38553, Clarkrange, Tennessee COPD Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 38553, Clarkrange, Tennessee is 31 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

57.85 percent of residents in 38553 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 22.46 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Cumberland Medical Center with a distance of 18.28 miles from the area.

**COPD Score: Commute to Healthcare in Clarkrange, Tennessee (ZIP Code 38553)**

The air hangs heavy in the Cumberland Plateau, a reality for residents of Clarkrange, Tennessee, particularly those battling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Their lives, already challenged by breathlessness, are further complicated by the geographic realities of healthcare access. Assessing the "COPD Score" for this community requires a deep dive into transportation options, because moving to Clarkrange means understanding the limitations and possibilities of getting to medical care.

The primary challenge lies in the dispersed nature of healthcare facilities. Cookeville, the nearest city with significant medical infrastructure, is roughly a 20- to 30-minute drive from Clarkrange, depending on the specific location within the ZIP code. This journey typically involves navigating Tennessee State Route 127, a winding two-lane highway that can be treacherous in inclement weather. Another option is the more direct, but often congested, U.S. Route 70, which intersects with SR-127 near Monterey.

For those without personal vehicles, the public transit landscape presents significant hurdles. The Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency (UCHRA) provides demand-response transportation services, but these are not a reliable substitute for the immediacy of a private vehicle. Scheduling rides requires advance notice, potentially delaying crucial appointments. Furthermore, the UCHRA services are not specifically designed with the needs of COPD patients in mind, meaning limited availability for those with mobility issues. There are no fixed-route buses operating in or near Clarkrange.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, while available in Cookeville, are often scarce in Clarkrange itself. Securing a ride, especially during off-peak hours or in response to an urgent medical need, is highly uncertain. The cost of these services, when available, can also be prohibitive for many residents, especially those on fixed incomes or facing mounting medical bills.

Medical transportation services, designed specifically for patients requiring assistance, offer a more specialized solution. Companies like American Medical Response (AMR) and local ambulance services operate in the area. However, these services are typically reserved for emergencies or for patients requiring stretcher transport, making them unsuitable for routine appointments or check-ups. The cost of these services can be considerable, and their availability is subject to staffing and resource constraints.

The terrain itself presents another layer of complexity. Clarkrange is characterized by rolling hills and winding roads. This topography can make it difficult for individuals with COPD to walk even short distances, further exacerbating their reliance on transportation. The lack of sidewalks and accessible infrastructure in many areas compounds the problem.

The "COPD Score" for Clarkrange is therefore significantly impacted by these transportation challenges. The combination of long drive times, limited public transit, the unreliability of ride-sharing, and the expense of medical transport creates a formidable barrier to healthcare access. This situation can lead to delayed diagnoses, missed appointments, and a decline in overall health outcomes for COPD patients.

The impact of these transportation limitations extends beyond the individual. It also affects the community's overall health and well-being. When individuals struggle to access healthcare, they are less likely to receive preventative care, manage their chronic conditions effectively, and participate in social activities. This can lead to a cycle of worsening health, increased healthcare costs, and a diminished quality of life.

Moving to Clarkrange with COPD requires careful consideration of these transportation realities. Prospective residents must factor in the potential for long travel times, the limitations of public transit, and the cost and availability of alternative transportation options. They should also investigate the availability of home healthcare services, which can help to mitigate the challenges of accessing healthcare facilities.

For those already residing in Clarkrange, advocating for improved transportation options is crucial. This could include supporting initiatives to expand public transit services, promoting the availability of ride-sharing, and advocating for policies that make medical transportation more accessible and affordable. Collaboration between healthcare providers, local government, and community organizations is essential to address the transportation barriers that impact the health and well-being of COPD patients.

The "COPD Score" is not just a numerical value; it reflects the lived experiences of individuals struggling to breathe and access the care they need. In Clarkrange, the score is undeniably influenced by the challenges of transportation, creating a pressing need for innovative solutions and a commitment to improving healthcare access for all residents. The long and winding roads of Tennessee, specifically SR-127 and U.S. 70, are not just routes; they are the arteries of healthcare access, and for those with COPD, these arteries need immediate and sustained attention.