37938, Knoxville, Tennessee Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 37938, Knoxville, Tennessee is 72 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

53.81 percent of residents in 37938 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 8.05 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Physicians Regional Medical Center with a distance of 4.28 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in ZIP Code 37938

Considering a move to Knoxville, Tennessee, and residing in ZIP Code 37938? Understanding healthcare access, especially for individuals managing hypertension, is crucial. This write-up provides a "Hypertension Score" assessment, focusing on transportation options to healthcare facilities within and around this area. The score considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, offering a comprehensive picture of navigating the healthcare landscape.

ZIP Code 37938, encompassing areas like Karns and Hardin Valley, presents a unique transportation challenge. While offering suburban tranquility, it necessitates careful consideration of how to reach essential medical services. The presence of hypertension demands consistent access to appointments, medications, and potentially, emergency care. This analysis aims to illuminate the realities of **transportation** options, directly impacting **healthcare access** for residents, potentially influencing your decision about **moving to Knoxville**.

**Drive Time Dynamics:**

The primary arteries for navigating 37938 are Pellissippi Parkway (I-140) and Oak Ridge Highway (TN-62). These roadways are critical for accessing hospitals, clinics, and specialist offices. Drive times are heavily influenced by peak traffic hours, particularly during weekday commutes. Expect congestion, potentially extending travel times significantly.

For instance, driving from the heart of 37938 to the University of Tennessee Medical Center (UTMC) on Alcoa Highway (US-129) during rush hour can easily exceed 30 minutes. Conversely, a trip to Parkwest Medical Center, located closer along Parkwest Boulevard, might take 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic flow on Middlebrook Pike. Smaller clinics and urgent care facilities, scattered throughout the area, offer quicker access, yet may not provide the comprehensive care required for complex hypertension management.

Navigating these roads requires vigilance. Accidents, road closures, and construction projects are frequent occurrences, further complicating travel. Planning ahead, utilizing real-time traffic apps, and building in buffer time are essential strategies for ensuring timely arrivals at medical appointments.

**Public Transit Realities:**

Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) provides public transit services within 37938. However, the route network is not as extensive as in the city center, and frequency of service can be limited, particularly during evenings and weekends. This can pose a significant challenge for individuals with hypertension, requiring frequent medical visits.

Several KAT routes serve the 37938 area. Route 11, for example, runs along Oak Ridge Highway, providing access to some medical facilities. Route 22 offers service along Hardin Valley Road. However, these routes may not directly connect to all necessary healthcare providers, necessitating transfers and extending travel times.

ADA accessibility is a crucial consideration. KAT buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and other accommodations. However, the availability of accessible stops and the potential for extended wait times at transfer points can still present difficulties for individuals with mobility limitations. For individuals managing hypertension, the physical exertion of navigating public transit, especially in the Tennessee heat, can be a factor.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer another **transportation** avenue. They provide a more flexible option than public transit, allowing for door-to-door service. However, the cost can be a barrier, especially for frequent medical appointments. Surge pricing during peak hours or inclement weather can further inflate expenses.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for patients with medical needs, represent a specialized option. Companies like AMR (American Medical Response) and Priority Ambulance offer non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT). These services provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel to assist with patient transfers. While offering a higher level of support, they typically require advance booking and can be more costly than ride-sharing.

**The Hypertension Score Assessment:**

The "Hypertension Score" for 37938 reflects the interplay of these factors. It's not a single number but a qualitative assessment, considering the following:

* **Drive Time Reliability:** The dependability of drive times is moderate. Traffic congestion and road conditions can significantly impact travel, especially during peak hours.
* **Public Transit Accessibility:** Public transit offers limited accessibility, with potential for extended travel times and limited route coverage. ADA accessibility is available but may not fully mitigate challenges.
* **Ride-Sharing Affordability:** Ride-sharing provides flexibility but can be expensive, particularly for frequent use.
* **Medical Transport Availability:** Medical transport services offer specialized support but come with higher costs and require advance planning.

**Overall Assessment:**

For individuals with hypertension considering **moving to Knoxville** and residing in 37938, the **healthcare access** picture requires careful consideration. While the area provides a pleasant living environment, the **transportation** landscape presents challenges. Reliance on personal vehicles is often necessary, with careful planning required to account for traffic. Public transit offers a limited alternative. Ride-sharing provides a more flexible option, albeit at a higher cost. Medical transport services offer specialized support, but are also expensive.

Therefore, the "Hypertension Score" for 37938 suggests a moderate level of healthcare access. Individuals with hypertension should carefully evaluate their transportation needs, budget, and mobility limitations when choosing a residence. Proactive planning, including identifying healthcare providers within reasonable driving distances, exploring public transit options, and considering the potential use of ride-sharing or medical transport, is crucial for successful hypertension management. This detailed assessment aims to empower potential residents with the information needed to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.