38558, Crossville, Tennessee COPD Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 38558, Crossville, Tennessee is 10 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

91.59 percent of residents in 38558 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 20.37 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Cumberland Medical Center with a distance of 9.04 miles from the area.

## COPD Score: Navigating Healthcare in Crossville, TN (ZIP Code 38558)

Considering a move to Crossville, Tennessee (ZIP Code 38558), particularly if you manage Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), demands careful consideration of healthcare access. This assessment delves into the complexities of transportation options, offering a "COPD Score" based on the ease and efficiency of reaching essential medical services. The score reflects the reality of navigating healthcare in this Cumberland County community, acknowledging the challenges and opportunities that influence quality of life for individuals with respiratory conditions.

The COPD Score will be based on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 representing severely limited access and 10 representing exceptional ease of access. Factors considered include drive times, public transportation availability, ride-share and medical transport services, and accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.

**The Landscape of Transportation:**

Crossville, a town nestled in the Cumberland Plateau, relies heavily on personal vehicles for transportation. The primary thoroughfare is Interstate 40 (I-40), a vital east-west artery. Within the town itself, US Highway 70 (West and East Avenue) and US Highway 127 (North Main Street and South Main Street) serve as the major roadways. Navigating these routes, especially during peak hours or inclement weather, can significantly impact travel times to medical appointments. The terrain, with its rolling hills and occasional steep grades, adds another layer of complexity, potentially affecting the ability of individuals with COPD to manage exertion during travel.

**Drive Times and Healthcare Access:**

The primary healthcare provider in Crossville is Cumberland Medical Center, located at 421 Cook Street. Drive times to this facility will be a crucial component of the COPD Score. From most residential areas within ZIP Code 38558, the drive to Cumberland Medical Center is generally manageable, typically taking between 5 to 15 minutes, depending on traffic and location. However, residents in more remote areas, especially those further from the town center, might experience longer travel times.

Specialist appointments and advanced medical procedures may necessitate travel to Knoxville, approximately 80 miles east via I-40. This journey, depending on traffic, can take upwards of 1.5 to 2 hours. The extended travel time presents a significant challenge for individuals with COPD, potentially exacerbating symptoms and increasing fatigue. Regular follow-up appointments or emergency situations in Knoxville would undoubtedly impact the COPD Score.

**Public Transportation: A Limited Option:**

Public transportation options in Crossville are extremely limited. The Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency (UCHRA) provides demand-response transportation services, including Dial-A-Ride. This service operates within Cumberland County and offers transportation for medical appointments, grocery shopping, and other essential errands. However, UCHRA's services are not a comprehensive public transit system. Booking in advance is required, and the availability may be limited, especially during peak hours or for urgent medical needs. ADA-compliant vehicles are available, enhancing accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Crossville, but their availability can be inconsistent. The frequency of drivers and the waiting times can vary, particularly during off-peak hours or in more rural areas. Relying solely on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments is not always feasible.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for patients with mobility challenges, are available. These services offer non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) and can provide door-to-door service, including assistance with mobility devices. The cost of these services can be a significant factor. The availability of medical transport services adds to the overall accessibility, especially for individuals who cannot drive or cannot utilize public transit.

**COPD Score Calculation:**

The COPD Score for ZIP Code 38558 is calculated based on the following weighted factors:

* **Drive Time to Cumberland Medical Center (40%):** Reflects the ease of accessing primary healthcare.
* **Drive Time to Knoxville for Specialist Care (25%):** Accounts for the potential need for specialized medical services.
* **Public Transportation Availability and Accessibility (15%):** Assesses the viability of public transit options.
* **Ride-Share and Medical Transport Services (20%):** Evaluates the availability and reliability of alternative transportation.

**Detailed Analysis and Score:**

* **Drive Time to Cumberland Medical Center:** A generally favorable factor, contributing positively to the score.
* **Drive Time to Knoxville:** A significant negative factor, impacting the overall score due to the extended travel time.
* **Public Transportation:** The limited availability of public transit is a major negative factor. While UCHRA offers a valuable service, its limitations restrict its impact on the score.
* **Ride-Share and Medical Transport:** The presence of ride-share services offers some flexibility, but the inconsistency of their availability and the cost of medical transport services are limiting factors.

**Considering the factors, the COPD Score for ZIP Code 38558 is a 5 out of 10.**

**Recommendations for Individuals with COPD Considering a Move:**

* **Prioritize Proximity:** When searching for housing, prioritize locations close to Cumberland Medical Center or along major routes like US 70 and US 127.
* **Assess Transportation Needs:** Evaluate your ability to drive or the availability of a reliable caregiver.
* **Explore Medical Transport Options:** Research and establish contact with medical transport providers in the area.
* **Plan for Knoxville Appointments:** Factor in the extended travel time and potential for increased fatigue when scheduling specialist appointments.
* **Utilize UCHRA:** Familiarize yourself with the UCHRA Dial-A-Ride service and book appointments well in advance.
* **Consult with Healthcare Providers:** Discuss your transportation needs with your pulmonologist or primary care physician to develop a comprehensive healthcare plan.

**Conclusion:**

Moving to Crossville, TN (ZIP Code 38558), presents both opportunities and challenges for individuals with COPD. While the drive to the local hospital is generally manageable, the limited public transportation and the distance to specialized care in Knoxville pose significant hurdles. Careful planning, proactive research, and a clear understanding of transportation options are crucial for ensuring healthcare access and maintaining a good quality of life. The COPD Score of 5 highlights the need for individuals to proactively address transportation challenges and to develop strategies for navigating the healthcare system in this community.