37853, Rockford, Tennessee Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 37853, Rockford, Tennessee is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

77.35 percent of residents in 37853 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 7.19 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Blount Memorial Hospital with a distance of 5.68 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 37853 (Rockford, TN)

Navigating the landscape of healthcare access is a critical consideration for anyone contemplating a move, especially when choosing a new community. This comprehensive assessment of ZIP Code 37853, Rockford, Tennessee, focuses on the crucial element of transportation and its impact on healthcare access. We'll delve into drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing availability to paint a clear picture of the ease or difficulty residents face when seeking medical care. This analysis will inform your decision-making process if you're considering moving to Rockford, ensuring you have a realistic understanding of the transportation challenges and opportunities.

Rockford, nestled in Blount County, offers a blend of rural charm and proximity to the amenities of Knoxville. Its location, however, presents unique challenges when it comes to healthcare access. The primary factor influencing healthcare access is the availability of transportation, which directly impacts the ability to reach medical facilities. This analysis considers the various transportation methods available to residents, providing an overall health score based on accessibility.

**Drive Times: The Backbone of Healthcare Access**

The primary mode of transportation in Rockford is, undoubtedly, the personal vehicle. Drive times to healthcare facilities are significantly influenced by the road network. The major thoroughfare serving Rockford is US-129, also known as Alcoa Highway. This highway provides a direct route towards Knoxville, where the majority of specialized medical services are concentrated.

Driving to the nearest urgent care facilities, such as those in Alcoa or Maryville, typically takes between 10 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. These facilities provide immediate care for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. However, for more specialized care, residents must often travel further.

For instance, the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, a major regional hospital offering a wide range of services, is approximately a 30 to 45-minute drive via US-129 and I-140. This drive time can be considerably longer during peak traffic hours, potentially impacting the timeliness of care.

Other hospitals, like Blount Memorial Hospital in Maryville, are closer, offering a drive time of approximately 15 to 25 minutes. This proximity provides a crucial advantage for residents needing emergency services or general medical care. The time factor is critical, especially in emergencies.

Overall, drive times in Rockford are manageable for general healthcare needs. However, the reliance on personal vehicles and the potential for increased travel times during peak hours are factors that must be considered.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation in Rockford and Blount County is limited, presenting a significant barrier to healthcare access for those without personal vehicles. The primary public transit provider is the Blount County Public Transit (BCPT). BCPT operates a demand-response system, meaning riders must schedule their trips in advance. This system offers curb-to-curb service, which can be helpful for individuals with mobility limitations.

However, the BCPT’s service area and frequency are limited, particularly for routes directly connecting Rockford to major healthcare facilities in Knoxville. The availability of ADA-accessible vehicles is a positive aspect, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can utilize the service. Nonetheless, the scheduling requirements and limited service hours can create challenges, especially for those needing unscheduled medical appointments or emergency care.

The lack of a robust public transit system significantly reduces healthcare access for individuals who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle. This deficiency is a crucial factor in the overall health score for Rockford.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gap**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Rockford, offering an alternative transportation option. However, the availability and cost of these services can fluctuate, particularly during off-peak hours or in areas with limited demand. Residents may experience longer wait times or higher fares when relying on ride-sharing for healthcare appointments.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance, are also available. These services often provide transportation to and from medical appointments, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. While these services can be invaluable for individuals with mobility limitations, they often come with higher costs compared to other transportation options.

The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services offers some relief to the transportation challenges. However, the cost and potential unreliability of these services limit their overall impact on healthcare access.

**Overall Health Score and Considerations for Moving to Rockford**

Based on the analysis of drive times, public transit, and ride-sharing options, the overall health score for healthcare access in ZIP Code 37853 is moderate. The reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transit options create challenges for some residents.

If you are considering moving to Rockford, it is crucial to carefully assess your transportation needs. Consider the following factors:

* **Personal Vehicle:** The ability to drive or have access to a personal vehicle is essential for accessing healthcare facilities.
* **Proximity to Healthcare:** Evaluate the proximity of your home to hospitals, urgent care facilities, and primary care physicians.
* **Public Transit Limitations:** Be aware of the limited public transit options and the need to schedule trips in advance.
* **Ride-Sharing Costs:** Factor in the potential costs of ride-sharing services and their availability.
* **Medical Transportation:** Consider the availability and cost of medical transportation services if needed.

Rockford offers a pleasant living environment, but its healthcare access is somewhat dependent on personal transportation. The overall health score reflects the need for residents to carefully plan their transportation to healthcare appointments and be prepared for potential challenges. The score is not a reflection of the quality of healthcare provided, but rather the ease with which residents can access it. This information will assist you in making an informed decision about whether moving to Rockford aligns with your healthcare needs.