38575, Moss, Tennessee COPD Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 38575, Moss, Tennessee is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

49.79 percent of residents in 38575 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.93 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Macon Community Hospital with a distance of 21.25 miles from the area.

## COPD Score: Navigating Healthcare in Moss, Tennessee (ZIP Code 38575)

The crisp air of Moss, Tennessee (ZIP Code 38575) offers a certain charm, a slower pace of life that draws many seeking respite. However, for individuals managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), the very act of accessing healthcare, a necessity for managing their condition, can become a significant challenge. This analysis, a "COPD Score" write-up, meticulously examines the transportation landscape within and surrounding Moss, providing a comprehensive understanding of healthcare access for those considering a move or already residing in this rural community. This score will assess the feasibility of transportation options, considering drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services.

The primary determinant of healthcare access in Moss is the reliance on personal vehicles. The nearest comprehensive healthcare facilities are located in Cookeville, approximately 45 miles west, and in Livingston, about 15 miles east. The journey to Cookeville typically involves navigating Tennessee State Route 52 (TN-52) and then connecting to Interstate 40 (I-40). The drive, depending on traffic and weather conditions, can take upwards of an hour, a considerable duration for someone experiencing COPD symptoms. The route to Livingston is more direct, primarily along TN-52, resulting in a significantly shorter commute, often under 30 minutes.

The condition of the roads themselves can also influence healthcare access. While TN-52 is generally well-maintained, heavy rainfall or winter weather can create hazardous conditions, potentially delaying or even preventing travel. This is a crucial consideration for individuals with COPD, whose respiratory function can be severely impacted by exposure to cold or damp environments. The availability of reliable transportation becomes paramount.

Public transportation options in Moss are severely limited. The Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency (UCHRA) provides demand-response transportation services within the region. However, these services often require advance booking, and the availability of rides can be restricted, particularly for medical appointments. UCHRA does not have fixed routes, and ADA-accessible vehicles are available, but their availability is subject to demand and scheduling. This lack of robust public transit significantly hinders healthcare access for individuals who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Cookeville area, but their presence in Moss is sporadic and unreliable. The limited availability of ride-sharing services poses a significant obstacle for individuals with COPD who require unscheduled medical attention or who cannot arrange transportation in advance. Relying on ride-sharing is not a viable long-term solution for consistent healthcare access in Moss.

Medical transport services are available, but their cost can be prohibitive. Companies like LifeCare Medical Transport and Air Evac Lifeteam serve the region, offering ambulance and non-emergency medical transport. These services are typically reserved for urgent situations or for individuals with significant mobility limitations. The cost of these services can be a substantial burden, particularly for those with limited financial resources.

The distance to healthcare facilities and the reliance on personal vehicles create significant challenges for individuals with COPD. The lack of reliable public transportation and the limited availability of ride-sharing services exacerbate these challenges. The cost of medical transport services further compounds the difficulties. This situation underscores the importance of careful consideration for individuals with COPD contemplating a move to Moss or currently residing in the area.

The "COPD Score" for healthcare access in Moss, Tennessee (ZIP Code 38575) is significantly impacted by the transportation infrastructure. The score would reflect the following:

* **Drive Time:** The long drive times to Cookeville and the shorter, more accessible drive to Livingston.
* **Public Transit:** The limited availability and the demand-response nature of UCHRA services.
* **Ride-Sharing:** The unreliable presence of ride-sharing services.
* **Medical Transport:** The availability and the high cost of medical transport services.

For individuals with COPD, the ability to easily and reliably access healthcare is paramount. The transportation limitations in Moss, Tennessee, create a challenging environment for managing this chronic condition. Prospective residents with COPD must carefully assess their transportation options and consider the potential impact on their healthcare access. The decision to move to Moss requires a thorough evaluation of these factors to ensure the ability to maintain adequate healthcare.

The quality of life for individuals with COPD is directly linked to their ability to receive timely and consistent medical care. The lack of readily available transportation options in Moss presents a significant hurdle in this regard. It is essential for individuals with COPD to carefully consider these transportation challenges when evaluating the suitability of Moss as a place to live. The "COPD Score" highlights the need for proactive planning and a realistic assessment of the challenges associated with healthcare access in this rural community. The allure of a slower pace of life should not overshadow the critical need for reliable transportation to maintain health and well-being.