37367, Pikeville, Tennessee Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 37367, Pikeville, Tennessee is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

61.36 percent of residents in 37367 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.23 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Erlanger Bledsoe Hospital with a distance of 3.42 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Pikeville, TN (ZIP Code 37367)

This report assesses the overall health score for residents of Pikeville, Tennessee (ZIP Code 37367), focusing specifically on **healthcare access** as influenced by **transportation** options. The ability to efficiently and reliably reach medical facilities is a crucial determinant of health outcomes. This analysis considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options. For those considering **moving to Pikeville**, understanding these factors is vital for informed decision-making.

Pikeville, nestled in the Sequatchie Valley, presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. Its rural setting, while offering scenic beauty and a slower pace of life, necessitates careful consideration of transportation limitations. The overall health score reflects the reality of accessing medical care within the context of the community's geographical characteristics and available resources.

**Drive Times and Road Infrastructure:**

The primary arteries serving Pikeville are State Route 30 (SR-30) and State Route 127 (SR-127). SR-30 provides east-west access, while SR-127 runs north-south. Driving times to healthcare facilities vary significantly depending on the destination and time of day. The closest major medical center, CHI Memorial Hospital Hixson, is approximately 40-50 miles away, translating to a drive time of roughly one hour, often exceeding that during peak traffic. This journey typically involves navigating SR-30, which can be winding and subject to delays.

Accessing smaller clinics and physician offices within the Sequatchie Valley may offer shorter drive times. However, the concentration of specialists and advanced medical services in larger urban centers necessitates longer commutes. The condition of the roads, including potential for potholes and limited shoulder space, can also impact travel safety and efficiency.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public transit options in Pikeville are extremely limited. The area lacks a comprehensive public transportation system, and scheduled bus routes are virtually nonexistent. This severely restricts **healthcare access** for individuals without personal vehicles, particularly the elderly, those with disabilities, and low-income residents. The absence of reliable public transit presents a significant barrier to timely medical care.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Pikeville, but their presence is often sporadic and availability can be unpredictable. Wait times can be lengthy, and the cost can be substantial, especially for longer distances to hospitals and specialist appointments. This makes ride-sharing a less dependable option for routine medical needs.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), offer a more specialized solution. Companies like First Transit and Logisticare provide transportation for individuals requiring assistance with mobility or who are unable to drive themselves. These services typically require pre-booking and can be subject to eligibility requirements. While providing a vital service, the availability of NEMT may still be limited, and scheduling can sometimes conflict with appointment times.

**ADA Accessibility:**

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that public transportation and facilities be accessible to individuals with disabilities. However, the lack of a robust public transit system in Pikeville significantly impacts ADA compliance regarding **healthcare access**. While medical transport services are designed to be ADA-compliant, the limited options and potential scheduling constraints can still present challenges.

**Overall Health Score Assessment:**

The overall health score for residents of Pikeville, TN (ZIP Code 37367), concerning **healthcare access** and **transportation**, is moderate to low. The primary challenge is the reliance on personal vehicles and the long distances to major medical facilities. This factor, coupled with the limited availability of public transit and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services, creates significant barriers to timely and convenient medical care.

The absence of readily available and affordable **transportation** options can lead to delayed or missed appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and poorer health outcomes. This is especially true for vulnerable populations, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources.

**Recommendations:**

Improving **healthcare access** in Pikeville requires a multi-faceted approach. Investing in a more robust public transit system, even if initially on a smaller scale, could greatly benefit residents. Partnering with ride-sharing services to offer subsidized rides for medical appointments could also be explored. Furthermore, increasing the availability of medical transport services and ensuring their affordability would significantly improve the health score.

Encouraging the development of telehealth services and expanding the availability of local clinics and physician offices within the Sequatchie Valley would reduce the need for long-distance travel. Promoting community awareness of existing **transportation** resources and assisting residents in navigating the available options is also crucial.

**Conclusion:**

For those **moving to Pikeville**, a thorough understanding of **healthcare access** and **transportation** limitations is essential. While the community offers a tranquil environment, the challenges related to accessing medical care should be carefully considered. Addressing these challenges through strategic investments in **transportation** infrastructure and support services is crucial for improving the overall health score and ensuring that all residents have equitable access to the medical care they need. The success of this effort will ultimately depend on collaborative efforts between local government, healthcare providers, and community organizations.