38563, Gordonsville, Tennessee COPD Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 38563, Gordonsville, Tennessee is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

46.83 percent of residents in 38563 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.78 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Riverview Regional Medical Center with a distance of 5.98 miles from the area.

## COPD Score: Navigating Healthcare in Gordonsville (ZIP Code 38563)

Considering a move to Gordonsville, Tennessee (ZIP code 38563) and managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)? This write-up assesses the transportation landscape and healthcare access, crucial factors for individuals with respiratory conditions. We'll explore drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport options, providing a COPD Score to gauge the feasibility of navigating healthcare within this rural setting.

Gordonsville, a charming town nestled in Smith County, presents a unique set of transportation challenges. Its rural nature dictates a reliance on personal vehicles, shaping the framework for healthcare access. The nearest comprehensive medical facilities are located in Lebanon and Cookeville, necessitating travel. Understanding these distances and available modes of transportation is paramount for individuals with COPD, whose mobility and energy levels can be significantly impacted by the disease.

**Drive Times: The Primary Route to Care**

The most direct route to Lebanon, home to the University Medical Center, involves traveling approximately 25 miles via Highway 70. This journey typically takes around 35 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic. Highway 70, a major east-west thoroughfare, can experience congestion during peak hours, particularly around Lebanon. Individuals with COPD should factor in these potential delays, planning for extra travel time to avoid exacerbating their condition due to stress or rushing.

Cookeville, approximately 30 miles north, offers another healthcare option, with Cookeville Regional Medical Center. The primary route involves taking Highway 56 North. This drive typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic and road conditions. Highway 56, while generally less congested than Highway 70, can present challenges due to its winding nature and potential for slower speeds in certain areas.

These drive times, while manageable for many, can pose challenges for individuals with COPD. The physical exertion of driving, coupled with the potential for traffic delays and the need for frequent stops, can be taxing. Therefore, careful consideration of these factors is essential when evaluating healthcare access in Gordonsville.

**Public Transit: Limited Options, Limited Accessibility**

Public transportation options in Gordonsville are extremely limited. Smith County does not have a dedicated public transit system. The nearest public transit options are available in Lebanon and Cookeville. The Wilson County Transit Authority in Lebanon offers limited bus services, but routes and schedules may not align with healthcare appointments. Furthermore, accessibility for individuals with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or walkers, should be confirmed.

Similarly, Cookeville offers limited public transit options. The Putnam County Transit Authority provides bus services within the city limits, but routes to and from Gordonsville are not available. These limited public transit options highlight the reliance on personal vehicles or alternative transportation methods for accessing healthcare.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gap**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Gordonsville, but their availability can be inconsistent, especially during off-peak hours or in adverse weather conditions. The reliability of these services should be carefully considered, as delays or cancellations could significantly impact healthcare appointments. Individuals with COPD should explore the availability of these services and establish backup plans in case of unavailability.

Medical transport services provide a crucial lifeline for individuals with mobility limitations. Several medical transport providers operate in the area, offering services ranging from basic transportation to specialized medical assistance. These services can be invaluable for individuals with COPD who require assistance getting to and from medical appointments.

**Specific Medical Transport Brands:**

* **American Medical Response (AMR):** A national provider offering both emergency and non-emergency medical transportation.
* **Smith County EMS:** Provides emergency medical services and may offer non-emergency transport depending on availability.
* **Local Ambulance Services:** Check for local ambulance services that may offer non-emergency transport.

These services should be researched to ensure they meet the specific needs of individuals with COPD, including the availability of oxygen, trained medical personnel, and wheelchair accessibility.

**ADA Features:**

When considering public transit, it's crucial to assess the accessibility of services for individuals with disabilities. This includes ensuring that buses are equipped with ramps or lifts, designated seating areas, and audio-visual announcements. Confirming these features is essential for ensuring that transportation is accessible for individuals with COPD who may use mobility aids.

**Healthcare Access: Beyond Transportation**

Beyond transportation, healthcare access also encompasses the availability of healthcare providers in Gordonsville and the surrounding areas. Individuals with COPD require regular medical care, including pulmonologist appointments, pulmonary rehabilitation, and access to respiratory therapists. Researching the availability of these services in the area is crucial.

**Moving to Gordonsville: A COPD Score Assessment**

Based on the factors discussed, we can formulate a preliminary COPD Score for Gordonsville (ZIP code 38563):

* **Drive Times:** Moderate. While the distances to Lebanon and Cookeville are manageable, the potential for traffic delays and the physical demands of driving can pose challenges.
* **Public Transit:** Very Limited. The lack of public transit options significantly restricts healthcare access for individuals without personal vehicles.
* **Ride-Sharing:** Variable. Availability may be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours.
* **Medical Transport:** Moderate. The availability of medical transport services provides a crucial lifeline, but costs and scheduling should be considered.
* **Healthcare Provider Availability:** This requires further research. Assessing the availability of pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, and pulmonary rehabilitation programs is crucial.

**Overall COPD Score:** Based on these factors, the COPD Score for Gordonsville is likely to be **Moderate to Challenging**. While medical transport and ride-sharing offer some solutions, the limited public transit options and the reliance on personal vehicles pose significant challenges for individuals with COPD. Careful planning, including establishing reliable transportation options, researching healthcare provider availability, and considering the potential for travel delays, is essential for ensuring adequate healthcare access in Gordonsville.