37806, Mascot, Tennessee Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 37806, Mascot, Tennessee is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

53.98 percent of residents in 37806 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.23 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Tennova Healthcare-Jefferson Memorial Hospital with a distance of 12.84 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Mascot, TN (ZIP Code 37806)

Mascot, Tennessee, nestled in the heart of Knox County, offers a blend of rural charm and proximity to the bustling city of Knoxville. When considering a move to Mascot, prospective residents often prioritize factors like affordability, community, and, crucially, access to healthcare. This report provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of healthcare accessibility within ZIP Code 37806, focusing on the challenges and opportunities related to transportation.

The "Overall Health Score" is a composite measure, reflecting the ease with which residents can reach essential medical services. It considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and specialized medical transportation services. This score is not a static number but rather a dynamic evaluation, recognizing that individual needs and circumstances significantly impact healthcare access. For instance, someone with a chronic condition requiring frequent appointments will have a different experience than someone seeking occasional preventative care.

**Drive Times and Road Network:**

The primary mode of transportation in Mascot, as with much of East Tennessee, is the personal vehicle. The road network, while generally well-maintained, presents certain challenges. Accessing healthcare facilities often involves navigating a combination of local roads and major highways.

Residents of Mascot typically rely on Rutledge Pike (Highway 11W) and the Interstate 40 (I-40) to access healthcare facilities. The drive time to the University of Tennessee Medical Center, a major regional hospital, is approximately 15-25 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Traffic congestion is a common issue, particularly during peak hours, potentially extending travel times.

Other healthcare facilities, such as East Tennessee Children's Hospital and various specialist clinics, are located throughout Knoxville and the surrounding areas. The drive times to these locations can vary significantly, ranging from 10 to 45 minutes, depending on the destination and traffic. The presence of the Interstate 75 (I-75) and the Interstate 640 (I-640) provides additional routes, but also contributes to the complexity of traffic patterns.

The condition of local roads, such as Mascot Road and Millertown Pike, can also impact travel times, especially during inclement weather. While the county actively maintains these roads, residents should be prepared for potential delays due to potholes, construction, or seasonal hazards.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public transportation options in Mascot are primarily provided by the Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) system. However, the availability of public transit within ZIP Code 37806 is limited. The primary routes serving the area are Route 11 (Rutledge Pike) and Route 12 (Strawberry Plains).

These routes offer infrequent service, particularly on weekends and evenings. The schedules are often not aligned with the typical operating hours of healthcare facilities, potentially creating difficulties for patients needing appointments outside of standard business hours.

Furthermore, the KAT system is committed to ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance, ensuring that all buses are accessible to individuals with disabilities. However, the limited route coverage and infrequent service can still pose challenges for those with mobility limitations. The lack of readily available information about real-time bus locations and potential delays further complicates the use of public transit for healthcare appointments.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Mascot and can provide an alternative to personal vehicles or public transit. However, the availability of these services can vary depending on the time of day and demand. During peak hours or in areas with limited service, waiting times can be significant.

The cost of ride-sharing can also be a factor, particularly for frequent appointments or longer distances. The cost of ride-sharing to healthcare facilities is often higher than the cost of public transit, making it less accessible for low-income residents.

Specialized medical transportation services are available in the Knoxville area. These services cater to individuals with specific needs, such as wheelchair accessibility or medical supervision during transport. Companies like AMR (American Medical Response) and Priority Ambulance offer non-emergency medical transportation.

These services can be invaluable for individuals who are unable to drive or use public transit. However, they often require advance booking and can be expensive, depending on the level of care required. The availability of these services can also be limited, particularly during peak demand.

**Overall Health Score and Considerations for Moving to Mascot:**

The "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in Mascot, TN (ZIP Code 37806) is moderate. While the proximity to Knoxville offers access to a wide range of healthcare facilities, transportation limitations pose significant challenges. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with the limited availability of public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transportation, creates potential barriers for residents, particularly those with mobility limitations, limited financial resources, or those who do not drive.

When considering moving to Mascot, prospective residents should carefully assess their individual healthcare needs and transportation requirements. Those who rely on frequent medical appointments or have mobility limitations should consider the potential challenges of accessing healthcare facilities.

The availability of ride-sharing services and specialized medical transportation can provide viable alternatives, but these options often come with increased costs and potential delays. The limited public transit options make it less convenient for residents who do not own a car.

Future improvements in public transit, such as increased route frequency and expanded coverage, would significantly enhance healthcare access for Mascot residents. The development of more affordable and accessible ride-sharing options would also be beneficial.

In conclusion, while Mascot offers a desirable quality of life, prospective residents should carefully evaluate the transportation aspects of healthcare access. The "Overall Health Score" reflects a need for proactive planning and consideration of the available transportation options to ensure seamless access to necessary medical services. The ability to navigate the highways and roads, while understanding the limitations of public transit and the availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation, is crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle in Mascot.