37686, Piney Flats, Tennessee Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 37686, Piney Flats, Tennessee is 70 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

59.90 percent of residents in 37686 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 8.47 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Franklin Woods Community Hospital with a distance of 7.73 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Piney Flats (ZIP Code 37686)

Assessing the overall health score for residents of Piney Flats, Tennessee (ZIP Code 37686), necessitates a comprehensive examination of healthcare access, heavily influenced by the efficacy of the local transportation infrastructure. This analysis delves into the commute times, public transit options, and alternative transport services, painting a detailed picture for prospective residents considering moving to Piney Flats. The goal is to provide a clear understanding of the ease with which individuals can reach necessary medical care.

The primary challenge in evaluating healthcare access lies in the geographic layout of the area. Piney Flats, while possessing a distinct identity, is closely tied to the larger metropolitan area of Johnson City. This necessitates a reliance on transportation networks connecting the two locations. The most common route for accessing healthcare facilities involves driving.

Driving times are the initial metric for assessing healthcare access. The primary arteries for travel are Interstate 26 (I-26), connecting Piney Flats to Johnson City and beyond, and State Route 11E, also known as Volunteer Parkway. The drive to Johnson City, where the majority of specialized medical services are located, typically takes between 15 and 25 minutes, depending on traffic. Morning and evening commutes, especially during peak hours, can extend these times, potentially impacting healthcare access for those requiring urgent care. Secondary roads, like Weaver Pike and Bristol Highway, offer alternative routes, but these often involve slower speeds and increased travel times.

For residents without personal vehicles, public transit presents a crucial, albeit limited, option. The primary provider of public transportation in the area is the Johnson City Transit System. However, the service area within Piney Flats is restricted. The primary route serving the area is Route 10, which connects Piney Flats to downtown Johnson City. This route provides access to the Johnson City Medical Center and other healthcare facilities.

Unfortunately, the frequency of Route 10 is limited, with buses running approximately every hour during peak times and less frequently during off-peak hours and weekends. This limited frequency significantly impacts healthcare access for those relying on public transit, particularly for appointments scheduled outside of regular service hours. The Johnson City Transit System does offer ADA-accessible buses, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can utilize the service. However, the limited route coverage and frequency remain significant barriers.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative transportation option. These services provide on-demand transportation, potentially mitigating the limitations of public transit. However, the availability of ride-sharing services can vary depending on the time of day and the demand. During peak hours, or in the event of inclement weather, wait times for ride-sharing services can increase, potentially impacting healthcare access. Furthermore, the cost of ride-sharing services can be a significant factor, particularly for individuals with limited incomes, making it a less viable option for routine healthcare appointments.

Medical transportation services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), play a critical role in healthcare access, especially for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring specialized transport. Several ambulance services operate in the area, providing emergency medical transport to local hospitals. NEMT services, such as First Call Medical Transportation, offer transportation for non-emergency medical appointments, dialysis treatments, and other healthcare-related needs. These services are crucial for ensuring that individuals with disabilities or those who cannot drive can access necessary medical care. The availability and response times of these services are critical factors in evaluating healthcare access.

The overall health score for residents of Piney Flats is moderately affected by the limitations in transportation. While driving offers the most direct route to healthcare facilities, the reliance on personal vehicles and the potential for traffic delays can create challenges. Public transit provides a valuable, albeit limited, alternative. Ride-sharing services offer a flexible option, but the cost and availability can be restrictive. Medical transportation services are crucial for specific populations, but their availability and efficiency are vital.

The healthcare access landscape in Piney Flats is a complex interplay of these transportation factors. For individuals considering moving to Piney Flats, understanding these nuances is crucial. The proximity to Johnson City offers access to a wide range of healthcare services, but the efficiency with which those services can be reached is heavily influenced by the transportation infrastructure. Residents must carefully consider their transportation needs and capabilities when assessing the overall health score and the potential impact on their healthcare access.

The future of healthcare access in Piney Flats hinges on continued infrastructure improvements and innovative transportation solutions. Expanding the Johnson City Transit System's reach and frequency, promoting ride-sharing initiatives, and ensuring the availability of medical transportation services are crucial steps towards improving the overall health score for residents. Addressing the challenges of transportation is paramount to ensuring that all residents of Piney Flats have equitable access to the healthcare they need.