38567, Hickman, Tennessee Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 38567, Hickman, Tennessee is 56 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

70.08 percent of residents in 38567 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.75 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Riverview Regional Medical Center with a distance of 9.77 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Hickman, TN (ZIP Code 38567)

The journey to manage hypertension, a silent threat to cardiovascular health, is a complex one. It demands consistent access to medical care, medication, and lifestyle interventions. This write-up, focused on ZIP code 38567 (Hickman, Tennessee), assesses the ease of **healthcare access** for residents grappling with hypertension, considering the critical element of **transportation**. We will explore the available options, from personal vehicles to public transit, providing a **Hypertension Score** based on the challenges and opportunities presented by the local environment. The goal is to inform residents, particularly those considering **moving to Hickman**, about the practicalities of maintaining their health within this community.

The foundation of our assessment rests on the understanding that timely and reliable **transportation** is a cornerstone of effective hypertension management. Regular check-ups, medication refills, and potential emergency visits require a dependable means of reaching healthcare providers. The following analysis will consider the geographic realities of Hickman, its surrounding areas, and the available **transportation** infrastructure.

The primary artery for travel within and around Hickman is State Route 111 (SR-111), a major north-south thoroughfare. This highway provides the most direct route to Cookeville, a regional hub offering a broader range of healthcare services. Traveling south on SR-111, the drive to Cookeville Regional Medical Center, the largest hospital in the area, is approximately 25-30 minutes, depending on traffic. This drive time, while manageable, necessitates planning, particularly for those with mobility limitations or those needing immediate medical attention.

Another significant road is State Route 136, which offers access to the smaller towns and rural areas surrounding Hickman. This route provides connections to local clinics and general practitioners. However, access to specialized care, such as cardiology or nephrology, often requires travel to Cookeville. The condition of these secondary roads can vary, potentially impacting travel times and safety, especially during inclement weather.

Public **transportation** options in Hickman are limited. Putnam County, where Cookeville is located, operates a public transit system, but its service area is primarily focused on the city of Cookeville. This system, known as the Putnam County Public Transit, offers fixed-route services within the city limits. However, there are no direct public transit routes that extend to Hickman. This lack of public transit presents a significant barrier for individuals who do not own a vehicle or are unable to drive.

The absence of robust public transit highlights the importance of ride-sharing services in this rural environment. Uber and Lyft are available in Cookeville and surrounding areas, including Hickman. However, the availability of these services can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in areas with lower population density. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, especially for frequent medical appointments.

Medical **transportation** services, such as non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), are available in the region. Companies like First Choice Medical Transport and American Medical Response (AMR) provide transportation for individuals with mobility limitations or those who require assistance getting to and from medical appointments. These services, while crucial, often require pre-booking and can be subject to scheduling constraints.

For individuals considering **moving to Hickman**, the availability of reliable **transportation** for healthcare is a critical consideration. The dependence on personal vehicles, ride-sharing services, and pre-booked medical transport highlights the need for careful planning and resource management. The drive times to Cookeville, while not excessive, add a layer of complexity to the management of chronic conditions like hypertension.

The **Hypertension Score** for Hickman, TN (38567) reflects the challenges and opportunities related to **healthcare access** and **transportation**. The score is derived from a qualitative assessment of the factors discussed above.

**Factors Considered in the Hypertension Score:**

* **Drive Times:** The average drive time to Cookeville Regional Medical Center (25-30 minutes) is moderate, but it necessitates reliance on a personal vehicle.
* **Public Transit:** The complete absence of public transit options to and from Hickman significantly limits **healthcare access** for those without personal vehicles.
* **Ride-Sharing:** The availability of ride-sharing services (Uber and Lyft) is present, but their reliability and cost can be inconsistent.
* **Medical Transport:** The availability of medical **transportation** services (NEMT) provides a crucial safety net, but these services require pre-booking and can be subject to scheduling limitations.
* **Road Conditions:** The quality of secondary roads (SR-136 and local roads) can impact travel times and safety, particularly during inclement weather.

**Hypertension Score (Based on a scale of 1-5, with 1 being the most challenging and 5 being the least challenging):**

**3/5**

This score reflects the moderate level of challenge in accessing healthcare for hypertension management in Hickman. While the drive to Cookeville is manageable, the lack of public transit and the reliance on personal vehicles or ride-sharing services create barriers for some residents. The availability of medical transport services and the presence of local clinics mitigate some of these challenges, but overall, the **transportation** landscape requires careful consideration for individuals managing hypertension or considering **moving to Hickman**.

**Recommendations for Improving Healthcare Access:**

* **Advocate for Public Transit Expansion:** Residents should advocate for the extension of the Putnam County Public Transit system to include Hickman, providing a vital lifeline for those without personal vehicles.
* **Promote Ride-Sharing Awareness:** Efforts to increase awareness of ride-sharing services and their availability in Hickman could benefit residents.
* **Support Telehealth Initiatives:** The promotion of telehealth services can reduce the need for in-person visits, particularly for routine check-ups and medication management.
* **Encourage Local Healthcare Provider Presence:** Supporting the establishment of additional healthcare providers, including specialists, within Hickman would reduce the need for travel to Cookeville.
* **Improve Road Infrastructure:** Investing in the maintenance and improvement of local roads, particularly SR-136, would enhance safety and accessibility.

In conclusion, while Hickman offers a relatively safe and affordable living environment, the **transportation** infrastructure presents some challenges for individuals managing hypertension. Residents must carefully consider their **transportation** options and plan accordingly to ensure consistent access to healthcare. For those **moving to Hickman**, a thorough understanding of the **transportation** landscape is crucial for successfully managing their health and well-being. This **Hypertension Score** serves as a starting point for understanding the realities of **healthcare access** in Hickman and highlights the need for ongoing efforts to improve **transportation** options and support the health of the community.