37762, Jellico, Tennessee Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 37762, Jellico, Tennessee is 25 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

55.60 percent of residents in 37762 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.95 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Lafollette Medical Center with a distance of 13.13 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Navigating Healthcare in Jellico, TN (ZIP Code 37762)

The health of a community is intrinsically linked to its ability to access healthcare. In Jellico, Tennessee (ZIP Code 37762), a rural community nestled in the Cumberland Mountains, this access is shaped by a complex interplay of geography, transportation infrastructure, and available resources. This write-up provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, considering the critical factors influencing healthcare access, particularly focusing on transportation options. If you are **moving to Jellico**, this information is vital.

The primary challenge for residents of 37762 is the limited availability of healthcare providers within the immediate vicinity. This necessitates travel for most medical appointments, significantly impacting the overall health score. The score is therefore heavily influenced by the efficiency and availability of **transportation** options.

**Drive Times and Road Infrastructure:**

The most common mode of transportation for healthcare appointments in Jellico is personal vehicles. The primary roadways serving the area are US-25W (North Main Street in Jellico), I-75, and TN-63. Traveling north on US-25W leads to Williamsburg, KY, and further north to Lexington, KY. Heading south on US-25W, one can reach Knoxville, TN. I-75 provides a faster route south to Knoxville and north to Lexington, KY. TN-63 connects Jellico to LaFollette, TN, and offers a more direct route to medical facilities in that area.

Drive times to healthcare facilities vary significantly depending on the destination and traffic conditions. The closest medical facilities, including primary care clinics and urgent care centers, are typically located in Jellico itself, potentially requiring only a short drive. However, specialized care, such as cardiology, oncology, or advanced surgical procedures, often necessitates travel to Knoxville or Lexington.

A trip to Knoxville, a major healthcare hub, can take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours via I-75, depending on traffic. Travel to Lexington, KY, is a longer journey, taking around 2.5 to 3 hours via I-75. The condition of the roads, particularly during inclement weather, can also affect travel times and safety. Snow and ice, common during winter months, can make travel treacherous, potentially delaying or canceling appointments.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public transit options in Jellico are severely limited. There is no established local bus system within the town. The nearest public transit options are typically found in Knoxville or Lexington, which are not practical for daily healthcare needs. This lack of public **transportation** significantly disadvantages residents without personal vehicles, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources.

The absence of a robust public transit system further exacerbates the challenges of **healthcare access** in this rural area. Without reliable and affordable public transit, residents are forced to rely on less convenient and potentially more expensive alternatives, such as ride-sharing services or medical transport.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their presence is not consistent. Availability can be limited, particularly during off-peak hours or in more remote areas. This unreliability presents a significant obstacle for those needing immediate or scheduled medical attention. Furthermore, the cost of ride-sharing can be prohibitive for some residents, especially for frequent appointments.

Medical transport services are available, offering specialized transportation for individuals with medical needs. Companies like AMR (American Medical Response) and local ambulance services provide non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) to and from medical appointments. These services are often more expensive than ride-sharing and may require advance booking. The availability of medical transport can also be limited, particularly during peak hours or in emergencies.

**ADA Accessibility:**

While specific details on ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features within individual facilities are not readily available, it is crucial to note that all healthcare facilities are required to comply with ADA standards. This includes providing accessible parking, ramps, elevators, and accessible examination rooms. However, the accessibility of **transportation** options to reach these facilities remains a significant challenge for individuals with disabilities. The lack of accessible public transit and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services further compound these difficulties.

**Overall Health Score and Recommendations:**

The "Overall Health Score" for residents of Jellico, TN (37762) is negatively impacted by the limited **healthcare access**. The reliance on personal vehicles, the lack of public transit, and the potential unreliability and cost of ride-sharing and medical transport services all contribute to this lower score. The long drive times to specialized medical facilities in Knoxville and Lexington further diminish the score.

The most significant factors contributing to a lower score are the limited **transportation** options and the resulting challenges in accessing healthcare. The lack of readily available and affordable **transportation** options significantly impacts the ability of residents to receive timely and appropriate medical care.

To improve the "Overall Health Score" and enhance **healthcare access** in Jellico, several interventions are recommended:

* **Advocate for Increased Public Transit:** Lobbying for the establishment of a local bus system or the expansion of existing regional transit options would significantly improve access for residents without personal vehicles. This could include routes to Knoxville, LaFollette, and other healthcare hubs.
* **Promote Ride-Sharing Partnerships:** Facilitating partnerships between healthcare providers and ride-sharing services could offer discounted or subsidized transportation for patients.
* **Expand Medical Transport Services:** Encouraging the growth of medical transport services, including non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), would provide more reliable and accessible options for individuals with medical needs.
* **Telehealth Initiatives:** Promoting the use of telehealth services, such as virtual doctor's appointments and remote monitoring, could reduce the need for travel and improve access to care, especially for those with mobility limitations.
* **Community Education:** Providing educational resources about available **transportation** options, financial assistance programs, and patient navigation services would empower residents to navigate the healthcare system effectively.

The overall health of the community in Jellico is directly linked to its ability to access healthcare. Addressing the challenges of **transportation** is paramount to improving the "Overall Health Score" and ensuring that all residents, especially those **moving to Jellico**, can receive the care they need. Investing in improved **transportation** infrastructure and services is an investment in the health and well-being of the community.