37878, Tallassee, Tennessee Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 37878, Tallassee, Tennessee is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

40.00 percent of residents in 37878 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.22 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Blount Memorial Hospital with a distance of 9.60 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Tallassee, TN (ZIP Code 37878)

The heart of this analysis lies in understanding the intricate relationship between transportation and healthcare access for residents of Tallassee, Tennessee, ZIP code 37878. We'll construct a "Hypertension Score" that considers the challenges of reaching vital medical services, particularly for individuals managing hypertension, a condition often requiring frequent check-ups and medication refills. This score will be a composite of drive times, public transit options, and the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services. It’s a crucial lens through which to view the realities of living in this community, especially for those contemplating moving to Tallassee.

The foundation of our score begins with drive times. Tallassee, nestled in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, presents unique transportation challenges. The primary arteries for vehicular travel are US-129, also known as the "Tail of the Dragon" (though its winding nature makes it less ideal for frequent medical trips), and TN-360, which connects Tallassee to Maryville and Knoxville. The drive to the nearest major hospital, Blount Memorial Hospital in Maryville, typically takes between 20-30 minutes via TN-360, depending on traffic. This drive time, while manageable, can be a significant factor for those with hypertension, especially during emergency situations.

Further complicating matters is the terrain. The mountainous landscape can make navigating certain roads, particularly during inclement weather, difficult. The presence of secondary roads like Ball Camp Pike and Old Chilhowee Road, while offering alternative routes, often add time and potential hazards to the journey. The Hypertension Score will, therefore, incorporate a weighting that reflects the potential for delays due to weather or road conditions.

Public transportation options within Tallassee are limited. The primary provider for the greater Blount County area is the Blount County Transit Authority (BCTA). However, BCTA’s services in Tallassee are infrequent, and routes are not specifically designed for healthcare access. Service frequency is a major impediment. The BCTA operates primarily during weekday business hours, making it challenging for individuals with hypertension who may need to see a doctor outside of these times.

Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible features on BCTA buses is essential. Individuals with mobility limitations, a common concern among those with hypertension, must be able to rely on accessible transportation. The Hypertension Score will account for the reliability and accessibility of BCTA services, factoring in the frequency of service and the availability of accessible vehicles.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a potential solution for those without personal vehicles. However, the availability of these services in Tallassee is not always guaranteed. Ride-sharing availability can fluctuate based on demand and driver availability, particularly during off-peak hours or in more rural areas. The Hypertension Score will consider the reliability and cost-effectiveness of ride-sharing options, recognizing that the cost of frequent rides can be a significant financial burden for individuals managing a chronic condition.

Medical transport services represent another critical component of our analysis. Several companies specialize in non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) and ambulance services. These services are particularly vital for individuals who cannot drive themselves due to their medical condition or other limitations. The availability of these services, their cost, and their responsiveness will significantly impact the Hypertension Score.

The brands offering medical transport services include, but are not limited to, AMR (American Medical Response) and local private ambulance companies. The efficiency of these services is paramount. Delays in transportation can have serious consequences for individuals with hypertension, potentially leading to complications or exacerbating their condition. The Hypertension Score will factor in the average response times of these services and their ability to meet the specific needs of individuals with hypertension.

The financial implications of transportation choices are also crucial. The cost of gasoline, ride-sharing fares, and medical transport services can quickly accumulate, particularly for those with frequent medical appointments. The Hypertension Score will incorporate a cost-of-transportation factor, recognizing that affordability is a significant barrier to healthcare access for many residents.

The final Hypertension Score will be a weighted average of these factors: drive times, public transit accessibility, ride-sharing reliability, medical transport availability, and cost of transportation. The weighting will reflect the relative importance of each factor, with greater emphasis placed on factors that directly impact healthcare access and patient outcomes.

For individuals considering moving to Tallassee, the Hypertension Score serves as a valuable tool. It provides a realistic assessment of the challenges and opportunities associated with accessing healthcare in this community. By understanding the transportation landscape, prospective residents can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs and ensure they have access to the services they require.

The resulting score will be a dynamic measure, reflecting the evolving transportation landscape. The score can be updated as new transportation options emerge, as public transit services are expanded, or as the availability of ride-sharing services changes. This ensures the Hypertension Score remains a relevant and accurate reflection of healthcare access in Tallassee, TN. The goal is to empower residents with the knowledge they need to navigate the complexities of healthcare access and to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.