37616, Afton, Tennessee Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 37616, Afton, Tennessee is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

64.33 percent of residents in 37616 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.83 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Greeneville Community Hospital with a distance of 3.98 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 37616 (Afton, TN)

The health of a community is inextricably linked to its ability to access healthcare. This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" for residents of ZIP Code 37616, Afton, Tennessee, focusing on the ease and efficiency of transportation to medical facilities. This score considers various modes of transport, including personal vehicles, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation options. Ultimately, this report aims to inform potential residents considering moving to Afton, providing a clear understanding of the healthcare landscape.

Afton, nestled in Greene County, presents a unique challenge. Its rural nature, while offering scenic beauty, often translates to limited access to specialized medical care. Evaluating the transportation infrastructure is crucial to understanding the true health score for this community.

**Drive-Time Analysis:**

The primary mode of transportation for healthcare access in Afton is the personal vehicle. The geographical layout necessitates reliance on roads, with drive times varying significantly depending on the destination and time of day.

For basic medical needs, the nearest primary care physicians are located in Greeneville, the county seat. Traveling to Greeneville typically involves navigating the winding roads, including **US-11E (Andrew Johnson Highway)** and **TN-107**. During off-peak hours, this journey might take approximately 15-20 minutes. However, rush hour traffic, particularly on **US-11E**, can extend the commute to 30 minutes or longer.

Specialized care often requires travel further afield. The nearest hospitals with comprehensive services, including emergency rooms and specialized departments, are located in Greeneville and Johnson City. Reaching **Greeneville Community Hospital** from Afton usually takes around 20-25 minutes, primarily utilizing **US-11E**.

Johnson City, a regional hub for healthcare, is a more significant undertaking. Accessing the hospitals in Johnson City, such as **Johnson City Medical Center** and **Franklin Woods Community Hospital**, requires a drive of approximately 40-50 minutes, depending on traffic. The primary route involves **US-11E** to **I-26**, which can become congested during peak travel times. This longer drive time presents a significant barrier, especially in emergencies.

**Public Transit Assessment:**

Public transportation options in Afton are limited. Greene County does not have a robust public transit system. The absence of frequent bus routes significantly impacts healthcare access, especially for those without personal vehicles or who are unable to drive.

The limited public transit options mean that residents rely heavily on personal vehicles or ride-sharing services. This lack of public transit contributes to a lower overall health score.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Afton area, though their availability and affordability can fluctuate. The availability of these services is often dependent on driver availability, which can be less reliable in rural areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant barrier for those with limited financial resources, further impacting healthcare access.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance, offer a crucial lifeline. Companies like **CareRide** and **American Medical Response (AMR)** provide non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services, while essential, can be expensive and require advance booking, making them less suitable for urgent medical needs.

**ADA Accessibility:**

The lack of robust public transit and the reliance on personal vehicles or ride-sharing raise concerns regarding accessibility for individuals with disabilities. The absence of accessible bus routes and the potential for limited availability of wheelchair-accessible vehicles through ride-sharing services can create significant barriers to healthcare access for those with mobility limitations.

**Healthcare Access and the Overall Health Score:**

The overall health score for 37616 is influenced by the interplay of transportation options, drive times, and the availability of healthcare facilities. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit, and the potential for fluctuating ride-sharing availability contribute to a lower score.

The extended drive times to specialized medical facilities in Johnson City, coupled with the lack of readily available public transit, pose a significant challenge for residents. This situation can delay access to critical care, potentially impacting health outcomes.

**Conclusion:**

The "Overall Health Score" for 37616 reflects the challenges and opportunities for accessing healthcare. While Afton offers a peaceful environment, its rural location presents transportation hurdles.

The primary mode of transportation is the personal vehicle, with drive times to healthcare facilities varying. Public transit options are limited, and ride-sharing services, while available, may not always be reliable or affordable. Medical transportation services provide a crucial lifeline, but they can be costly and require advance planning.

For those considering moving to Afton, a thorough understanding of the transportation landscape is essential. Residents should be prepared for longer drive times to access specialized care and consider the potential challenges associated with limited public transit and fluctuating ride-sharing availability.

The health score for 37616 could be improved by increasing public transit options, enhancing the availability of ride-sharing services, and promoting the affordability of medical transportation. These improvements would help to bridge the transportation gap and ensure that all residents have equitable access to the healthcare they need.