37348, Kelso, Tennessee Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 37348, Kelso, Tennessee is 63 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

74.67 percent of residents in 37348 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.37 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Lincoln Medical Center with a distance of 6.80 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Kelso, TN (ZIP Code 37348)

The air hangs heavy in the valleys surrounding Kelso, Tennessee (ZIP Code 37348), a rural community nestled in the heart of the state. For residents managing asthma, the very act of accessing healthcare can be a significant challenge, compounding the difficulties of breathing itself. This "Asthma Score" write-up delves into the transportation landscape of Kelso, evaluating the ease of reaching medical professionals and facilities, a crucial aspect of quality of life for those with respiratory conditions. We will examine drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation providers, providing a comprehensive picture of healthcare access in this area.

The cornerstone of healthcare access in Kelso is, undoubtedly, the automobile. The vast majority of residents rely on personal vehicles for transportation. Driving to medical appointments, therefore, necessitates navigating the roads and highways that connect Kelso to surrounding towns and cities. The primary route for accessing healthcare in the region is via US-64, a major east-west thoroughfare. Traveling east on US-64 leads to Fayetteville, approximately a 20-minute drive. Fayetteville boasts several medical facilities, including Lincoln Medical Center, offering a range of services, including pulmonology.

Venturing west on US-64 provides access to Winchester, a larger town about a 30-minute drive away. Winchester is home to Southern Tennessee Regional Health System – Winchester, a more comprehensive healthcare provider with specialists and advanced diagnostic capabilities. The drive itself is generally straightforward, but traffic can be a factor during peak hours, potentially increasing travel times and exacerbating the stress of those with asthma.

Secondary roads, such as TN-121, TN-10, and local county roads, offer alternative routes, though they are often narrower and less well-maintained. These roads might be useful for shorter trips within the county or for accessing smaller clinics or urgent care facilities, but they are generally not recommended for long-distance travel to specialized medical care. The condition of these roads can be a concern, especially during inclement weather, potentially hindering access to vital healthcare services.

Public transportation options in Kelso are extremely limited, a common reality in rural communities. The absence of robust public transit significantly impacts healthcare access for those who cannot drive, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those without access to a vehicle. There is no established bus system within Kelso itself, and the nearest public transit options are located in larger cities like Fayetteville and Winchester. These services are often infrequent and may not be accessible to those with mobility limitations.

The lack of public transit underscores the importance of ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance for any existing or future services. Accessible buses with ramps or lifts, along with designated seating, are essential to ensure that individuals with disabilities, including those with severe asthma, can utilize public transportation. However, the limited availability of any public transit in the area makes ADA compliance a moot point for the majority of Kelso residents.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the broader region, but their presence in Kelso is variable. Availability can be sporadic, especially during off-peak hours or in the more remote areas surrounding the town. Relying on ride-sharing for healthcare appointments presents challenges. The cost can be prohibitive for some, and the uncertainty of availability can lead to missed appointments or delayed care. The reliability of ride-sharing services is a critical factor for individuals with asthma, who require timely access to medication and medical attention.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more specialized solution. These services often provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel to assist patients. However, the availability of medical transportation in Kelso is limited, and the cost can be a significant barrier. Researching and securing medical transportation requires proactive planning and can be a source of stress for individuals already managing a chronic illness.

For those considering moving to Kelso, the accessibility of healthcare should be a paramount consideration. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the variable availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services present significant challenges for individuals with asthma. Prospective residents should carefully assess their ability to drive or secure reliable transportation before making a move.

The Asthma Score for Kelso, TN (ZIP Code 37348) reflects the complex interplay of transportation, healthcare access, and the specific needs of individuals with asthma. The score is heavily influenced by the reliance on personal vehicles, the lack of public transit, and the limited availability of alternative transportation options. Residents must navigate these challenges to receive the medical care they require.

The drive times to healthcare facilities in Fayetteville and Winchester, though relatively short, are still dependent on reliable transportation. The absence of public transit and the potential limitations of ride-sharing services create a healthcare access barrier. The cost and availability of medical transportation further complicate the situation.

The overall picture reveals a healthcare access landscape that is far from ideal for individuals with asthma. The lack of readily available, affordable, and accessible transportation options necessitates a proactive approach to healthcare planning. Residents must prioritize their transportation needs, explore all available options, and develop contingency plans to ensure they can reach medical appointments and receive the care they deserve. The development of improved public transit options, the expansion of ride-sharing services, and the increased availability of medical transportation would significantly improve healthcare access for those living with asthma in Kelso, TN.