37721, Corryton, Tennessee Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 37721, Corryton, Tennessee is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

46.45 percent of residents in 37721 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.30 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Physicians Regional Medical Center with a distance of 10.57 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 37721 (Corryton, TN)

Assessing the overall health score for residents of Corryton, Tennessee (ZIP Code 37721), requires a comprehensive understanding of their access to healthcare. This involves analyzing the ease and efficiency of their transportation options, considering drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transport. The ultimate goal is to paint a clear picture of how residents can reach essential medical services, thereby impacting their overall well-being.

The primary factor influencing healthcare access in Corryton is the reliance on personal vehicles. The area is predominantly rural, with limited public transportation options. Residents depend heavily on driving to reach hospitals, clinics, and specialist offices. The drive times, therefore, become a critical component of the health score calculation.

The main thoroughfare for travel within and outside Corryton is **Highway 11E (Rutledge Pike)**. This road connects the community to Knoxville and surrounding areas. Traveling south on 11E, residents can access various healthcare facilities, including the University of Tennessee Medical Center, Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center, and several urgent care clinics. However, traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, can significantly extend travel times.

To the north, Highway 11E leads towards Rutledge and other smaller towns, offering access to local clinics and medical practices. However, the availability of specialized medical services in these areas is limited, often necessitating a longer drive to Knoxville.

Another crucial road for transportation is **Highway 61 (Clinton Highway)**, which intersects with 11E. This highway provides an alternative route to Knoxville, albeit with its own traffic challenges. It also connects Corryton to the western parts of Knox County, where additional healthcare options are available.

The drive times to these healthcare facilities vary depending on the destination and the time of day. During off-peak hours, a trip to the University of Tennessee Medical Center might take approximately 20-30 minutes. However, during rush hour, this commute could easily stretch to 45 minutes or longer, significantly impacting the ability to quickly access medical care in emergencies.

Public transportation options in Corryton are severely limited, presenting a major hurdle to healthcare access for those without personal vehicles. The Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) system offers some service, but its routes and frequency are not designed to adequately serve the needs of Corryton residents.

**Route 11 (Central Avenue)** is the closest KAT route to Corryton, running along Central Avenue. However, this route requires residents to travel to Central Avenue, often necessitating a car ride or a significant walk. The frequency of this route is also limited, with buses typically running every hour or two.

Furthermore, the KAT system's accessibility features, such as wheelchair ramps and audio announcements, are available on all buses, ensuring compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). However, the limited route coverage and infrequent service make it difficult for individuals with mobility issues to rely on public transit for healthcare appointments.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative transportation option for Corryton residents. However, the availability and cost of these services can vary significantly. During peak hours or in areas with lower demand, wait times can be prolonged, and prices can surge. This can pose a challenge for individuals needing timely access to medical care.

Medical transport services are available in the area, primarily catering to individuals with specific medical needs or those requiring assistance with mobility. These services, such as AMR (American Medical Response), offer non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. However, these services often require advance booking and can be expensive, making them less accessible for routine healthcare appointments.

For those considering moving to Corryton, the transportation challenges impacting healthcare access should be a significant consideration. While the area offers a peaceful, rural lifestyle, the lack of convenient public transportation and the reliance on personal vehicles can create barriers to accessing timely and affordable medical care.

The overall health score for Corryton residents reflects this reality. The score is negatively impacted by the limited public transit options, the potential for extended drive times due to traffic congestion, and the reliance on potentially expensive ride-sharing or medical transport services.

In conclusion, the overall health score for healthcare access in Corryton, TN (37721), is moderate. While residents can access healthcare facilities via personal vehicles and ride-sharing services, the limitations in public transportation, the potential for extended drive times, and the cost of alternative transportation options present significant challenges. The health score would improve with enhanced public transit options, improved traffic flow on the major highways, and increased availability of affordable ride-sharing and medical transport services. These improvements would ultimately contribute to a healthier and more accessible healthcare environment for all Corryton residents.