairfield, TN (ZIP Code 37715)

The pursuit of optimal health, particularly managing conditions like hypertension, necessitates reliable and accessible healthcare. This write-up analyzes the transportation landscape within and surrounding Clairfield, Tennessee (ZIP Code 37715), focusing on its impact on healthcare access, specifically for individuals managing hypertension. We’ll examine drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, providing a comprehensive "Hypertension Score" assessment. This information is crucial for anyone contemplating moving to Clairfield, ensuring they can effectively manage their health.

Clairfield, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, presents unique challenges to healthcare access. Its rural location dictates that residents often rely on personal vehicles for transportation. The winding roads and mountainous terrain can significantly impact travel times, particularly during inclement weather. This geographical reality is a critical factor in our "Hypertension Score" analysis.

**Drive Times and Roadways: The Arteries of Healthcare Access**

The primary roadways serving Clairfield are US-25W and TN-63. US-25W, a vital artery, connects Clairfield to larger towns and cities, including LaFollette and Knoxville. TN-63 provides access to the surrounding communities and connects to US-25W. Drive times to essential healthcare facilities, such as hospitals and specialist clinics, are a core component of the "Hypertension Score."

A typical drive to the nearest hospital, North Knoxville Medical Center, located in Powell, TN, via US-25W, can take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes under normal traffic conditions. This drive can be considerably longer during peak hours or due to weather events. Accessing specialized cardiology services or endocrinology appointments, crucial for hypertension management, necessitates this travel.

Similarly, accessing the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, a regional hub for advanced care, requires a drive of approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes via US-25W and I-75. The distance and travel time can be a significant barrier, especially for individuals experiencing a hypertensive crisis or requiring regular check-ups.

The quality of the roadways themselves also impacts the "Hypertension Score." While US-25W is generally well-maintained, sections of TN-63 may be narrower and more prone to damage, particularly after heavy rainfall or snowfall. These conditions can exacerbate travel times and increase the risk of accidents, further impacting healthcare access.

**Public Transit: A Limited Safety Net**

Public transportation options in and around Clairfield are extremely limited. The area is not served by a comprehensive public bus system, which severely restricts healthcare access for those without personal vehicles. This lack of readily available public transportation is a significant negative factor in the "Hypertension Score."

While some regional transit authorities may offer limited demand-response services, such as dial-a-ride programs, their availability and frequency are often restricted. These services usually require advance booking and may not be suitable for emergency situations or for individuals needing frequent appointments. The lack of consistent and reliable public transit significantly disadvantages individuals managing hypertension, potentially hindering their ability to adhere to treatment plans and attend necessary appointments.

ADA accessibility is a crucial consideration for any public transit option. Even if limited services exist, the availability of wheelchair-accessible vehicles and routes is essential for individuals with mobility limitations. The absence of comprehensive ADA-compliant transportation further diminishes the "Hypertension Score" for many residents.

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

The availability of ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, in Clairfield is uncertain. Their presence in rural areas is often limited by driver availability and demand. Relying on ride-sharing for healthcare access is therefore unreliable. This uncertainty negatively affects the "Hypertension Score."

Medical transport services, specifically designed for non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), offer a potential solution. Companies like LogistiCare and ModivCare often contract with insurance providers to transport individuals to medical appointments. However, the availability of these services in Clairfield and the associated wait times and scheduling complexities must be carefully considered.

The cost of medical transport can also be a significant barrier. While some insurance plans cover NEMT, others may require cost-sharing, which can be a burden for individuals managing hypertension and other chronic conditions. The financial implications of medical transport are a key factor in evaluating the "Hypertension Score."

**Assessing the "Hypertension Score" and Implications for Moving to Clairfield**

The "Hypertension Score" for Clairfield (ZIP Code 37715) is negatively impacted by the limited transportation options. The reliance on personal vehicles, the long drive times to healthcare facilities, and the scarcity of public transit and ride-sharing services create significant challenges for individuals managing hypertension.

For anyone considering moving to Clairfield, a thorough assessment of their transportation needs and healthcare access requirements is essential. Individuals with hypertension must factor in the potential for extended travel times to appointments, the need for reliable transportation, and the potential costs associated with medical transport.

The lack of readily available healthcare access can directly impact the management of hypertension. Missed appointments, difficulties in obtaining medications, and challenges in accessing specialist care can lead to poorer health outcomes. This is why a comprehensive understanding of the transportation landscape is crucial.

Moving to Clairfield requires careful consideration of these factors. While the area may offer other benefits, the challenges associated with healthcare access must be weighed against the individual's health needs. Planning for healthcare access should be a top priority.

**Recommendations for Improving Healthcare Access**

Addressing the challenges to healthcare access in Clairfield requires a multi-faceted approach. Increased investment in public transportation, including demand-response services and partnerships with NEMT providers, is crucial.

Encouraging the expansion of telehealth services, including remote monitoring of blood pressure and virtual consultations with healthcare providers, can also improve healthcare access. Telehealth can reduce the need for frequent travel to appointments, improving the "Hypertension Score."

Collaboration between healthcare providers, transportation agencies, and community organizations is essential to develop innovative solutions. This includes initiatives to provide transportation assistance to individuals with chronic conditions, such as hypertension.

Improving road infrastructure, including road maintenance and upgrades, can also reduce travel times and improve safety. This is a factor in the overall "Hypertension Score."

Ultimately, improving healthcare access in Clairfield requires a commitment to addressing the transportation challenges and supporting the health and well-being of all residents, especially those managing chronic conditions like hypertension. This proactive approach ensures that Clairfield remains a viable and healthy community.