42782, Summersville, Kentucky Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 42782, Summersville, Kentucky is 25 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

21.72 percent of residents in 42782 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.24 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Jane Todd Crawford Hospital with a distance of 9.09 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare in Summersville (ZIP Code 42782)

Relocating to Summersville, Kentucky, in ZIP code 42782, presents a unique set of considerations, especially for individuals managing asthma. The quality of life in this rural community is often praised, but ensuring consistent and reliable healthcare access, particularly for respiratory conditions, is paramount. This write-up, acting as an "Asthma Score" assessment, delves into the intricacies of transportation options available to residents seeking medical attention, providing a comprehensive overview for those considering a move or already residing within the area. We'll examine drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport to paint a clear picture of healthcare accessibility.

The cornerstone of navigating Summersville is the personal vehicle. Driving remains the most prevalent method of transportation for healthcare appointments. Residents primarily utilize **Kentucky Route 55** and **Kentucky Route 289** to access healthcare facilities. These state highways, while generally well-maintained, can experience delays due to seasonal weather conditions, particularly during winter months. The drive to the nearest primary care physician in Summersville typically takes around 5-10 minutes, offering relatively quick access for routine check-ups. However, specialized care often necessitates travel to larger towns like Campbellsville or Elizabethtown, extending drive times significantly.

For instance, a trip to the Taylor Regional Hospital in Campbellsville, a facility offering a broader range of services, including pulmonology, can take approximately 30-45 minutes via **Kentucky Route 55**. This route is generally straightforward but can experience increased traffic during peak hours, especially on weekdays. Similarly, accessing hospitals and specialists in Elizabethtown, potentially offering advanced asthma treatment options, involves a drive of about 1 hour and 15 minutes via **Kentucky Route 61** and **Bluegrass Parkway**. This longer journey necessitates careful planning and consideration of potential traffic congestion, impacting the overall "Asthma Score" due to the added stress and time commitment.

Public transportation options in Summersville are limited, which significantly impacts healthcare access. There is no established public bus system operating within the town itself. This lack of public transit presents a considerable challenge for individuals who do not own a vehicle, those with mobility limitations, or those who cannot drive due to their asthma symptoms. The absence of readily available public transportation contributes negatively to the "Asthma Score" by creating barriers to healthcare access.

While Summersville lacks a dedicated public bus system, the possibility of regional transportation services exists. The Green River Area Development District (GRADD) may offer limited transportation options for seniors and individuals with disabilities within the region, including Summersville. However, these services often require advance booking and may have limited availability, making them unreliable for urgent medical needs. Thoroughly researching GRADD's services and eligibility requirements is crucial for anyone considering relying on public transit for healthcare appointments. The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility of any GRADD services should be meticulously assessed.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the broader region, including Campbellsville and Elizabethtown. However, their availability in Summersville itself is less certain. The rural nature of the area and the lower population density may result in longer wait times or limited driver availability. Relying on ride-sharing for medical appointments necessitates careful planning, including booking rides well in advance and having backup transportation options. This uncertainty negatively affects the "Asthma Score" by adding another layer of complexity and potential delay to healthcare access.

Medical transport services are another critical component of healthcare access, particularly for individuals with severe asthma or those requiring ambulance services. Summersville is served by local emergency medical services (EMS) that can provide transport to the nearest hospitals. However, the response time and the availability of specialized medical transport, such as ambulances equipped with advanced respiratory support equipment, should be considered. Researching the local EMS provider and understanding their capabilities and response times is vital for individuals with asthma.

Additionally, private medical transport services may be available for non-emergency appointments. These services, often provided by companies specializing in patient transportation, can offer door-to-door service and may be equipped to handle patients with respiratory conditions. However, these services typically come with a cost, and their availability in Summersville should be verified. Companies like AMR or other regional providers should be researched for service availability and pricing.

The "Asthma Score" for Summersville, based on the analysis of transportation options, reveals a mixed picture. While the town offers relatively quick access to primary care through personal vehicles, the lack of public transportation and the reliance on longer drives to specialized care facilities in Campbellsville or Elizabethtown pose significant challenges. The potential unreliability of ride-sharing services and the need to rely on medical transport for emergencies further complicate healthcare access.

For individuals with asthma considering moving to Summersville, a careful evaluation of their transportation needs and the availability of healthcare services is crucial. Prioritizing proximity to healthcare providers, ensuring access to a reliable vehicle, and exploring potential backup transportation options, such as medical transport services, are essential steps. Thoroughly researching the local EMS provider and understanding their capabilities is also vital.

Ultimately, the "Asthma Score" for Summersville highlights the importance of proactive planning and preparedness for managing asthma in a rural environment. While the community offers a peaceful lifestyle, securing reliable transportation for healthcare appointments is critical for maintaining good health and quality of life. Understanding the limitations of transportation options and proactively addressing them is key to successful healthcare access in Summersville. The decision to move to Summersville should be carefully weighed against the transportation considerations, particularly the challenges related to healthcare access, to ensure a positive experience for those managing asthma.