37753, Hartford, Tennessee Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 37753, Hartford, Tennessee is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

45.47 percent of residents in 37753 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.32 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Tennova Healthcare - Newport Medical Center with a distance of 11.04 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 37753

Navigating the landscape of healthcare access is a crucial consideration for anyone contemplating a move, especially when assessing a new community's overall health profile. This analysis, focused on ZIP code 37753 (Hartford, Tennessee), delves into the intricacies of commuting to healthcare facilities, providing an "Overall Health Score" based on transportation options and their impact on residents' ability to receive timely and appropriate medical care. The score considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transportation, offering a comprehensive view for those considering moving to Hartford.

The "Overall Health Score" for 37753 reflects a moderate level of healthcare accessibility. While the area boasts a rural charm, its geographic characteristics and limited public transportation options present certain challenges. The score is calculated based on the ease of reaching various healthcare providers, encompassing primary care physicians, specialists, hospitals, and emergency services. Factors such as travel time, transportation costs, and the availability of accessible options for individuals with disabilities are all considered.

**Drive Times and Roadways: The Foundation of Access**

The primary mode of transportation in 37753 is undoubtedly the personal vehicle. The reliance on cars underscores the importance of understanding drive times to healthcare facilities. Access to medical care hinges significantly on the efficiency of the local road network. Residents primarily utilize US-25E, a major thoroughfare that connects Hartford to surrounding towns and cities. This highway serves as the backbone for accessing healthcare facilities located in Newport, Sevierville, and even Knoxville.

Drive times to Newport, home to facilities like Newport Medical Center, are generally manageable, ranging from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The journey involves navigating US-25E, a relatively well-maintained road, although congestion can occur during peak hours, particularly near Newport. Access to specialists and more comprehensive medical services often necessitates travel to Sevierville or Knoxville. The drive to Sevierville, via US-25E and US-411, can take approximately 45 minutes to an hour.

The journey to Knoxville, a major regional healthcare hub, involves a longer commute. Residents would typically travel via I-40 West, a major interstate highway. This drive, covering approximately 60 to 90 miles, can take anywhere from 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic and the specific location of the healthcare facility within Knoxville. Understanding these drive times is crucial for residents, particularly those with chronic conditions or requiring frequent medical attention.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in 37753 are extremely limited. The absence of a robust public transit system significantly impacts healthcare access for individuals without personal vehicles, including seniors, people with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources. This scarcity necessitates reliance on other modes of transportation, potentially increasing the burden on residents.

There are no fixed-route bus services or other forms of public transportation that directly serve Hartford or connect it to healthcare facilities in neighboring towns. This lack of public transportation presents a significant barrier to healthcare access for many residents. The absence of a reliable public transit system necessitates reliance on other modes of transportation, potentially increasing the burden on residents, especially those with limited financial resources or mobility challenges.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, offering an alternative transportation option. However, their availability and affordability can be inconsistent, particularly in rural areas. The cost of ride-sharing services can be a significant barrier for some residents, especially for longer trips to healthcare facilities in Knoxville.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for individuals requiring assistance with medical appointments, offer a valuable resource. Companies like Medical Transport Services and others, provide non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services can be particularly helpful for individuals with mobility limitations or those who cannot drive themselves. However, availability and cost can vary, and advance booking is often required.

**ADA Accessibility: A Critical Consideration**

Ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities is paramount in evaluating healthcare access. The availability of accessible transportation options, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and public transit, is crucial. While ride-sharing services may offer accessible options, their availability is not guaranteed. Medical transportation services often provide accessible vehicles, but their cost and availability must be considered.

The lack of robust public transit and the reliance on personal vehicles highlight the importance of accessible infrastructure in healthcare facilities. Ensuring that healthcare providers offer accessible entrances, examination rooms, and restrooms is essential for promoting equitable healthcare access. This is a crucial element when considering moving to Hartford.

**Overall Health Score and Recommendations**

The "Overall Health Score" for commuting to healthcare in 37753 reflects a moderate level of accessibility, with significant challenges. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with limited public transit options, presents barriers for some residents. While ride-sharing and medical transportation services offer alternatives, their availability and affordability are not guaranteed.

**Recommendations:**

* **Enhance Public Transit:** Advocate for the expansion of public transportation options, including fixed-route bus services or demand-response transportation, to connect Hartford with healthcare facilities in surrounding areas.
* **Promote Ride-Sharing:** Encourage the availability and affordability of ride-sharing services, potentially through subsidies or partnerships with local healthcare providers.
* **Support Medical Transportation:** Facilitate access to medical transportation services by providing information, resources, and potential financial assistance.
* **Improve Infrastructure:** Advocate for improvements to the road network, including traffic management strategies to reduce congestion and improve drive times.
* **Accessibility Focus:** Ensure that all healthcare facilities in the area meet ADA accessibility standards, providing accessible entrances, examination rooms, and restrooms.

For those considering moving to Hartford, a careful assessment of transportation needs and healthcare access is essential. While the area offers a rural charm, the challenges associated with healthcare access should be carefully considered. The "Overall Health Score" highlights the importance of planning for transportation needs and understanding the available resources to ensure timely and appropriate medical care. The score underscores the need for ongoing efforts to improve healthcare access for all residents of 37753.