42167, Tompkinsville, Kentucky Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 42167, Tompkinsville, Kentucky is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

66.19 percent of residents in 42167 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.59 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Monroe County Medical Center with a distance of 1.31 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare in Tompkinsville (ZIP Code 42167)

Tompkinsville, Kentucky, nestled in the heart of Monroe County, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities when considering healthcare access, particularly for individuals managing asthma. This write-up provides an "Asthma Score" assessment, examining transportation options and their impact on healthcare accessibility for residents, especially those contemplating moving to this rural community. The score reflects the ease with which a person with asthma can reach medical appointments, pharmacies, and emergency services, considering the limitations imposed by their condition.

The primary hurdle in Tompkinsville is its geographical isolation. The nearest major medical centers are in Bowling Green, approximately 60 miles northwest, and Glasgow, about 30 miles southwest. This distance significantly impacts the Asthma Score, as it dictates travel times and the availability of transportation options. The score considers the reliability and convenience of these options, which are crucial for individuals with asthma who require timely access to care.

Driving remains the dominant mode of transportation in Tompkinsville. The most direct route to Bowling Green involves taking **Highway 100** west, then merging onto **Interstate 65** north. This journey typically takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes, assuming normal traffic conditions. The route to Glasgow utilizes **Highway 100** south, connecting to **Highway 90** west. This trip usually takes about 45 minutes. These drive times, while manageable for some, can be problematic for individuals experiencing an asthma exacerbation. The stress of driving, coupled with potential traffic delays, can worsen symptoms and delay access to critical medical attention.

Public transportation options are severely limited. Monroe County does not have a dedicated public bus system. The lack of public transit significantly lowers the Asthma Score, as it eliminates an accessible and affordable option for individuals who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle. This deficiency is a significant barrier to healthcare access, particularly for those with limited mobility or financial constraints.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, operate in the area, but their availability is sporadic and often unreliable. The rural nature of Tompkinsville means that drivers are less readily available, leading to longer wait times and potentially higher fares. This unreliability further diminishes the Asthma Score, as individuals with asthma need dependable transportation to ensure timely medical care.

Medical transportation services, like ambulance services, are available but primarily for emergencies. While essential for acute asthma attacks, they are not a practical solution for routine appointments or medication refills. Furthermore, ambulance services are costly, and the financial burden can be significant for individuals with limited incomes. The reliance on emergency services for non-emergency situations is also not ideal, potentially straining resources and delaying care for others.

The Asthma Score also considers the proximity of pharmacies. Tompkinsville has a local pharmacy, which is a positive factor. However, the availability of specialized asthma medications and equipment might be limited compared to larger pharmacies in Bowling Green or Glasgow. This necessitates additional travel, further impacting the Asthma Score.

Healthcare access is also influenced by the availability of specialized asthma care. While Tompkinsville has primary care physicians, access to pulmonologists or allergists, specialists in asthma management, requires travel to Bowling Green or Glasgow. This further complicates healthcare access, as it adds travel time and potential delays in receiving specialized care.

The impact of weather conditions must also be considered. Tompkinsville experiences all four seasons, with potential for severe weather events like snowstorms and ice. These conditions can make driving hazardous, increasing travel times and potentially preventing individuals from reaching medical appointments. The lack of alternative transportation options exacerbates this vulnerability, further lowering the Asthma Score.

The availability of ADA-accessible transportation is another critical factor. While ride-sharing services may offer ADA-compliant vehicles, their availability is not guaranteed. The absence of a public transit system with ADA-compliant features significantly limits healthcare access for individuals with disabilities, lowering the Asthma Score.

The Asthma Score for Tompkinsville, Kentucky (ZIP Code 42167) is relatively low. The geographical isolation, limited public transportation, unreliable ride-sharing services, and dependence on personal vehicles create significant challenges for individuals with asthma. The long drive times to specialized care, coupled with the potential for weather-related disruptions, further compound these difficulties.

For individuals with asthma considering moving to Tompkinsville, careful planning and assessment of transportation needs are essential. The ability to drive or having access to a reliable driver is crucial. Understanding the limitations of available transportation options and planning for potential delays is vital.

The community could improve the Asthma Score by advocating for improved public transportation options, including routes to Bowling Green and Glasgow. Partnering with ride-sharing services to ensure greater availability and reliability would also be beneficial. Exploring options for telehealth consultations with specialists could further enhance healthcare access.

The healthcare landscape in Tompkinsville presents both challenges and opportunities. While the rural setting offers a sense of community, the limitations in transportation and healthcare access pose significant obstacles for individuals with asthma. A proactive approach to address these challenges is essential to improve the quality of life for residents and make Tompkinsville a more accessible and supportive community for those managing this chronic respiratory condition.