37852, Robbins, Tennessee Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 37852, Robbins, Tennessee is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

47.13 percent of residents in 37852 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 23.91 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Big South Fork Medical Center with a distance of 13.09 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 37852 (Robbins, TN)

The overall health score for ZIP Code 37852, encompassing the town of Robbins, Tennessee, is significantly influenced by the accessibility of healthcare services. This score considers the ease and efficiency with which residents can reach medical facilities, factoring in various modes of transportation and their associated challenges. Understanding the transportation landscape is crucial to assessing healthcare access and its impact on the well-being of those considering moving to Robbins.

The primary mode of transportation for residents of Robbins is undoubtedly the personal vehicle. The area is largely rural, and public transit options are extremely limited. Therefore, the ability to drive and the condition of the roads are paramount. The main thoroughfare serving Robbins is State Route 62, which provides access to surrounding towns and healthcare facilities. Driving times can vary considerably depending on the destination and traffic conditions.

For instance, a trip to the nearest hospital, Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge, located approximately 30 miles away, can take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour or more, primarily via State Route 62 and then Interstate 75. The condition of these roads is generally good, but weather events, particularly during winter months, can significantly impact travel times and safety.

Other healthcare options are available in neighboring towns. The closest clinics and urgent care facilities are located in Huntsville, a shorter drive of about 15 minutes via State Route 62. However, these facilities may have limited services compared to a larger hospital. Residents seeking specialized care or advanced medical procedures will likely need to travel further, potentially to Knoxville, which is about an hour and a half drive via I-75.

Public transportation options within ZIP Code 37852 are virtually nonexistent. There is no established bus service or other forms of public transit to facilitate healthcare access. This lack of public transportation poses a significant challenge for individuals who do not own a vehicle, are unable to drive, or have limited mobility. This is a critical factor to consider when evaluating the overall health score and the challenges faced by those in need of healthcare.

The absence of public transit exacerbates the reliance on personal vehicles, placing a burden on those with financial constraints. Transportation costs, including fuel, vehicle maintenance, and insurance, can be a significant barrier to accessing healthcare for low-income residents. This disparity in healthcare access can lead to delayed care, poorer health outcomes, and increased healthcare costs in the long run.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the broader Knoxville area, but their presence in Robbins is limited. The availability and cost of these services can vary significantly depending on demand and the time of day. Relying on ride-sharing for healthcare appointments can be unreliable and expensive, particularly for routine checkups or follow-up visits.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are another option. Companies like AMR (American Medical Response) and Priority Ambulance operate in the region, offering non-emergency medical transportation. However, these services typically require pre-booking and can be costly, especially for long-distance trips. Furthermore, the availability of these services in Robbins may be limited, requiring residents to coordinate transportation from a wider service area.

The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance of available transportation options is another crucial factor. While ride-sharing services and medical transportation providers are generally expected to offer accessible vehicles, the availability of these vehicles may be limited, requiring advance notice and potentially leading to delays. The lack of public transit with ADA-compliant features further compounds the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities.

The overall health score for ZIP Code 37852 is significantly impacted by the challenges associated with healthcare access. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transportation options, and the potential unreliability and expense of ride-sharing and medical transportation services create barriers to care. These barriers can lead to delayed or missed appointments, reduced access to preventive care, and poorer health outcomes.

Moving to Robbins requires careful consideration of these transportation challenges. Prospective residents should assess their ability to drive or secure reliable transportation to healthcare facilities. Those with mobility limitations or limited financial resources may face significant difficulties in accessing necessary medical care.

Addressing these transportation challenges is crucial to improving the overall health score for ZIP Code 37852. Potential solutions could include exploring the feasibility of establishing a demand-response public transit system, partnering with ride-sharing companies to provide subsidized transportation for healthcare appointments, and expanding the availability of medical transportation services.

Furthermore, promoting telehealth services and expanding the availability of healthcare providers within the community can help reduce the need for long-distance travel. Investing in infrastructure improvements, such as road maintenance and expansion, can also improve the efficiency and safety of travel to healthcare facilities.

In conclusion, the overall health score for ZIP Code 37852 is directly linked to the accessibility of healthcare services, which is heavily influenced by the transportation infrastructure and available options. The current reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit, and the potential limitations of ride-sharing and medical transportation services create significant challenges for residents seeking healthcare. Addressing these transportation barriers through strategic investments, innovative solutions, and community partnerships is essential to improving healthcare access and enhancing the overall health and well-being of those living in Robbins, Tennessee. The transportation landscape is the key to unlocking better healthcare access for those moving to Robbins.