38547, Brush Creek, Tennessee COPD Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 38547, Brush Creek, Tennessee is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

52.29 percent of residents in 38547 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.98 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Riverview Regional Medical Center with a distance of 6.78 miles from the area.

## COPD Score: Navigating Healthcare in Brush Creek (ZIP Code 38547)

The crisp air of Brush Creek, Tennessee (ZIP Code 38547), a haven for those seeking respite from urban clamor, might beckon with promises of tranquil living. However, for individuals managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), the allure of this rural haven must be tempered by a critical assessment: the COPD Score. This score, encompassing transportation options and healthcare access, becomes paramount in ensuring continued well-being. Moving to Brush Creek necessitates a thorough understanding of the logistical hurdles involved in reaching medical care, a crucial consideration for residents with respiratory ailments.

The COPD Score for 38547 hinges significantly on the availability and efficiency of transportation. While the area boasts natural beauty, the remoteness presents challenges. The primary mode of personal transportation is the automobile. Residents rely heavily on navigating the winding roads and highways to access medical facilities.

The journey to the nearest comprehensive healthcare provider, Cookeville Regional Medical Center, located approximately 20 miles away, dictates much of the score. The drive typically involves traversing **Highway 70 East**, a two-lane road that can experience congestion during peak hours. Further travel along **Highway 111 South** provides the most direct route, yet this highway can be prone to delays due to traffic and construction. The drive, under optimal conditions, averages around 30 to 45 minutes. However, inclement weather, common in the region, can significantly extend travel times, posing a considerable risk for individuals experiencing COPD exacerbations.

Alternative routes exist, though they add to the journey's complexity. Residents might opt for a less direct route via local roads such as **Buffalo Valley Road** or **Poplar Grove Road**. These routes, while offering scenic views, are often narrow and lack the shoulders of larger highways, making them less desirable for those with mobility issues or requiring emergency transport.

Public transportation options are severely limited in Brush Creek. The Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency (UCHRA) provides demand-response transportation services, primarily for seniors and individuals with disabilities. However, these services are not a guaranteed solution. They require advance booking, often with limited availability, and can involve extended wait times. The UCHRA's fleet does offer some vehicles with ADA accessibility features, but the overall scope of service is insufficient to meet the needs of a large population, particularly those requiring frequent medical appointments.

The absence of fixed-route public transit, such as buses, dramatically impacts the COPD Score. The lack of a reliable, affordable, and accessible public transportation system creates a significant barrier to healthcare access. Individuals without personal vehicles, or those unable to drive due to their condition, face considerable difficulties in reaching medical appointments, purchasing medications, and attending pulmonary rehabilitation sessions.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Cookeville area, but their presence in Brush Creek is less certain. Availability can be sporadic, particularly during off-peak hours or in adverse weather conditions. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant financial burden, especially for frequent medical appointments. This uncertainty further diminishes the COPD Score, as reliance on ride-sharing cannot be considered a dependable solution for regular healthcare needs.

Medical transport services, such as ambulances and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), are crucial for individuals with COPD. Putnam County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) provides ambulance services for emergencies. However, the response time to Brush Creek can be affected by the distance and road conditions. NEMT services, often utilized for non-emergency medical appointments, are available from various providers. These services typically require pre-booking and can vary in cost and availability.

The availability of specialized COPD care within Brush Creek itself is limited. Residents must travel to Cookeville or other larger towns for specialized pulmonary care, including pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, and pulmonary rehabilitation programs. This necessitates frequent travel, increasing the reliance on transportation and potentially exacerbating the challenges faced by individuals with COPD.

The COPD Score for 38547 is further impacted by the availability of pharmacies and medical supply stores. Access to medications, oxygen, and other respiratory equipment is essential for managing COPD. While there are pharmacies in Cookeville, the distance and transportation challenges can make it difficult for residents to obtain their prescriptions and supplies promptly.

The COPD Score also considers the accessibility of support services, such as home healthcare, support groups, and educational programs. The availability of these services within Brush Creek is limited, forcing residents to travel to Cookeville or utilize telehealth options. Telehealth, while offering a convenient alternative, relies on reliable internet access, which may be limited in some areas of Brush Creek.

Considering all these factors, the COPD Score for Brush Creek (ZIP Code 38547) reveals a moderate to low level of healthcare access for individuals with COPD. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transportation options, the uncertainty of ride-sharing services, and the distance to specialized medical care all contribute to the challenges. The absence of readily available pharmacies, medical supply stores, and local support services further compounds the difficulties.

For individuals considering moving to Brush Creek with COPD, a comprehensive assessment of their transportation needs and healthcare access is essential. They must weigh the benefits of rural living against the logistical challenges of reaching medical care. Planning for reliable transportation, exploring the availability of home healthcare services, and establishing a clear plan for managing COPD exacerbations are crucial steps.

The COPD Score serves as a vital tool, guiding individuals with COPD in making informed decisions about their living environment. It underscores the importance of proactive planning and careful consideration of transportation and healthcare access when choosing a place to call home. The tranquility of Brush Creek, while appealing, must be balanced with the practical realities of managing a chronic respiratory condition.