37861, Rutledge, Tennessee Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 37861, Rutledge, Tennessee is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

46.22 percent of residents in 37861 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.12 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Tennova Healthcare-Jefferson Memorial Hospital with a distance of 10.77 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 37861

Considering a move to Rutledge, Tennessee, and specifically ZIP code 37861? This assessment provides an “Overall Health Score” based on the accessibility of healthcare within the area. The score considers the ease of transportation to medical facilities, encompassing drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing availability. Understanding these factors is crucial for ensuring consistent healthcare access, a vital component of overall well-being.

The geographic location of 37861, nestled within Grainger County, presents a unique challenge. While offering a tranquil, rural lifestyle, the area's healthcare access relies heavily on transportation. The primary consideration becomes the time and effort required to reach medical services. This analysis will delve into the realities of navigating the roads, exploring the limited public transit, and examining the availability of alternative transportation options.

**Drive Times and Road Networks:**

The backbone of healthcare access in 37861 is the automobile. The primary routes connecting Rutledge to healthcare facilities are the roadways. Expect longer drive times compared to urban areas. The primary artery is **Highway 11W**, also known as the Andrew Jackson Highway, which serves as the main thoroughfare. Traveling north on 11W offers access to Morristown, a regional hub for medical services.

Expect a drive of approximately 30-45 minutes to reach major hospitals and specialist clinics in Morristown, depending on traffic conditions. **Highway 92**, which intersects with 11W, provides an alternative route, though it is often slower due to its more winding nature and varying speed limits. Smaller roads such as **Flat Hollow Road** and **Poor Valley Road** offer access to local clinics and physician offices, but these routes are often less direct and may be affected by weather conditions.

Another factor is the distance to Knoxville, a larger metropolitan area with a more extensive array of healthcare options. Reaching Knoxville requires traveling on 11W, eventually connecting to **Interstate 81 South**. The drive to Knoxville can range from 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic and the specific location of the healthcare facility. This longer commute necessitates careful planning, especially for urgent medical needs.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public transportation options in 37861 are extremely limited. Grainger County, like many rural areas, lacks a comprehensive public transit system. This severely restricts healthcare access for those without personal vehicles or who are unable to drive. The absence of readily available public transit is a significant barrier to healthcare access, particularly for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources.

While there may be occasional demand-response services or shuttle programs operated by local organizations, these are often limited in scope, frequency, and accessibility. Information regarding these services is often difficult to obtain, and their availability may vary. The lack of a robust public transit system necessitates a heavy reliance on personal vehicles or alternative transportation solutions.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft have a presence in the area, but their availability is not guaranteed. The limited population density and geographic spread of 37861 can make it difficult to secure a ride, especially during off-peak hours or in emergencies. While these services offer a potential alternative to driving, their reliability and cost are significant considerations.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are a more specialized option. Companies like **MedTrans Corporation** and **American Medical Response (AMR)** may operate in the region, offering non-emergency medical transportation. These services often require pre-booking and can be costly. Understanding the specific insurance coverage and associated costs is essential.

**ADA Accessibility:**

For individuals with disabilities, the accessibility of transportation options is paramount. Public transit, when available, should adhere to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, ensuring that buses and other vehicles are equipped with ramps, lifts, and other features to accommodate individuals with mobility impairments. However, the limited public transit options in 37861 make this a moot point.

Ride-sharing services are required to offer accessible vehicles upon request, but availability may be limited. Medical transportation services often have accessible vehicles, but again, pre-booking is essential. The lack of readily available accessible transportation poses a significant challenge for individuals with disabilities seeking healthcare access.

**Overall Health Score Assessment:**

The "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in 37861 is **moderate to low**. The area's reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with the limited public transit options and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services, creates significant barriers. The drive times to medical facilities, especially to larger hospitals and specialist clinics, can be substantial, adding to the stress and inconvenience of seeking healthcare.

The absence of a robust public transit system disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources. While ride-sharing and medical transportation services offer potential solutions, their availability, cost, and reliability are significant considerations.

**Recommendations:**

For individuals considering a move to Rutledge, Tennessee, and prioritizing healthcare access, several factors should be carefully evaluated. Assess your transportation needs and capabilities. If you do not have a reliable vehicle, the challenges of healthcare access in 37861 are greatly amplified. Research the availability and cost of medical transportation services in the area.

Explore the specific healthcare needs and the proximity of relevant medical facilities. Consider the potential impact of weather conditions and traffic congestion on commute times. Investigate the availability of telehealth services, which can provide remote access to medical care.

Finally, if you are moving to Rutledge, actively advocate for improved public transit options and increased access to medical transportation services. Supporting local initiatives that address healthcare access challenges can contribute to a healthier community. The overall health score for 37861 is not an insurmountable obstacle, but it demands careful planning and proactive engagement to ensure consistent and convenient healthcare access.