47637, Tennyson, Indiana Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 47637, Tennyson, Indiana is 52 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

41.13 percent of residents in 47637 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.81 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Ascension St Vincent Warrick with a distance of 8.95 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Tennyson, Indiana (ZIP Code 47637)

The journey to manage hypertension, a silent but significant threat to public health, is often intertwined with the complexities of **transportation**. In Tennyson, Indiana (ZIP Code 47637), the ability to consistently access healthcare, including vital check-ups, medication refills, and specialized care, is a critical determinant of health outcomes. This write-up analyzes the **transportation** landscape within and surrounding Tennyson, evaluating the ease with which residents can reach essential healthcare services. This analysis will inform a "Hypertension Score," a metric reflecting the relative accessibility of care, factoring in drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services. For those **moving to Tennyson**, this assessment will prove invaluable.

Tennyson, a rural community, is primarily served by personal vehicles. The primary arteries for **transportation** are State Road 68 and County Road 1000. These roads, while generally well-maintained, can experience increased traffic during peak hours, particularly on State Road 68, the main east-west thoroughfare. The drive to the nearest major healthcare facilities, including hospitals and specialist clinics, often necessitates travel outside the immediate Tennyson area.

The closest hospital, Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Newburgh, Indiana, is approximately a 30-minute drive via State Road 68 and the Lloyd Expressway. This drive time is generally consistent under normal traffic conditions. However, during rush hour, or in the event of an accident, this commute can easily extend to 45 minutes or even an hour.

Another viable option is the St. Vincent Evansville Hospital, located approximately 40 minutes away, again primarily via State Road 68 and the Lloyd Expressway. The longer drive time to St. Vincent’s underscores the importance of reliable **transportation** for residents with chronic conditions like hypertension. Regular check-ups and medication management are crucial, and the distance can be a significant barrier.

Public **transportation** options are limited in ZIP Code 47637. Evansville, the nearest city with a more developed public transit system, is a significant distance away. The Metropolitan Evansville Transit System (METS) offers bus routes, but these do not directly serve Tennyson. Residents would need to drive to Evansville and then utilize the METS network. This is an impractical solution for most Tennyson residents, particularly those with mobility limitations or those who rely on frequent healthcare visits. The METS system does offer some routes with ADA-accessible features, including ramps and designated seating, but the overall system is not designed to serve rural communities like Tennyson.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Evansville area. However, their availability in Tennyson is less reliable. Ride-sharing services may be less frequent, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, especially for individuals with limited incomes or those requiring multiple trips per month for healthcare appointments.

Medical **transportation** services are a crucial component of healthcare access for individuals who cannot drive or lack access to personal vehicles. Several medical **transportation** companies operate in the Evansville area, including AMR (American Medical Response) and other private ambulance services. These services offer non-emergency medical **transportation**, often for individuals requiring assistance getting to and from medical appointments. However, these services typically require pre-booking and can be expensive, particularly for frequent use.

The "Hypertension Score" for Tennyson, Indiana (ZIP Code 47637) reflects the challenges and opportunities presented by the **transportation** landscape. The score will incorporate several key factors: the average drive time to the nearest hospitals and specialist clinics, the reliability of ride-sharing services, the availability and accessibility of medical **transportation** services, and the lack of public transit options. The score will be weighted to reflect the importance of these factors in managing hypertension.

For example, the score will penalize longer drive times to healthcare facilities, recognizing that this can lead to delays in care and increased stress for patients. The score will also consider the affordability of medical **transportation** and the availability of ride-sharing services, acknowledging that these options can be crucial for individuals who cannot drive. The absence of public transit will significantly lower the score, as this limits access for a large segment of the population.

The availability of medical **transportation** services will be considered a positive factor, but the score will reflect the potential cost and the need for pre-planning. The score will also acknowledge the importance of proactive measures, such as telehealth appointments and home healthcare services, which can mitigate the impact of **transportation** barriers.

The "Hypertension Score" is not just a number; it is a reflection of the real-world challenges faced by residents of Tennyson in accessing healthcare. It highlights the need for innovative solutions to improve healthcare access, such as expanding telehealth services, exploring partnerships with ride-sharing companies, and advocating for improved public transit options. For those **moving to Tennyson**, understanding this score is crucial for making informed decisions about their healthcare.

The score should be regularly updated to reflect changes in the **transportation** landscape, such as the expansion of ride-sharing services, the introduction of new medical **transportation** providers, or improvements to road infrastructure. This ongoing evaluation will ensure that the score remains a relevant and valuable tool for assessing and improving healthcare access in Tennyson.

In conclusion, the "Hypertension Score" for Tennyson, Indiana (ZIP Code 47637), will likely be moderate, reflecting the challenges posed by the rural setting and the limited **transportation** options. While personal vehicles are the primary mode of **transportation**, the drive times to healthcare facilities, the unreliable nature of ride-sharing, and the lack of public transit create significant barriers for some residents. The availability of medical **transportation** services offers a crucial lifeline, but the cost and need for pre-planning must be considered. For those **moving to Tennyson**, careful consideration of these factors, alongside their individual healthcare needs, is essential. The score serves as a call to action, highlighting the need for community-based solutions to improve healthcare access and promote the well-being of all residents.