38553, Clarkrange, Tennessee Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 38553, Clarkrange, Tennessee is 31 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

57.85 percent of residents in 38553 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 22.46 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Cumberland Medical Center with a distance of 18.28 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Clarkrange, TN (ZIP Code 38553)

Clarkrange, Tennessee, nestled in the heart of the Cumberland Plateau, offers a tranquil lifestyle. However, assessing healthcare access, particularly for individuals managing hypertension, requires a nuanced understanding of transportation options. This write-up, focusing on ZIP code 38553, examines the accessibility of healthcare facilities for hypertension management, considering various transportation modalities. We'll delve into drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, providing a comprehensive "Hypertension Score" perspective for those considering a move or currently residing in the area.

The primary challenge in evaluating healthcare access in Clarkrange stems from its rural setting. The nearest hospitals and specialized clinics are located in surrounding towns, necessitating reliance on personal vehicles or alternative transportation methods. This geographical reality significantly impacts the ease with which residents can access essential medical care, including regular check-ups, medication refills, and specialized treatments for hypertension.

Drive times are a critical factor. The primary artery connecting Clarkrange to larger towns is **Highway 127**. Traveling south on Highway 127 towards Crossville, the county seat of Cumberland County, takes approximately 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic. This journey provides access to Cumberland Medical Center, a comprehensive hospital offering cardiology services and other specialties relevant to hypertension management. Further south, the drive to Cookeville, accessible via Highway 127 and then **Interstate 40**, extends to around an hour. Cookeville Regional Medical Center offers a broader range of specialized care.

Heading north from Clarkrange on Highway 127 leads towards Jamestown, the county seat of Fentress County, a drive of approximately 20-30 minutes. While Jamestown's medical facilities might be smaller, they can provide basic care and referrals. These drive times, while manageable, highlight the dependence on personal vehicles for healthcare access.

Public transportation options in Clarkrange are limited. There is no established public bus system operating directly within the town or connecting it to neighboring communities. This absence poses a significant barrier for individuals without personal vehicles, particularly those with mobility limitations or financial constraints. The lack of public transportation exacerbates the challenges of healthcare access for those managing hypertension, as regular appointments and medication pick-ups become more difficult to manage.

The absence of readily available public transit necessitates exploring alternative transportation solutions. Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, may be available in the area, but their coverage can be sporadic and their availability unpredictable, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant burden for individuals on fixed incomes, further impacting healthcare access.

Medical transportation services are a crucial component of the healthcare ecosystem, especially in rural areas. Several companies specialize in providing non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) for individuals requiring assistance getting to and from medical appointments. These services typically involve wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. In the Clarkrange area, potential providers might include local ambulance services that offer NEMT or specialized medical transport companies. The availability and cost of these services vary, so thorough research is essential.

For individuals with disabilities, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that public transportation, where available, must be accessible. However, the lack of public transit in Clarkrange leaves ADA-compliant transportation options limited to medical transport services or ride-sharing, if accessible vehicles are available. This further underscores the importance of exploring all available options and planning transportation well in advance of appointments.

The "Hypertension Score" for Clarkrange, therefore, reflects the challenges and opportunities of healthcare access. While the area offers a peaceful environment, its remoteness presents hurdles for individuals managing hypertension. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transportation, and the potential costs associated with ride-sharing and medical transport services all contribute to a lower score.

For those considering moving to Clarkrange, careful consideration of transportation needs is crucial. Individuals with hypertension should assess their ability to drive, the availability of family or friends to assist with transportation, and the potential costs of alternative options. Pre-planning for medical appointments, including scheduling transportation well in advance, is essential.

Furthermore, individuals should research the availability and accessibility of local medical transport services, including their costs and insurance coverage. Exploring options for telehealth appointments and medication delivery services can also enhance healthcare access.

The "Hypertension Score" is not merely a number; it represents the practical realities of navigating healthcare in a rural setting. While Clarkrange offers a desirable lifestyle, its transportation infrastructure requires careful consideration for individuals managing chronic conditions like hypertension. The absence of robust public transit, the reliance on personal vehicles, and the potential costs of alternative transport solutions all influence the ease with which residents can access vital medical care. The score emphasizes the need for proactive planning, resourcefulness, and a thorough understanding of available options to ensure effective hypertension management in this beautiful, yet geographically challenging, community.