38563, Gordonsville, Tennessee Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 38563, Gordonsville, Tennessee is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

46.83 percent of residents in 38563 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.78 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Riverview Regional Medical Center with a distance of 5.98 miles from the area.

**Hypertension Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 38563**

ZIP Code 38563, encompassing the charming town of Gordonsville, Tennessee, presents a unique tapestry of transportation options for residents seeking healthcare. This analysis, focusing on access for individuals managing hypertension, delves into the realities of reaching medical facilities, considering drive times, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation. Understanding these factors is crucial for anyone considering moving to Gordonsville, especially those with health concerns.

The primary challenge in Gordonsville is its rural setting. The town’s healthcare access is inherently tied to transportation. While the town itself offers a degree of local services, specialized care often necessitates travel to larger cities like Lebanon or Cookeville. This geographical reality significantly impacts the "Hypertension Score" – a measure of how easily individuals with hypertension can access necessary medical attention.

Driving remains the most common mode of transportation. From Gordonsville, the primary route to Lebanon, the closest city with a hospital, is via **Highway 70**. The drive is generally straightforward, covering approximately 20 miles. Under normal traffic conditions, the journey takes around 30 to 40 minutes. However, traffic can fluctuate, particularly during peak hours or due to accidents.

Another viable route to Lebanon involves taking **Highway 53** south to **Highway 70**. This route, while slightly longer, offers alternative options if traffic congestion plagues Highway 70. Residents must also consider the condition of these roads. While generally well-maintained, inclement weather, such as ice or heavy rain, can make driving hazardous, potentially delaying or even preventing access to healthcare.

Cookeville, offering a broader range of medical specialists and facilities, is accessible via **Highway 70 East**. This drive is considerably longer, approximately 40 miles, and typically takes around an hour. The added travel time, along with the potential for increased traffic, significantly impacts the "Hypertension Score." The distance adds stress, and longer commutes can affect medication adherence and the ability to attend regular check-ups.

Public transportation options are limited in Gordonsville. The absence of a robust public transit system significantly affects healthcare access for those without personal vehicles or those unable to drive. This deficiency is a major factor in lowering the "Hypertension Score." While specific bus routes are unavailable, residents may need to rely on less-reliable options.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Gordonsville, yet their availability can be inconsistent, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier, particularly for frequent medical appointments. This reliance on ride-sharing, with its inherent uncertainties, further complicates the "Hypertension Score" calculation.

Medical transportation services offer a crucial lifeline for individuals with mobility limitations or those unable to drive. Several companies provide non-emergency medical transportation in the area. These services, such as **Firstat Nursing Services** or **American Medical Response (AMR)**, can transport patients to and from medical appointments. However, these services often require advance booking and may have associated costs that impact the overall affordability of healthcare access.

The availability of these services is critical, but the "Hypertension Score" must consider their limitations. Booking lead times, insurance coverage, and the potential for delays all factor into the equation. The reliability of these services directly affects the ability of individuals with hypertension to receive timely and consistent medical care.

For individuals considering moving to Gordonsville, the "Hypertension Score" is a critical consideration. The rural setting necessitates a careful evaluation of transportation options and their associated challenges. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit, and the potential inconsistencies of ride-sharing services all contribute to a lower score.

The "Hypertension Score" also considers the availability of local healthcare resources. Gordonsville likely has primary care physicians and perhaps some basic medical services. However, specialized care, such as cardiology or nephrology, often requires travel to Lebanon or Cookeville. This need for travel, coupled with the transportation challenges, underscores the importance of planning and preparedness for individuals managing hypertension.

The cost of transportation also plays a significant role. The price of gas, vehicle maintenance, and the potential expense of ride-sharing or medical transportation all impact the overall affordability of healthcare. This financial burden can further complicate the management of hypertension, potentially leading to medication non-adherence or delayed medical attention.

Furthermore, the emotional and psychological aspects of healthcare access must be considered. The stress of long commutes, the uncertainty of transportation availability, and the potential for delays can all contribute to anxiety and negatively impact health outcomes. The "Hypertension Score" must acknowledge these intangible factors.

In conclusion, the "Hypertension Score" for ZIP Code 38563 reflects the challenges of accessing healthcare in a rural environment. While Gordonsville offers a peaceful and attractive living environment, individuals with hypertension must carefully consider the limitations of transportation options. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit, the potential inconsistencies of ride-sharing, and the associated costs all contribute to a lower score. Prospective residents, especially those with health concerns, should thoroughly assess their transportation needs and plan accordingly to ensure they can access the medical care they require. The ability to navigate these transportation challenges is paramount to effectively managing hypertension and maintaining a good quality of life in Gordonsville.