47106, Borden, Indiana Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 47106, Borden, Indiana is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

45.25 percent of residents in 47106 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.77 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Baptist Health Floyd with a distance of 10.83 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Borden, IN (ZIP Code 47106)

The health of a community is inextricably linked to its ability to access healthcare. In Borden, Indiana, nestled within ZIP code 47106, this access hinges significantly on transportation. This write-up provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, examining the available transportation options for residents seeking medical care, encompassing drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services. This analysis is particularly relevant for those considering moving to Borden, as it directly impacts their ability to maintain and improve their health.

The "Overall Health Score" is not a single numerical value, but rather a composite assessment of the ease, efficiency, and affordability of accessing healthcare. It considers the geographical realities of Borden, a primarily rural community, and the impact of these realities on healthcare access. The score is built on the understanding that timely access to medical care is a fundamental determinant of overall well-being.

**Drive Times: The Primary Mode of Transportation**

For residents of Borden, the automobile remains the dominant mode of transportation to healthcare facilities. The nearest hospitals and specialist clinics are located primarily in the surrounding towns and cities, creating a reliance on personal vehicles.

Traveling east toward New Albany, Indiana, via **Indiana State Road 60** and then **Interstate 64**, residents can reach Baptist Health Floyd in approximately 45-60 minutes. This drive is relatively straightforward, but traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, can extend travel times. The condition of **Indiana State Road 60** is generally good, but it is a two-lane highway in many stretches, which can cause delays behind slower-moving vehicles.

Heading west, the journey to hospitals in Louisville, Kentucky, offers more advanced medical services. This trip typically involves traveling on **Indiana State Road 60** west to **Indiana State Road 150**, then onto **Interstate 64** west. The drive to major hospitals such as University of Louisville Hospital or Norton Hospital can take between 1 hour and 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on traffic. The interstate highways are generally well-maintained, but accidents and construction can significantly impact travel times.

The drive to smaller clinics and urgent care facilities in towns like Salem and Sellersburg is usually shorter, taking approximately 15-30 minutes via **Indiana State Road 60** or **Indiana State Road 337**. These facilities provide more immediate care for less serious medical needs.

**Public Transit: Limited Options**

Public transportation options in Borden are severely limited, posing a significant challenge for those without access to a personal vehicle. The primary provider of public transit in the area is the **South Central Indiana Rural Transit (SCIRT)**. SCIRT offers demand-response service, meaning riders must schedule their trips in advance. This service is available to residents of Borden, but the frequency of service and the geographic reach are limited.

SCIRT vehicles are designed to be ADA-accessible, providing accommodations for individuals with disabilities. However, the need to schedule rides and the potential for longer travel times due to shared rides can be a drawback. The availability of SCIRT is especially important for elderly residents or those with mobility limitations who cannot drive.

The lack of frequent and readily available public transit represents a significant barrier to healthcare access for a portion of the Borden population. This deficiency highlights the importance of exploring alternative transportation solutions.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Borden, but their availability can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Residents may experience longer wait times or higher fares compared to urban areas. The reliability of ride-sharing services is therefore a factor to consider when assessing healthcare access.

Medical transportation services provide a more specialized option for those requiring assistance. Companies like **CareRide** and **LogistiCare** (often used by Medicaid and managed care plans) offer non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT). These services typically involve scheduled pick-ups and drop-offs for medical appointments. The availability and coverage of these services depend on the individual's insurance plan and the specific medical needs.

For individuals requiring ambulance services, the local emergency medical services (EMS) are available. However, ambulance services are primarily for emergencies and are not a practical solution for routine healthcare appointments.

**Overall Health Score Considerations**

The "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in Borden, IN (47106) is influenced by the following factors:

* **Reliance on personal vehicles:** The primary mode of transportation is the automobile, making healthcare access dependent on car ownership and the ability to drive.
* **Limited public transit:** The lack of robust public transit options restricts access for those without personal vehicles or the ability to drive.
* **Variable ride-sharing availability:** Ride-sharing services offer a potential alternative, but their reliability can be inconsistent.
* **Specialized medical transport options:** Medical transport services provide a valuable resource for those with specific needs, but eligibility and coverage depend on insurance plans.
* **Drive times:** The distances to healthcare facilities necessitate travel, potentially increasing travel time and associated costs.

**Conclusion**

The "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in Borden, IN (47106) reflects a landscape where transportation plays a critical role. While drive times to hospitals and clinics are manageable, the limitations of public transit and the variable availability of ride-sharing services create challenges for some residents. For those considering moving to Borden, understanding these transportation realities is essential. The community would benefit from initiatives to improve public transit options, expand ride-sharing availability, and ensure the accessibility of medical transportation services. These improvements would significantly enhance the "Overall Health Score" and contribute to the well-being of the Borden community.