37754, Heiskell, Tennessee Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 37754, Heiskell, Tennessee is 56 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

58.57 percent of residents in 37754 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.94 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Physicians Regional Medical Center with a distance of 4.83 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 37754 (Heiskell, Tennessee)

Assessing the overall health score for residents of Heiskell, Tennessee (ZIP Code 37754) necessitates a deep dive into the availability and accessibility of healthcare services. A crucial element of this assessment is the ease with which residents can *transport* themselves to necessary medical appointments. This write-up will explore the current *transportation* landscape, focusing on drive times, public *transportation* options, and alternative *transportation* methods like ride-sharing and medical *transport* services. The ultimate goal is to provide a comprehensive picture of *healthcare access* for those living in or *moving to Heiskell*.

The geographic location of Heiskell, nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, presents unique challenges to healthcare *access*. While the area boasts natural beauty, its relative isolation from major metropolitan centers impacts the availability and proximity of specialized medical facilities. This means that residents often face longer travel times to receive the care they need.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The primary mode of *transportation* for most Heiskell residents is personal vehicles. The major roadways serving the area are crucial to understanding *healthcare access*. The primary thoroughfare is US-441, a vital artery connecting Heiskell to Knoxville, approximately 20 miles south. This drive, assuming moderate traffic conditions, typically takes between 30 to 45 minutes. During peak hours, however, congestion can significantly extend this commute, particularly near the intersection of US-441 and I-640.

Another important route is Maynardville Highway (TN-61), which provides access to the town of Maynardville, roughly 10 miles north. While this route offers a shorter drive, it also provides limited *healthcare access* options. Residents seeking specialized care or a broader range of medical services will inevitably need to travel towards Knoxville.

Smaller roads, such as Emory Road and Clinton Highway (US-25W), offer alternative routes, but they are often winding and can be subject to weather-related delays, particularly during winter months. These secondary routes also tend to have fewer traffic lights and stop signs, which can sometimes improve drive times, but they can also be more hazardous.

**Public Transportation:**

Public *transportation* options in Heiskell are limited. The Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) system, which serves the greater Knoxville area, does not currently extend its routes into the heart of Heiskell. However, KAT does provide service along US-441, offering a potential, albeit less direct, route to healthcare facilities in Knoxville.

The KAT 11 bus, for instance, travels along US-441, connecting various points in Knoxville. This bus route, however, may require transfers, significantly increasing travel time. The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features on KAT buses, including wheelchair lifts and priority seating, are crucial for ensuring *healthcare access* for individuals with mobility impairments.

Residents relying on public *transportation* must carefully consider the bus schedules, which often operate on limited frequencies, especially during evenings and weekends. This can make scheduling medical appointments challenging and necessitate significant planning to ensure timely arrival and departure.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Knoxville area, and their presence extends to Heiskell. However, the availability of these services can fluctuate, especially during off-peak hours or in areas with limited cell phone coverage. This can pose a challenge for residents who depend on ride-sharing for *transportation* to medical appointments. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier for some, particularly those with fixed incomes.

Medical *transport* services, such as those offered by medical *transport* companies, provide a specialized option for individuals who require assistance with *transportation* due to medical conditions or disabilities. These services often offer door-to-door service and can accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility aids. However, medical *transport* services can be expensive, and their availability may be limited depending on the specific needs of the individual and the availability of providers in the area.

**Healthcare Access Considerations:**

The overall health score for Heiskell residents is significantly impacted by the challenges associated with *transportation* to healthcare. The drive times to Knoxville, the primary hub for medical services, can be substantial, especially during peak traffic. The limited public *transportation* options and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services further complicate *healthcare access*.

Residents *moving to Heiskell* should carefully consider these *transportation* factors when assessing their healthcare needs. Proximity to specialized medical facilities, such as hospitals, specialist clinics, and rehabilitation centers, is a crucial factor in determining the overall health score.

Furthermore, the availability of primary care physicians and urgent care facilities within the immediate vicinity of Heiskell is essential. These facilities provide essential services, such as routine check-ups, vaccinations, and treatment for minor illnesses and injuries. The ability to quickly access these services can significantly improve the overall health score for residents.

**Conclusion:**

In conclusion, the overall health score for residents of Heiskell, Tennessee (ZIP Code 37754) is influenced by a complex interplay of factors. While the area offers a peaceful and scenic environment, the challenges associated with *transportation* to healthcare facilities, particularly in Knoxville, impact *healthcare access*. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public *transportation* options, and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services all contribute to this complexity. Residents *moving to Heiskell* should carefully consider these factors and plan accordingly to ensure they have adequate *healthcare access*. Addressing these *transportation* challenges, whether through improved public *transportation* infrastructure, increased availability of ride-sharing services, or expansion of medical *transport* options, is crucial to improving the overall health score and well-being of the Heiskell community.