37729, Duff, Tennessee Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 37729, Duff, Tennessee is 31 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

51.14 percent of residents in 37729 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.42 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Lafollette Medical Center with a distance of 10.14 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Duff, Tennessee (ZIP Code 37729)

Duff, Tennessee, nestled in the heart of Campbell County, presents a unique landscape for its residents. The rural setting, while offering tranquility, also poses challenges when it comes to accessing vital healthcare services, particularly for those managing hypertension. This analysis, a "Hypertension Score" write-up, explores the transportation and healthcare access realities for individuals residing in ZIP code 37729, aiming to illuminate the journey to care and its potential impact on health outcomes.

The cornerstone of this assessment lies in understanding the transportation infrastructure. Residents of Duff primarily rely on personal vehicles for mobility. The primary artery connecting Duff to the outside world is **Highway 63**, a vital route that stretches east and west. This highway is often the first hurdle for accessing healthcare facilities located in neighboring towns. However, travel on Highway 63 can be subject to delays, especially during peak hours or adverse weather conditions, impacting the timeliness of care.

Further complicating matters, the terrain of Duff and its surrounding areas often dictates the secondary roads available. These roads, such as **Mountain Road** and **Stinking Creek Road**, while offering alternative routes, can be winding, narrow, and poorly maintained in certain areas. This presents challenges for individuals with mobility issues or those experiencing a hypertensive crisis, where rapid and safe transport is paramount.

Drive times to healthcare facilities are a critical factor. The nearest hospitals, such as the **Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge** and **North Knoxville Medical Center**, are located in Oak Ridge and Knoxville, respectively. A drive to Oak Ridge, typically involving Highway 63 and **Interstate 75 (I-75)**, can take approximately 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. Knoxville, a more significant healthcare hub, requires a journey of approximately an hour and fifteen minutes to an hour and a half, utilizing Highway 63 and I-75.

Public transportation options are limited in Duff, significantly impacting healthcare access for those without personal vehicles. The availability of buses and other public transit is virtually non-existent within the immediate vicinity. This creates a significant barrier, particularly for elderly residents, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their presence is not guaranteed. The availability of drivers, especially during off-peak hours or in rural locations, can be sporadic, making them an unreliable option for urgent medical needs. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant barrier for individuals with limited incomes.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance, offer a more specialized solution. Companies like **Med-Trans Corporation** and **Air Methods** provide air and ground ambulance services, catering to emergencies and non-emergency medical transportation. These services, while crucial for critical care, can be costly and may require prior authorization from insurance providers.

The healthcare landscape in Duff presents several challenges. While the area has primary care physicians, access to specialists, such as cardiologists, endocrinologists, and nephrologists, is limited. Residents often need to travel to Oak Ridge or Knoxville for specialized care, further increasing the burden of transportation.

The availability of pharmacies within Duff is another crucial factor. Access to medication is essential for managing hypertension, and the proximity of pharmacies directly impacts medication adherence. Residents may need to travel to neighboring towns to fill prescriptions, adding another layer of complexity to their healthcare journey.

Furthermore, the social determinants of health play a crucial role. Factors such as income, education, and access to healthy food options can influence an individual's ability to manage their hypertension. Limited access to healthy food choices, coupled with financial constraints, can exacerbate health issues.

When considering moving to Duff, prospective residents must carefully evaluate the transportation and healthcare landscape. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the potential for long drive times to healthcare facilities are significant considerations.

The "Hypertension Score" for Duff, 37729, would be a composite measure reflecting the challenges and opportunities related to healthcare access. It would incorporate factors such as drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing reliability, the presence of medical transportation services, the availability of specialists, and the proximity of pharmacies.

This score would be a valuable tool for residents and healthcare providers, highlighting areas for improvement. It would underscore the need for innovative solutions to enhance healthcare access, such as exploring partnerships with ride-sharing services, expanding telehealth options, and advocating for improved public transit.

Ultimately, the goal is to improve the quality of life for residents of Duff. By understanding the transportation and healthcare access realities, we can work towards creating a more equitable and accessible healthcare system, ensuring that all residents, regardless of their location, have the opportunity to thrive. This is particularly critical for those managing chronic conditions like hypertension, where timely and consistent care is essential for maintaining good health and well-being. The journey to care in Duff is not just a physical one; it is a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of its residents.