37360, Normandy, Tennessee Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 37360, Normandy, Tennessee is 68 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

59.36 percent of residents in 37360 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.46 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Vanderbilt Tullahoma-Harton Hospital with a distance of 3.70 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Normandy, TN (ZIP Code 37360)

The decision to relocate, particularly to a place like Normandy, Tennessee, often hinges on practical considerations. For individuals managing hypertension, the ease of **transportation** to **healthcare** providers becomes paramount. This write-up examines the accessibility of medical care within and around ZIP code 37360, offering a "Hypertension Score" assessment based on **transportation** options, drive times, and the availability of public **transportation** and alternative services.

Normandy, nestled in Bedford County, presents a unique landscape for healthcare access. The rural setting, while offering tranquility, can pose challenges for individuals requiring regular medical attention. Our assessment considers the primary routes, **transportation** options, and potential obstacles encountered when **moving to Normandy**, focusing on the needs of those managing hypertension.

**Drive Times and Primary Routes:**

The primary artery serving Normandy is Highway 231, a vital corridor connecting the town to Shelbyville, the county seat, and beyond. Driving to Shelbyville General Hospital, the closest major medical facility, typically takes around 15-20 minutes via Highway 231. This drive is generally straightforward, though traffic can be heavier during peak hours.

For specialized care, residents often travel to larger cities like Murfreesboro or Nashville. Reaching Murfreesboro, approximately 30-40 minutes away, involves taking Highway 231 north and connecting to Interstate 24. Nashville, roughly an hour's drive, requires navigating I-24, a major interstate with potential for congestion, especially during rush hour.

These drive times are estimates, influenced by traffic, weather conditions, and individual driving habits. Residents of Normandy, therefore, must factor in potential delays when scheduling appointments, especially those requiring consistent medical attention for conditions like hypertension.

**Public Transportation: Limited Options:**

Public **transportation** options in Normandy are unfortunately limited. Bedford County does not have a comprehensive public bus system. This lack of infrastructure presents a significant hurdle for individuals who cannot drive or prefer not to.

The absence of readily available public **transportation** underscores the reliance on personal vehicles, ride-sharing services, or assistance from family and friends. For those **moving to Normandy** and dependent on public **transportation**, this is a critical consideration.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft operate in the area, offering an alternative to driving. However, availability can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in more remote areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a factor, especially for frequent medical appointments.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed for patients with mobility limitations or those requiring assistance, are available. These services, such as FirstCall Medical Transport or Medical Transportation Services, provide door-to-door **transportation** to medical appointments. While offering a crucial service, they often require advance booking and can be more expensive than ride-sharing.

**ADA Accessibility:**

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates accessibility features on public **transportation** and in healthcare facilities. While the lack of a robust public transit system in Bedford County poses a challenge, medical facilities like Shelbyville General Hospital are required to comply with ADA standards, ensuring accessibility for patients with disabilities.

**Healthcare Access and Hypertension Management:**

The success of hypertension management hinges on consistent access to medical care, including regular check-ups, medication refills, and lifestyle counseling. The **transportation** challenges in Normandy can directly impact a patient's ability to adhere to their treatment plan.

The drive times to Shelbyville General Hospital, while manageable, can become burdensome for frequent appointments. The limited public **transportation** options and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services further complicate access. Patients **moving to Normandy** with hypertension must proactively plan for their **transportation** needs, considering the potential impact on their healthcare.

**Hypertension Score Assessment:**

Based on the factors discussed, we assign a "Hypertension Score" to the area surrounding ZIP code 37360. This score reflects the overall ease of access to healthcare for individuals managing hypertension.

* **Drive Time:** Moderate. The proximity to Shelbyville General Hospital (15-20 minutes) is a positive factor. However, longer drives to Murfreesboro and Nashville for specialized care increase the time commitment.
* **Public Transportation:** Poor. The absence of a public bus system significantly limits options for those without personal vehicles.
* **Ride-Sharing/Medical Transport:** Moderate. Ride-sharing services are available but may be unreliable. Medical **transportation** services offer a solution but come with increased costs.
* **ADA Accessibility:** Good. Medical facilities are required to comply with ADA standards.

**Overall Score:** The overall Hypertension Score for ZIP code 37360 is considered "Fair to Moderate." This score suggests that while healthcare access is available, it requires careful planning and consideration of **transportation** limitations.

**Recommendations for Individuals with Hypertension Considering a Move to Normandy:**

1. **Assess Transportation Needs:** Evaluate your ability to drive or secure reliable **transportation**.
2. **Establish a Healthcare Provider:** Identify a primary care physician and any necessary specialists in advance.
3. **Plan for Appointments:** Schedule appointments strategically, considering drive times and potential traffic delays.
4. **Explore Ride-Sharing/Medical Transport:** Research and familiarize yourself with local ride-sharing and medical **transportation** options.
5. **Consider Proximity to Services:** When choosing a home, consider proximity to medical facilities and pharmacies.
6. **Build a Support Network:** Cultivate a network of family, friends, or neighbors who can assist with **transportation** needs.
7. **Medication Management:** Ensure you have a reliable plan for medication refills and access to pharmacies.

**Conclusion:**

**Moving to Normandy** offers a unique lifestyle, but individuals with hypertension must carefully consider the implications for their healthcare access. While the drive times to Shelbyville General Hospital are reasonable, the lack of public **transportation** and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services necessitate proactive planning. By understanding the **transportation** landscape and implementing the recommendations outlined, residents of ZIP code 37360 can effectively manage their hypertension and maintain their well-being.