47515, Bristow, Indiana COPD Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 47515, Bristow, Indiana is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

36.64 percent of residents in 47515 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 21.48 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Perry County Memorial Hospital with a distance of 15.32 miles from the area.

## COPD Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Bristow, Indiana (ZIP Code 47515)

The air hangs heavy in the heart of rural Indiana, a place where the rhythm of life beats slower, and the challenges of healthcare access can feel like a marathon. For individuals managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), the ability to reach medical appointments is not just a convenience; it's a lifeline. This assessment, the "COPD Score," analyzes the transportation landscape within and around ZIP Code 47515 (Bristow, Indiana), evaluating the ease of commuting to healthcare facilities, a critical factor when considering moving to this community.

Our focus is on the practical realities faced by individuals with COPD, considering their potential mobility limitations, the need for frequent appointments, and the urgency of timely medical interventions. The score considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, providing a comprehensive picture of the transportation infrastructure's capacity to support their healthcare needs.

**Drive Times and Road Conditions:**

Bristow, Indiana, is a small community, and the nearest healthcare facilities are primarily located in surrounding towns. The primary route for accessing healthcare often involves navigating the winding roads of rural Spencer County.

The most direct route to Owensboro Health, a primary healthcare provider, requires travel on **Indiana State Road 62** east, then transitioning to the **US-231 South** and then to **US-60 East**. The drive is approximately 30 miles and can take between 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic and weather conditions. The roads are generally well-maintained, but sections of **Indiana State Road 62** are two-lane, which can slow travel, especially during peak hours or inclement weather.

For access to facilities in Jasper, Indiana, the journey typically involves heading north on **Indiana State Road 62** and then taking **Indiana State Road 161**. The distance is about 35 miles, and the drive time is comparable to the Owensboro route, around 45 minutes to an hour. The roads are generally in good condition, but the rural nature of the area means that delays due to farm equipment or other unforeseen circumstances are always a possibility.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public transportation options in ZIP Code 47515 are extremely limited. Spencer County does not have a dedicated public bus system. The closest option for public transit might be in Owensboro, Kentucky, but that requires crossing state lines.

Given the lack of public transit, individuals with COPD in Bristow are heavily reliant on personal vehicles or alternative transportation methods. The absence of reliable public transportation significantly impacts healthcare access, particularly for those who cannot drive or lack access to a personal vehicle. This limitation is a critical factor in the overall COPD Score.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, have limited availability in rural areas like Bristow. While occasional rides may be possible, the frequency and reliability of these services are uncertain, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Relying solely on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments is not a feasible solution.

Medical transport services are a crucial resource for individuals with COPD who cannot drive or lack access to other transportation. Several medical transport companies operate in the region, including **American Medical Response (AMR)** and **TransCare**. These services offer non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles, and can transport patients to and from medical appointments. However, the cost of these services can be a significant financial burden, and the availability of vehicles may be limited, requiring advance booking.

**Healthcare Access and the COPD Score:**

The COPD Score for transportation in ZIP Code 47515 reflects the challenges faced by individuals with COPD in accessing healthcare. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the potential cost and availability issues of ride-sharing and medical transport services contribute to a lower score.

The drive times to healthcare facilities, while manageable, can be challenging for individuals with COPD who may experience shortness of breath or fatigue. The lack of readily available public transportation further exacerbates these challenges, making it difficult for those without personal vehicles to attend medical appointments. The availability of medical transport services provides a crucial lifeline, but the cost and potential limitations in availability must be considered.

**Impact on Moving to Bristow:**

For individuals with COPD considering moving to Bristow, the transportation landscape is a critical factor to evaluate. While the community may offer other benefits, the challenges of healthcare access must be carefully considered. The need for reliable transportation to medical appointments, the potential for travel delays, and the financial implications of relying on medical transport services should be thoroughly assessed.

Before moving to Bristow, potential residents with COPD should investigate the availability and cost of medical transport services, assess their ability to drive or secure reliable transportation, and consider the potential impact of travel times on their health and well-being.

**Conclusion:**

The COPD Score for transportation in ZIP Code 47515 highlights the need for careful consideration of healthcare access. While the community may offer a peaceful and rural lifestyle, the limited transportation options and the reliance on personal vehicles or medical transport services present significant challenges for individuals with COPD. Prospective residents should carefully evaluate their transportation needs and resources before making a decision to move to Bristow, ensuring they can maintain consistent and timely access to the healthcare they require. The community could improve its COPD Score by advocating for or supporting transportation initiatives.