37770, Lancing, Tennessee Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 37770, Lancing, Tennessee is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

50.05 percent of residents in 37770 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 22.26 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Roane Medical Center with a distance of 18.11 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 37770

The idyllic community of Lancing, Tennessee, nestled within ZIP Code 37770, presents a unique landscape for assessing overall health. While the area offers a tranquil lifestyle, its relative remoteness significantly impacts healthcare access. This write-up provides an “Overall Health Score” assessment, considering transportation options, healthcare facility proximity, and the challenges faced by residents, particularly those considering moving to Lancing.

Transportation, the lifeblood of healthcare access, is the primary lens through which we evaluate the health score. The score reflects the ease or difficulty residents encounter when seeking medical attention, factoring in travel times, modes of transport, and the availability of specialized services. The higher the score, the better the access; the lower, the more significant the barriers.

Lancing's health score is significantly influenced by its location. The town is primarily served by two-lane roads, with limited public transit and ride-sharing options. The primary thoroughfares are **Highway 62** and **Highway 27**, connecting Lancing to larger towns like Wartburg and Oak Ridge. These highways, while scenic, can become congested during peak hours, extending travel times. Rural roads, while offering a slower pace of life, often lack sidewalks, bike lanes, and adequate lighting, making non-vehicular transportation challenging.

Drive times to healthcare facilities are a critical component of the score. The closest primary care physicians and general medical services are located in Wartburg, approximately a 10- to 20-minute drive depending on traffic. Specialty care, including cardiology, oncology, and advanced diagnostic services, necessitates travel to Oak Ridge or Knoxville, which can range from 45 minutes to over an hour. These extended travel times can be a significant barrier, especially for those with chronic conditions or mobility limitations.

Public transit options are limited in 37770. The local bus service, when available, is infrequent and primarily serves the main routes, often lacking ADA-compliant features on all routes. Riders may encounter limited service hours and infrequent stops, particularly in the more rural areas of the ZIP code. Specific route numbers and schedules are subject to change and require thorough investigation, but in general, the public transportation options are not a reliable solution for those needing regular medical appointments.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available, but their presence is not consistent. Demand is lower in rural areas, and wait times can be unpredictable. This unreliability can be a major concern for urgent medical needs. Medical transport services, such as medical transport brands, offer a more specialized solution, but their cost can be prohibitive for many residents.

The availability of specialized healthcare facilities also impacts the score. While Wartburg offers basic medical services, residents often need to travel to Oak Ridge or Knoxville for specialized care. These cities boast a wider range of hospitals, clinics, and specialists, including the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville and Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge. However, the longer travel distances and potential traffic congestion add to the complexity of healthcare access.

For individuals considering moving to Lancing, these transportation challenges are crucial. Prospective residents should carefully evaluate their healthcare needs and assess the feasibility of accessing those services from their new home. Those with chronic conditions or requiring regular medical appointments may find the extended travel times a significant burden.

The health score also considers the demographics of the population. Lancing, like many rural areas, has a higher proportion of elderly residents, who are more likely to have chronic health conditions and mobility limitations. This demographic factor amplifies the impact of transportation barriers.

The score also takes into account the availability of preventative care services. Regular check-ups, screenings, and vaccinations are essential for maintaining good health. Limited access to these services can lead to delayed diagnoses and poorer health outcomes.

The Overall Health Score for commute to healthcare in ZIP Code 37770 is considered **moderate to low**. The score is negatively impacted by limited public transportation, inconsistent ride-sharing availability, and the necessity of traveling long distances for specialized medical care. While primary care is accessible, the lack of readily available specialized services and the challenges associated with transportation significantly impact the overall health of the community.

The score could be improved through several strategies. Increased investment in public transportation, including more frequent routes and ADA-compliant vehicles, would be beneficial. Incentivizing ride-sharing services to operate more consistently in the area could also improve access. Furthermore, attracting more medical professionals and specialists to the area would reduce the need for long-distance travel.

For prospective residents, thorough research is vital. Investigating the availability of healthcare services, assessing personal transportation needs, and understanding the limitations of public transit are essential steps. Considering the potential impact of transportation on healthcare access is a crucial part of the decision-making process when moving to Lancing.

In conclusion, while Lancing offers a peaceful and desirable lifestyle, its healthcare access is compromised by transportation limitations. The Overall Health Score reflects the challenges faced by residents in accessing medical care, highlighting the need for improvements in transportation infrastructure and healthcare service availability. Addressing these issues is crucial for ensuring the well-being of the community and making Lancing a truly healthy place to live.