37876, Sevierville, Tennessee Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 37876, Sevierville, Tennessee is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

58.94 percent of residents in 37876 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.20 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Leconte Medical Center with a distance of 2.95 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Sevierville, TN (ZIP Code 37876)

This analysis provides a comprehensive ‘Overall Health Score’ for residents of Sevierville, Tennessee (ZIP Code 37876), focusing on the critical aspect of **healthcare access** through various **transportation** modes. Understanding the ease of reaching medical facilities is paramount to overall well-being, especially for individuals considering **moving to Sevierville**. This evaluation considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing services, and medical transport availability, painting a detailed picture of the accessibility landscape.

The foundation of this assessment hinges on the geographical layout of Sevierville and its surrounding areas. The city is nestled within the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, influencing travel patterns and impacting healthcare accessibility. Primary arteries of **transportation** include US-411, TN-66, and the scenic Parkway, all of which contribute to the flow of traffic within and beyond the ZIP code. The presence of these thoroughfares is a double-edged sword, offering direct routes but also potentially experiencing congestion, particularly during peak tourist seasons, which can significantly affect drive times to medical appointments.

Drive times to healthcare facilities are a crucial factor in determining the overall health score. The primary hospitals serving the area are located in Sevierville itself and in nearby cities like Knoxville. Accessing facilities within Sevierville, such as LeConte Medical Center, generally involves shorter commutes. Depending on the specific location within 37876, travel times can vary from a few minutes to approximately fifteen minutes, primarily utilizing local roads and TN-66.

However, accessing larger medical centers in Knoxville, such as the University of Tennessee Medical Center or Parkwest Hospital, necessitates longer journeys. These trips typically involve traveling on TN-66, merging onto I-40 West, and can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic conditions. The time commitment for these longer commutes can present a significant barrier to **healthcare access**, especially for individuals with chronic conditions or those requiring frequent medical attention.

Public **transportation** options within Sevierville are limited, posing a challenge for those without personal vehicles. The Sevier County Public Transit system provides some bus routes within the county, but these services are not extensive and may not directly serve all medical facilities. Furthermore, the frequency of these routes can be infrequent, and the routes themselves may not be direct, increasing travel times.

The availability of ADA-accessible features on these buses is crucial for individuals with disabilities. The Sevier County Public Transit system strives to provide accessible services, but the limited reach of the routes and the potential for extended travel times still pose challenges. For individuals considering **moving to Sevierville**, understanding the constraints of public **transportation** is essential.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Sevierville, offering an alternative **transportation** solution. However, the availability and cost of these services can fluctuate, particularly during peak demand periods or in areas with limited coverage. The cost of frequent rides to medical appointments can also be a significant financial burden, potentially impacting an individual’s ability to seek necessary care.

Medical **transportation** services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), play a vital role in ensuring **healthcare access** for those with mobility limitations or medical needs. Several providers operate in the Sevierville area, including Rural/Metro Ambulance Service and AMR (American Medical Response). These services are essential for emergency situations and for transporting patients to and from medical appointments.

NEMT services, such as those offered by local providers, cater to individuals who require assistance with **transportation** but do not need an ambulance. These services can be particularly beneficial for those with disabilities or chronic conditions. However, the availability of NEMT services can vary, and scheduling appointments in advance is often necessary.

The overall health score for **healthcare access** in Sevierville, TN (ZIP Code 37876) is moderate. While the presence of local medical facilities provides reasonable access for some residents, the reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public **transportation** options, and the potential for longer commutes to larger medical centers in Knoxville create challenges.

Individuals considering **moving to Sevierville** should carefully evaluate their **transportation** needs and their reliance on medical care. The availability of ride-sharing services and medical **transportation** options provides some solutions, but these services come with associated costs and potential limitations. The overall health score is also influenced by the seasonal influx of tourists, which can exacerbate traffic congestion and increase travel times, further impacting **healthcare access**.

The assessment also considers the demographics of the area. Sevierville has a growing population, including a significant number of retirees. This demographic often requires more frequent medical care, making **transportation** to healthcare facilities even more critical. The availability of accessible **transportation** options and the affordability of medical services are crucial factors for this segment of the population.

The score is further impacted by the physical geography of the area. The mountainous terrain can make navigating certain roads challenging, particularly during inclement weather. This can affect drive times and potentially limit the accessibility of certain medical facilities. The location of medical facilities relative to residential areas is also a factor.

Ultimately, the ‘Overall Health Score’ for **healthcare access** in Sevierville, TN (ZIP Code 37876) reflects a mixed picture. While the city offers some local medical resources and access to ride-sharing services, the limitations of public **transportation**, the potential for longer commutes, and the fluctuating availability of services create challenges. Prospective residents, especially those with pre-existing medical conditions or those considering **moving to Sevierville** to retire, should carefully assess their **transportation** needs and ensure they have reliable access to medical care. This assessment provides a starting point for understanding the complexities of **healthcare access** in this vibrant and growing community.