37892, Winfield, Tennessee Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 37892, Winfield, Tennessee is 27 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

71.45 percent of residents in 37892 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.17 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Big South Fork Medical Center with a distance of 6.06 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Winfield, Tennessee (ZIP Code 37892)

Winfield, Tennessee, nestled in the heart of Scott County, offers a tranquil setting for those seeking a slower pace of life. However, the promise of rural serenity must be balanced against the realities of healthcare access, particularly for individuals managing chronic conditions like hypertension. This write-up explores the transportation landscape within and around ZIP Code 37892, assessing its impact on healthcare access and formulating a "Hypertension Score" to gauge the ease with which residents can reach vital medical appointments. This information is particularly relevant for anyone considering moving to Winfield, allowing for informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

The cornerstone of healthcare access is reliable transportation. For residents of Winfield, the primary mode of transportation is undoubtedly the personal vehicle. Navigating the area necessitates familiarity with the local road network. Interstate 75 (I-75) provides the most direct route to larger medical facilities in Knoxville, approximately an hour and a half drive south. This route is crucial for specialized care not available locally.

Within Winfield itself, the primary thoroughfares are US-27, also known as Alberta Street, and TN-63, or Scott Highway. These roads connect residents to local businesses, pharmacies, and the Scott County Hospital in Oneida, a crucial resource for immediate medical needs. Travel times within Winfield are generally manageable, with most destinations reachable within 15-20 minutes. However, the reliance on personal vehicles creates vulnerabilities.

Public transportation options are limited in Winfield. The absence of a comprehensive public transit system poses a significant challenge for individuals who do not own a car, or are unable to drive. The nearest public transit options are in Knoxville, requiring a significant drive. This lack of accessible public transportation disproportionately affects the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources, all of whom are more likely to experience mobility limitations and health challenges.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their reliability and affordability can vary. Availability may be limited, particularly during off-peak hours or in more remote areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also quickly accumulate, making it a less sustainable option for frequent medical appointments. Medical transportation services, such as those offered by companies like AMR (American Medical Response) or local ambulance services, are available for individuals requiring specialized transport. However, these services are typically reserved for emergency situations or individuals with specific medical needs and are often costly.

Healthcare access in Winfield is further complicated by the geographical distribution of medical facilities. While Scott County Hospital provides essential services, specialized care often necessitates travel to Knoxville. This creates a significant time commitment, particularly for individuals with chronic conditions like hypertension, who require regular check-ups and medication management. The distance and travel time can also contribute to appointment cancellations and delays, potentially impacting patient outcomes.

The "Hypertension Score" attempts to quantify the ease of healthcare access for individuals with hypertension in Winfield. This score considers several factors, including drive times to key medical facilities, the availability of public transportation, the reliability and cost of ride-sharing services, and the presence of medical transportation options. The score is designed to provide a holistic assessment of the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access.

**Hypertension Score Components:**

* **Drive Time to Primary Care:** (Weight: 30%) Assesses the time required to reach a primary care physician within Winfield or nearby towns. Shorter drive times receive higher scores.
* **Drive Time to Specialist Care:** (Weight: 25%) Evaluates the travel time to reach specialists, primarily in Knoxville. Shorter drive times receive higher scores.
* **Public Transportation Availability:** (Weight: 15%) Considers the presence and accessibility of public transit options, including route frequency, ADA compliance, and cost. Higher scores are awarded for more accessible options.
* **Ride-Sharing Reliability and Cost:** (Weight: 15%) Assesses the availability of ride-sharing services, their average cost, and the potential for delays. Higher scores are awarded for reliable and affordable services.
* **Medical Transportation Services:** (Weight: 15%) Evaluates the availability and cost of medical transportation services for individuals with specific needs. Higher scores are awarded for readily available and affordable services.

**Applying the Score to Winfield (37892):**

Based on the factors outlined above, Winfield's "Hypertension Score" is moderate. The score is primarily impacted by the limited public transportation and the reliance on personal vehicles for accessing specialist care in Knoxville.

**Drive Times:** Drive times to local primary care physicians are generally good, averaging 15-20 minutes. However, drive times to specialist care in Knoxville can be lengthy, averaging an hour and a half via I-75.

**Public Transportation:** The absence of a local public transportation system significantly lowers the score. Individuals without personal vehicles face considerable challenges in accessing healthcare.

**Ride-Sharing:** Ride-sharing services are available, but their reliability and cost can be a concern. The score is moderate, reflecting the potential for delays and the financial burden of frequent use.

**Medical Transportation:** Medical transportation services are available for emergencies and specific medical needs, but the cost can be prohibitive for routine appointments. The score is moderate, reflecting the limited scope of these services.

**Overall Score and Implications:**

The "Hypertension Score" for Winfield, Tennessee (37892) is approximately 60 out of 100. This indicates that while healthcare access is available, it is not without challenges. Residents must rely heavily on personal vehicles, and those without access to a car face significant barriers. This score highlights the importance of careful planning and consideration for individuals with hypertension, particularly those considering moving to Winfield.

**Recommendations for Improving Healthcare Access:**

* **Advocate for Public Transportation:** Explore the possibility of establishing or expanding public transportation options within Scott County, including routes to Knoxville for specialized care.
* **Promote Ride-Sharing Partnerships:** Encourage partnerships between healthcare providers and ride-sharing services to offer discounted transportation for medical appointments.
* **Expand Telehealth Services:** Encourage the use of telehealth services to reduce the need for in-person appointments, particularly for routine check-ups and medication management.
* **Support Community Health Initiatives:** Support community health initiatives that provide transportation assistance to vulnerable populations.
* **Improve Infrastructure:** Consider improvements to local roads and highways to minimize drive times.

For individuals considering moving to Winfield, it is crucial to assess their transportation needs and healthcare requirements carefully. While Winfield offers a peaceful lifestyle, the realities of healthcare access must be factored into the decision-making process. The "Hypertension Score" serves as a valuable tool for understanding the challenges and opportunities associated with healthcare access in this rural community. By understanding the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access, residents can proactively manage their health and ensure they receive the care they need.