37715, Clairfield, Tennessee Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 37715, Clairfield, Tennessee is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

42.37 percent of residents in 37715 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.49 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Lafollette Medical Center with a distance of 15.29 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Clairfield, TN (ZIP Code 37715)

The health of a community is inextricably linked to its ability to access healthcare. This write-up assesses the accessibility of medical services for residents of Clairfield, Tennessee (ZIP code 37715), focusing on the crucial element of **transportation**. We will explore the available options, from personal vehicles to public transit, and analyze their impact on the overall health score for those living in this rural Appalachian community. For anyone **moving to Clairfield**, understanding these logistical realities is paramount.

The primary challenge for healthcare access in Clairfield is its remote location. Nestled in the Cumberland Mountains, the area is characterized by winding roads and limited infrastructure. This geographical isolation significantly impacts the ease with which residents can reach doctors, hospitals, and other essential medical providers. The health score, therefore, will be influenced by the distance, time, and feasibility of various **transportation** methods.

Driving is the most common mode of **transportation** for residents of Clairfield. The primary arteries connecting the community to healthcare facilities are US-25E and TN-63. The closest hospital, Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge, is approximately 60 miles away, a drive that typically takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes under ideal conditions. This journey involves navigating the winding roads of US-25E and then transitioning onto I-75.

However, the reality of rural driving often includes unpredictable factors. Weather conditions, particularly during winter, can make these roads treacherous, significantly increasing travel times and the risk of accidents. Accidents on I-75, a major interstate, can also cause significant delays. Furthermore, the mountainous terrain presents challenges for drivers with mobility limitations or those who may be uncomfortable with long drives.

Other healthcare facilities, such as the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, are even further afield, demanding a drive of over 80 miles, potentially taking two hours or more. This extensive travel time can be a significant barrier to accessing timely medical care, especially for individuals with chronic conditions or those requiring frequent appointments.

Public **transportation** options are severely limited in Clairfield. There is no dedicated public bus system operating within the community. While the East Tennessee Human Resource Agency (ETHRA) provides demand-response **transportation** services for seniors and individuals with disabilities, availability is limited, and booking requires advance notice. These services may not always be a viable option for urgent medical needs or spontaneous appointments. Furthermore, the lack of fixed routes and schedules can make planning and coordinating medical appointments challenging. The absence of public transit drastically reduces the health score.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the broader Knoxville area, but their presence in Clairfield is sporadic and unreliable. The availability of drivers is often limited, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing for long-distance trips to medical facilities can also be prohibitive for many residents. This scarcity further diminishes the overall health score.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are another potential avenue. Companies such as AMR (American Medical Response) and other regional providers offer non-emergency medical **transportation**. However, these services are often costly and require pre-booking, making them unsuitable for urgent situations. The availability of these services in Clairfield may also be limited, and response times could be affected by the remote location.

The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility of the existing **transportation** options is a crucial consideration. While ETHRA strives to provide accessible services, the limitations of demand-response **transportation** can still pose challenges for individuals with disabilities. The lack of accessible public transit infrastructure further exacerbates these difficulties. The health score is negatively impacted by the lack of readily available, ADA-compliant options.

The overall health score for healthcare access in Clairfield, TN (37715), is significantly impacted by the challenges of **transportation**. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with the limitations of public transit, ride-sharing, and medical **transportation** services, creates significant barriers to accessing timely and convenient medical care.

The long distances to healthcare facilities, the potential for weather-related delays, and the limited availability of alternative **transportation** options all contribute to a lower health score. Residents may face difficulties attending routine check-ups, managing chronic conditions, and accessing emergency care. The lack of reliable **transportation** can also lead to delayed diagnoses, missed appointments, and poorer health outcomes.

Improving healthcare access in Clairfield requires a multifaceted approach. Investing in public transit infrastructure, including fixed-route bus services, could significantly improve the health score. Partnering with ride-sharing companies to ensure driver availability and offer subsidized fares would also be beneficial. Expanding the availability and affordability of medical **transportation** services, especially for individuals with disabilities or limited mobility, is crucial.

Furthermore, promoting telehealth services and mobile healthcare clinics can help bring medical care directly to the community, mitigating the need for extensive travel. Educating residents about available **transportation** resources and assisting them with booking appointments can also improve healthcare access.

For anyone **moving to Clairfield**, a thorough understanding of these **transportation** challenges is essential. Prospective residents should factor in the travel time and costs associated with accessing healthcare services when making their decision. Planning for potential delays and exploring all available options is crucial for maintaining good health. The overall health score reflects the need for comprehensive solutions to improve healthcare access in this rural community.