37922, Knoxville, Tennessee Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 37922, Knoxville, Tennessee is 77 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

76.18 percent of residents in 37922 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 7.60 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Parkwest Medical Center with a distance of 3.03 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 37922

This analysis provides an overall health score for residents of ZIP code 37922, focusing on their access to healthcare, particularly concerning the ease and efficiency of transportation. Understanding the transportation landscape is crucial for residents seeking medical attention, influencing their ability to receive timely and appropriate care. This evaluation considers various modes of transportation, from personal vehicles to public transit and ride-sharing services, to paint a comprehensive picture of healthcare access in this Knoxville area.

The health score will be determined by assessing the drive times to various healthcare facilities, the availability and accessibility of public transportation, the presence of ride-sharing options, and the availability of medical transport services. Each category will be weighted based on its impact on healthcare access, providing a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by residents. The ultimate goal is to provide valuable insights for current residents and those considering moving to Knoxville, specifically within this ZIP code.

**Driving to Healthcare: Navigating the Roads**

For many residents of 37922, the primary mode of transportation to healthcare facilities is the personal vehicle. The efficiency of this mode hinges on the road network and the prevailing traffic conditions. Residents can access healthcare facilities via several key routes, including the I-640, a crucial artery connecting the area to hospitals and clinics. The drive time to the University of Tennessee Medical Center, a major healthcare provider, can vary significantly depending on traffic. Typically, a drive during off-peak hours might take 15-20 minutes, while during rush hour, this could easily double, impacting the overall health score.

Other important routes include Kingston Pike, a major thoroughfare with numerous medical offices and clinics. This road offers relatively easy access to various healthcare providers, although traffic congestion can still be a factor, especially near commercial areas. The drive time to facilities along Kingston Pike is generally shorter than to those further afield, contributing positively to the health score.

Additionally, residents may utilize major roads like Northshore Drive and Middlebrook Pike to reach healthcare facilities. These routes offer alternative access points, potentially reducing drive times depending on the specific location of the healthcare provider and the origin point within the ZIP code. Careful consideration of these routes and their traffic patterns is essential for residents planning medical appointments.

**Public Transit: A Mixed Bag**

The availability and accessibility of public transportation significantly impact healthcare access, especially for those without personal vehicles. The Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) provides bus service within 37922, offering routes that connect to various healthcare facilities. However, the frequency and coverage of these routes are critical factors.

The primary routes serving the area include the 11 (Kingston Pike), the 22 (Northshore), and the 23 (Middlebrook). While these routes provide access to some healthcare facilities, their frequency may not be ideal for urgent medical needs. Waiting times between buses can be a significant barrier, particularly for individuals with mobility issues or those requiring timely medical attention.

KAT strives to enhance accessibility by providing ADA-compliant buses, equipped with ramps and other features to accommodate individuals with disabilities. This is a crucial element in ensuring that public transit is a viable option for a broader segment of the population. However, the overall impact on the health score is limited by the route coverage and frequency.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative transportation option, particularly for those who cannot drive or do not have access to public transit. The availability of these services in 37922 is generally good, providing a convenient way to reach healthcare facilities. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a significant barrier for some residents, particularly those with limited incomes.

Medical transport services, such as AMR (American Medical Response) and Medic One, are available for individuals requiring specialized transportation due to medical conditions. These services provide non-emergency and emergency transportation, ensuring that individuals with mobility limitations or other medical needs can access healthcare. While these services are essential, their cost can be a concern for some.

**Health Score and Recommendations**

Based on the analysis, the overall health score for healthcare access in 37922 is moderate. While residents have access to various transportation options, each presents its own challenges. Driving times can be impacted by traffic congestion, public transit coverage and frequency are limited, and ride-sharing and medical transport services can be expensive.

To improve the health score, several recommendations can be considered. Investing in public transit infrastructure, including increasing route frequency and expanding coverage, is crucial. This would improve healthcare access for a broader segment of the population. Encouraging the use of ride-sharing services through subsidies or partnerships with healthcare providers could also improve access.

Furthermore, promoting awareness of medical transport services and exploring options for reducing their cost would be beneficial. Improving traffic flow on major roads, such as I-640 and Kingston Pike, would also reduce drive times and enhance healthcare access.

**Conclusion: A Focus on Improvement**

The health score for 37922 reflects the complex interplay of transportation and healthcare access. While residents have options, challenges remain. By addressing these challenges through strategic investments in public transit, promoting ride-sharing, and exploring cost-effective medical transport solutions, the overall health score can be improved. This will not only benefit current residents but also make the area more attractive for those considering moving to Knoxville, ensuring that healthcare access is a priority for all. Ultimately, a robust and accessible transportation system is essential for fostering a healthy community.