37719, Coalfield, Tennessee Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 37719, Coalfield, Tennessee is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

50.00 percent of residents in 37719 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.96 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Methodist Medical Center Of Oak Ridge with a distance of 10.27 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 37719 (Coalfield, Tennessee)

The overall health score for residents of Coalfield, Tennessee (ZIP Code 37719), reflects a complex interplay of factors, with **transportation** accessibility to **healthcare** services forming a critical cornerstone. This write-up analyzes the existing landscape, focusing on drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services. This information is crucial for anyone **moving to Coalfield** or seeking to understand the challenges faced by current residents.

Coalfield, a rural community nestled in the heart of East Tennessee, presents a unique set of circumstances regarding healthcare access. The town’s relatively isolated location, coupled with limited public transportation, significantly impacts residents' ability to reach medical facilities. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive overview, acknowledging the inherent difficulties and highlighting potential solutions.

**Drive Times and Road Infrastructure:**

The primary challenge in 37719 is the reliance on personal vehicles for accessing healthcare. The nearest hospitals and specialized medical facilities are located in surrounding towns and cities, necessitating car travel.

The most direct route to larger medical centers involves navigating the winding roads of the region. Residents typically utilize Highway 62, a major artery that connects Coalfield to Oak Ridge and Knoxville. Driving to Oak Ridge Community Hospital along Highway 62 usually takes approximately 25-35 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions. This route is generally well-maintained, but can be subject to delays during peak hours or inclement weather.

For more specialized care, residents often travel to Knoxville, a journey that requires navigating Highway 62, then connecting to Interstate 75 (I-75) or Interstate 40 (I-40). The drive time to major Knoxville hospitals, such as the University of Tennessee Medical Center or Parkwest Medical Center, can range from 45 minutes to over an hour, especially during rush hour. This extended travel time adds to the overall burden of seeking medical attention, potentially delaying treatment and increasing stress levels.

The condition of local roads, including secondary routes like Black Mountain Road and Dutch Valley Road, further impacts travel times. These roads are often narrow, winding, and may not be adequately maintained, particularly during winter months. This can make travel more challenging and hazardous, especially for elderly residents or those with mobility limitations.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transportation options in 37719 are severely limited, posing a significant barrier to healthcare access for many residents. There is no dedicated public bus service within the ZIP code itself. The nearest public transit options are available in Oak Ridge and Knoxville, but these services are often infrequent and may not adequately serve the needs of Coalfield residents.

The Oak Ridge Transit System (ORTS) offers limited bus routes within Oak Ridge, but these routes do not extend to Coalfield. Similarly, the Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) system provides extensive bus service within Knoxville, but lacks direct routes to Coalfield. This necessitates a combination of private and public transportation, further complicating the journey.

Furthermore, the lack of ADA-compliant buses and stops in the area presents a significant challenge for individuals with disabilities or mobility impairments. This lack of accessibility exacerbates the healthcare access challenges for a vulnerable segment of the population.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport Services:**

The availability of ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft in 37719 is also limited, particularly during off-peak hours or in the evenings. While these services may be available, their reliability and cost can be significant barriers for residents seeking healthcare. The distance to major medical centers and the potential for surge pricing can make ride-sharing an expensive option.

Medical transport services offer a more specialized solution for individuals who require assistance with transportation to and from medical appointments. Several companies, such as AMR (American Medical Response) and private ambulance services, operate in the region, providing non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT). However, these services can be costly, and their availability may be limited, especially for routine appointments.

**Healthcare Access Implications:**

The existing transportation challenges in 37719 have significant implications for healthcare access. The extended drive times, limited public transit options, and unreliable ride-sharing services can lead to delayed or missed appointments, impacting the quality of care received.

These transportation barriers disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources. These individuals may face significant challenges in accessing necessary medical services, leading to poorer health outcomes.

The lack of convenient transportation options also contributes to social isolation and reduces opportunities for community engagement. This isolation can further exacerbate health problems and negatively impact overall well-being.

**Recommendations and Future Considerations:**

Addressing the transportation challenges in 37719 requires a multi-faceted approach. Increasing access to healthcare services requires several considerations.

Expanding public transit options is crucial. This could involve establishing a dedicated bus route connecting Coalfield to Oak Ridge and Knoxville, potentially utilizing a demand-response system to optimize service. The implementation of ADA-compliant buses and stops is essential to ensure accessibility for all residents.

Promoting ride-sharing programs and partnerships could also improve access. Working with ride-sharing companies to offer discounted rates or subsidized transportation for medical appointments could be beneficial.

Supporting medical transport services is another important consideration. Providing financial assistance or subsidies to help residents afford these services can improve healthcare access.

Investing in road infrastructure is also essential. Improving the condition of local roads, particularly secondary routes, can make travel safer and more efficient.

Finally, promoting telehealth services can help bridge the gap in healthcare access. Expanding access to telehealth appointments and remote monitoring technologies can reduce the need for travel and improve patient outcomes.

**Conclusion:**

The overall health score for residents of 37719 is significantly impacted by the limitations in **transportation** options available. The lack of reliable **transportation** to **healthcare** facilities in Coalfield poses a significant barrier to accessing timely and quality medical care. Addressing these challenges through a combination of public transit improvements, ride-sharing initiatives, medical transport support, and telehealth expansion is critical to improving the health and well-being of those **moving to Coalfield** and those already residing there. A collaborative approach involving local government, healthcare providers, community organizations, and private sector partners is essential to creating a more accessible and equitable healthcare system for the residents of Coalfield.