37150, Red Boiling Springs, Tennessee Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 37150, Red Boiling Springs, Tennessee is 25 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

54.94 percent of residents in 37150 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.06 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Macon Community Hospital with a distance of 11.13 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Red Boiling Springs (ZIP Code 37150)

The decision to relocate to Red Boiling Springs, Tennessee (ZIP code 37150), carries with it a tapestry of considerations, particularly for individuals managing hypertension. Beyond the allure of small-town charm and scenic beauty, the practicalities of healthcare access become paramount. This write-up provides a detailed analysis of transportation options for those seeking medical care, specifically focusing on potential drive times, public transit availability, and ride-sharing services, offering a “Hypertension Score” perspective.

Understanding the challenges and opportunities of navigating the healthcare landscape is crucial for residents of 37150, especially when dealing with chronic conditions like hypertension. Factors like drive times to medical facilities, the availability of public transportation, and the reliability of ride-sharing services directly impact the ability to receive timely and consistent care. This analysis will help prospective residents make informed decisions about their healthcare needs in the context of their chosen location.

Red Boiling Springs, a community nestled in Macon County, presents a unique situation. While offering a peaceful and slower pace of life, its rural setting necessitates careful consideration of transportation options for healthcare access. The nearest major medical centers are located in neighboring towns and cities, requiring travel that can be significantly impacted by traffic, road conditions, and the availability of alternative transportation methods.

**Drive Time Analysis: The Road to Care**

The primary mode of transportation for most residents of 37150 is personal vehicles. The roads connecting Red Boiling Springs to healthcare facilities are essential lifelines. The most direct route to major hospitals and clinics involves navigating a network of highways and local roads.

For those seeking care at Macon County General Hospital in Lafayette, the journey is relatively straightforward. The drive typically involves utilizing Highway 52 East. The distance is approximately 15 miles, and under normal traffic conditions, the drive time is around 20-30 minutes. This is a reasonable commute, especially for routine checkups or less urgent medical needs.

However, access to more specialized care often requires travel to larger cities like Gallatin or Nashville. Reaching Sumner Regional Medical Center in Gallatin involves traveling west on Highway 52, then connecting to Interstate 65 South. This route covers a distance of approximately 40 miles and can take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. Rush hour, particularly during weekday commutes, can significantly extend this travel time.

For those requiring access to the extensive medical facilities in Nashville, the journey becomes considerably longer. The route generally involves taking Highway 52 West to Interstate 65 South. The total distance is roughly 70 miles, and the drive time can easily exceed an hour and a half, potentially reaching two hours during peak traffic. This extended travel time poses a significant challenge for individuals with hypertension, especially during medical emergencies or frequent appointments.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Red Boiling Springs and the surrounding areas are limited. Macon County does not have a comprehensive public transit system. This severely restricts the ability of individuals without personal vehicles to access healthcare facilities.

The absence of a robust public transit system presents a significant barrier to healthcare access for those who cannot drive, including elderly residents, individuals with disabilities, and those who do not own a vehicle. This lack of accessibility underscores the importance of considering alternative transportation options.

While there may be limited options for demand-response transportation services, their availability and coverage area are often restricted. These services may require advance booking and may not be available for immediate medical needs. The lack of readily accessible public transit necessitates a reliance on other transportation methods.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area, but their reliability and availability can be variable, particularly in a rural setting like Red Boiling Springs. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, especially for frequent medical appointments.

The availability of ride-sharing services depends on driver availability, which may be limited during off-peak hours or in less populated areas. The response time for a ride-sharing request can also be longer compared to urban areas, potentially delaying access to medical care.

Medical transportation services offer a specialized solution for individuals who require assistance with transportation to and from medical appointments. These services often provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel to assist with patient mobility. However, medical transport services can be costly and may require advance booking.

Several medical transport providers serve the region, including companies specializing in non-emergency medical transportation. These services offer a valuable option for individuals with mobility limitations or those who require assistance during travel.

**Hypertension Score Considerations: A Holistic Perspective**

The “Hypertension Score” for 37150 should factor in the following: the distance to the nearest medical facilities, the availability and reliability of transportation options, and the potential impact of travel time on healthcare access.

* **Proximity to Healthcare:** The distance to Macon County General Hospital is relatively manageable, offering a convenient option for routine care. However, the need for specialized care in Gallatin or Nashville necessitates longer travel times.
* **Transportation Reliability:** The reliance on personal vehicles presents a significant advantage, but the limited public transit options and the variable availability of ride-sharing services can pose challenges.
* **Financial Implications:** The cost of ride-sharing, medical transport, and the potential expense of frequent travel should be considered when evaluating healthcare access.
* **Emergency Preparedness:** The extended travel times to major hospitals in emergency situations highlight the importance of having a reliable transportation plan and understanding the local emergency medical services (EMS) response times.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Healthcare Landscape**

Moving to Red Boiling Springs offers a unique lifestyle, but prospective residents must carefully consider the implications for healthcare access, particularly for individuals managing hypertension. While the community offers a peaceful environment, the limitations of transportation options require careful planning.

Individuals considering a move to 37150 should assess their healthcare needs, evaluate their transportation options, and develop a comprehensive plan for accessing medical care. This plan should include a consideration of drive times, the potential for relying on family or friends for transportation, and the availability of ride-sharing or medical transport services.

By proactively addressing the transportation challenges, residents of 37150 can ensure they receive the timely and consistent healthcare they need, allowing them to fully enjoy the benefits of living in this charming rural community. The “Hypertension Score” for 37150 ultimately reflects the importance of informed decision-making and proactive planning to navigate the healthcare landscape effectively.