38568, Hilham, Tennessee Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 38568, Hilham, Tennessee is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

57.67 percent of residents in 38568 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.53 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Livingston Regional Hospital with a distance of 7.37 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare in Hilham, Tennessee (ZIP Code 38568)

The crisp air of Hilham, Tennessee, nestled in the heart of the Volunteer State, offers a certain charm, but for individuals managing asthma, the reality of healthcare access becomes a critical consideration. This analysis, the "Asthma Score," delves into the intricacies of transportation options available to residents of ZIP Code 38568, evaluating the ease with which they can reach vital healthcare services. The goal is to provide a comprehensive picture, empowering potential residents and current inhabitants alike to make informed decisions regarding their health and well-being, especially considering the challenges of transportation.

The primary challenge in Hilham, and much of rural Tennessee, is the limited public transportation infrastructure. The area's reliance on personal vehicles makes healthcare access heavily dependent on driving. The nearest major healthcare facilities are located in Cookeville, approximately 15-20 miles away, depending on the specific destination. This distance translates to a drive time of around 25-40 minutes, factoring in potential traffic and road conditions.

The primary route to Cookeville from Hilham is via **Highway 111 South**, a major artery connecting the two towns. This highway is generally well-maintained, but can experience congestion during peak hours, especially around the city limits of Cookeville. Another route involves taking **Highway 70 East** towards Cookeville, offering an alternative, though slightly longer, option. The choice of route depends on individual preferences and real-time traffic updates.

The roads within Hilham itself are primarily rural, characterized by two-lane highways and county roads. While generally safe, these roads can be winding and may be subject to weather-related delays, particularly during winter months. This aspect underscores the importance of reliable transportation and the potential for delays in accessing healthcare during inclement weather. For those moving to Hilham, understanding these road conditions is crucial.

Public transit options are severely limited in ZIP Code 38568. Putnam County, where Cookeville is located, does offer some public transportation through the **Putnam County Transit System**. However, the routes and schedules are designed primarily to serve Cookeville and its immediate surroundings. There are no direct public transit routes that originate in Hilham.

This lack of public transportation presents a significant barrier for individuals without access to a personal vehicle, particularly those with limited mobility or financial constraints. The absence of accessible public transit underscores the importance of exploring alternative transportation solutions. While there are no specific ADA-compliant public transit routes originating in Hilham, the Putnam County Transit System does offer ADA-compliant services within Cookeville. However, accessing these services from Hilham would necessitate a ride-sharing service or a personal vehicle to reach the transit hub in Cookeville.

Ride-sharing services, such as **Uber** and **Lyft**, are available in the Cookeville area. However, their availability in Hilham is less consistent. The cost and reliability of these services can vary depending on demand, time of day, and driver availability. Reliance on ride-sharing for regular healthcare appointments could become expensive and potentially unreliable, particularly during off-peak hours or in emergencies.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from healthcare appointments, offer a more specialized solution. Several medical transport companies operate in the region, including **First Response Medical Transportation** and **American Medical Response (AMR)**. These services typically provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. However, medical transportation services are often more expensive than ride-sharing or personal vehicle use, and may require advance booking.

The cost of transportation is a significant factor influencing healthcare access. The expense of fuel, vehicle maintenance, ride-sharing fees, or medical transportation services can strain household budgets, particularly for individuals with chronic conditions like asthma. This financial burden can deter individuals from seeking timely medical care, potentially leading to exacerbations of their condition and increased healthcare costs in the long run.

The impact of transportation limitations on healthcare access is particularly acute for individuals with asthma. Asthma management requires regular check-ups, medication refills, and potential emergency visits. Delays in accessing healthcare can lead to uncontrolled asthma, increased hospitalizations, and a diminished quality of life. The ability to quickly and reliably reach a healthcare provider is crucial for effective asthma management.

For individuals considering moving to Hilham, understanding the transportation landscape is essential. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the potential challenges of ride-sharing services should be carefully considered. Prioritizing proximity to healthcare facilities or ensuring access to reliable transportation are critical factors in ensuring effective asthma management.

The Asthma Score for Hilham, Tennessee, ZIP Code 38568, reflects the challenges associated with healthcare access. The lack of public transit, the reliance on personal vehicles, and the potential cost and unreliability of ride-sharing services all contribute to a less-than-ideal situation for individuals with asthma. While the area offers a peaceful rural environment, the constraints on transportation must be acknowledged and addressed to ensure equitable healthcare access for all residents.

The ideal scenario would involve the expansion of public transportation options, including routes that connect Hilham with Cookeville and other healthcare facilities. Furthermore, exploring partnerships with ride-sharing services to offer subsidized transportation for medical appointments could significantly improve healthcare access. Educating residents about available medical transportation services and providing financial assistance to those in need would also be beneficial.

Ultimately, improving healthcare access in Hilham requires a multifaceted approach that addresses the challenges of transportation, cost, and availability of services. By understanding the limitations and exploring innovative solutions, the community can work towards creating a healthier environment for all residents, especially those managing chronic conditions like asthma. The journey to better healthcare access is a continuous one, requiring the collective effort of individuals, healthcare providers, and community leaders.