46128, Fillmore, Indiana Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 46128, Fillmore, Indiana is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

45.73 percent of residents in 46128 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.88 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Putnam County Hospital with a distance of 6.55 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Fillmore, IN (ZIP Code 46128)

This analysis provides a comprehensive 'Overall Health Score' assessment of healthcare access for residents of Fillmore, Indiana (ZIP Code 46128), focusing on transportation options. It considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options, ultimately painting a picture of the ease (or difficulty) individuals face when seeking medical care. This information is especially pertinent for those **moving to Fillmore** and evaluating their **healthcare access** options. We will examine the **transportation** landscape to understand the challenges and opportunities presented to residents.

Fillmore, a small town in Putnam County, presents a unique set of challenges and advantages regarding healthcare access. Its rural location necessitates reliance on personal vehicles for many residents, while limited public transit and ride-sharing options can create significant barriers. The 'Overall Health Score' will reflect these realities, providing a nuanced understanding of healthcare accessibility.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The primary mode of transportation for accessing healthcare in Fillmore is the personal vehicle. The town's location necessitates driving to larger towns and cities for specialized medical services.

* **To Greencastle:** The nearest town with significant medical facilities is Greencastle, approximately 6 miles east. Driving time via US-231 is generally 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic and time of day. This route is relatively straightforward, but potential delays may occur during peak hours or inclement weather.

* **To Danville:** For more specialized care, residents often travel to Danville, approximately 30 miles northeast. The most direct route is via US-231 North to US-36 East. Driving time averages 40-50 minutes, but can extend significantly during rush hour or adverse conditions. This route involves navigating a mix of rural roads and a more congested highway.

* **To Indianapolis:** Indianapolis, the state's capital and home to numerous hospitals and medical specialists, is approximately 50 miles east. The most common route involves taking US-231 North to I-70 East. Driving time is typically 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, but traffic on I-70 can cause considerable delays, especially during peak commuting times. This journey demands careful planning and consideration of potential travel disruptions.

* **Road Conditions:** Road conditions, particularly during winter months, can impact drive times and safety. Regular maintenance and snow removal are crucial for ensuring reliable access to healthcare.

**Public Transit:**

Public transit options in Fillmore are extremely limited. Putnam County does not have a comprehensive public transportation system.

* **Limited Options:** The lack of a dedicated public transit system poses a significant challenge for residents without personal vehicles, particularly the elderly, disabled, and low-income individuals.

* **ADA Accessibility:** The absence of public transit also means there are no ADA-accessible routes or features to accommodate individuals with disabilities. This further restricts their healthcare access.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services and medical transport providers offer alternative transportation solutions, albeit with limitations.

* **Ride-Sharing:** Uber and Lyft operate in the area, but availability can be sporadic, especially during off-peak hours or in rural areas. Wait times can be extended, and the cost can be a barrier for some residents.

* **Medical Transport:** Specialized medical transport services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), are available. These services are crucial for individuals with mobility issues or medical conditions that prevent them from driving. However, they can be costly, and prior arrangements are often required.

* **Brand Availability:** Specific brands operating in the area include Putnam County Hospital EMS, and potentially private NEMT providers. Researching and contacting these services in advance is vital for those needing medical transport.

**Overall Health Score Considerations:**

The 'Overall Health Score' for Fillmore (46128) reflects the following key considerations:

* **Drive Time Impact:** While drive times to Greencastle are reasonable, longer travel times to Danville and Indianapolis can create barriers, particularly for urgent medical needs.

* **Public Transit Deficiency:** The lack of public transit significantly limits healthcare access for those without personal vehicles.

* **Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport Limitations:** The sporadic availability and cost of ride-sharing services, coupled with the potential cost of medical transport, add to the challenges.

* **Rural Location:** The rural nature of Fillmore necessitates reliance on personal vehicles and increases the distance to specialized medical facilities.

**Recommendations for Improvement:**

Improving healthcare access in Fillmore requires a multi-faceted approach:

* **Advocate for Public Transit:** Exploring the feasibility of establishing a limited public transit system, potentially in partnership with neighboring counties, could greatly benefit residents.

* **Support Ride-Sharing Initiatives:** Encouraging ride-sharing services to expand their presence in the area could increase availability and reduce wait times.

* **Promote Medical Transport Awareness:** Raising awareness of available medical transport services and their costs can help residents make informed decisions.

* **Invest in Road Infrastructure:** Maintaining and improving road infrastructure, including snow removal, can ensure reliable access to healthcare, especially during inclement weather.

* **Telehealth Expansion:** Promoting telehealth services can reduce the need for travel, particularly for routine appointments and consultations.

**Conclusion:**

The 'Overall Health Score' for healthcare access in Fillmore (46128) is moderately impacted by transportation limitations. While residents have access to healthcare facilities, the reliance on personal vehicles, the absence of public transit, and the limitations of ride-sharing and medical transport create barriers for some individuals. Improving healthcare access requires addressing these transportation challenges through strategic initiatives and collaborative efforts. For those **moving to Fillmore**, understanding these **transportation** constraints is crucial when assessing their **healthcare access** options. Careful planning and consideration of available resources are essential for ensuring timely and reliable access to medical care.