37214, Nashville, Tennessee Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 37214, Nashville, Tennessee is 66 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

63.31 percent of residents in 37214 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 5.79 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Tristar Summit Medical Center with a distance of 3.26 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 37214

Navigating the healthcare landscape is a critical aspect of well-being, and the ease with which one can access medical services significantly impacts overall health. This report assesses the accessibility of healthcare within and from ZIP Code 37214, a vibrant area of Nashville, Tennessee, considering various transportation options and their associated challenges. Understanding these factors is crucial for individuals considering moving to Nashville, particularly those prioritizing healthcare access.

The Overall Health Score for ZIP Code 37214 reflects a nuanced picture, influenced by a combination of factors. While the area boasts a central location, its health access is heavily influenced by transportation infrastructure and the availability of diverse travel modes. Drive times, public transit efficiency, ride-share availability, and specialized medical transport options all contribute to the overall score, painting a portrait of both opportunity and potential obstacles.

**Driving to Healthcare: A Balancing Act**

Driving remains a primary mode of transportation for accessing healthcare in 37214. The area benefits from its proximity to major thoroughfares, but traffic congestion can significantly impact drive times, especially during peak hours. The primary arteries for reaching healthcare facilities include Interstate 65 (I-65), Interstate 40 (I-40), and the inner-city thoroughfares of West End Avenue, Broadway, and Charlotte Avenue.

From 37214, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, a major healthcare provider, is readily accessible, typically within a 10-15 minute drive during off-peak hours. However, during rush hour, this commute can easily stretch to 25-30 minutes or longer, particularly if navigating the congested West End Avenue or the merge points on I-65. Similarly, accessing Saint Thomas West Hospital, another prominent facility, involves navigating similar traffic patterns, with drive times mirroring those to Vanderbilt.

Further afield, but still within reasonable driving distance, are facilities like TriStar Centennial Medical Center, located just west of downtown. Reaching this hospital necessitates navigating the complexities of I-40 and local streets, often adding to the commute time. The variability in drive times underscores the importance of planning and considering traffic conditions when scheduling appointments or seeking urgent care.

**Public Transit: A Developing Option**

Nashville’s public transportation system, operated by the Nashville MetroMetropolitan Transit Authority (WeGo Public Transit), offers an alternative to driving, although its impact on healthcare access in 37214 is still evolving. Several bus routes serve the area, providing access to healthcare facilities, but their frequency and route coverage present limitations.

The primary bus routes serving 37214 include routes 3, 7, 22, and 52. Route 3, for example, travels along West End Avenue, offering access to Vanderbilt University Medical Center and other medical offices. Route 7 provides access to downtown, connecting to other routes that may lead to healthcare facilities further afield. Route 22 serves the 12 South area, while Route 52 traverses the Charlotte Avenue corridor.

While WeGo buses offer a viable option, their frequency, particularly during evenings and weekends, can be a deterrent. Furthermore, the routes may not directly serve all healthcare facilities, necessitating transfers and potentially increasing travel time. The system's ADA accessibility is a positive feature, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can utilize public transit. However, the overall reliance on bus travel to access healthcare in 37214 is still limited by the system's current scope.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft provide a convenient alternative, particularly for those without personal vehicles or who prefer not to drive. These services are readily available in 37214, offering door-to-door transportation to healthcare facilities. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a barrier for some, especially for frequent appointments or longer distances.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by American Medical Response (AMR) and MedTrans, cater specifically to individuals with mobility limitations or medical needs. These services provide non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. While these options offer a crucial service, they may require advance booking and can be more expensive than other transportation methods.

**The Overall Health Score: A Synthesis**

The Overall Health Score for 37214 reflects a mixed picture. The area’s central location provides good access to major healthcare providers, but the reliance on driving and the potential for traffic congestion detract from the score. While public transit offers an alternative, its limitations in terms of frequency and route coverage present challenges. Ride-sharing and medical transport services provide valuable options, but their cost and availability can be limiting factors.

For individuals considering moving to Nashville, especially those prioritizing healthcare access, careful consideration of these transportation factors is essential. While 37214 offers proximity to healthcare, the ease and efficiency of accessing these services are heavily influenced by the chosen mode of transportation and the time of day.

**Recommendations**

To improve the Overall Health Score for 37214, several improvements could be implemented. Expanding the frequency and reach of WeGo Public Transit, particularly on evenings and weekends, would provide a more accessible and affordable option for residents. Investing in traffic management strategies to alleviate congestion on major roadways, such as I-65, I-40, West End Avenue, and Broadway, would reduce drive times and improve the reliability of transportation.

Promoting awareness of ride-sharing and medical transport services, including information on cost and availability, could help residents make informed decisions about their transportation options. Finally, exploring partnerships between healthcare providers and transportation services could streamline the process of scheduling and coordinating transportation for patients. By addressing these areas, the Overall Health Score for 37214 can be improved, enhancing the healthcare access and well-being of its residents.