47175, Taswell, Indiana Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 47175, Taswell, Indiana is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

29.86 percent of residents in 47175 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 20.15 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Indiana University Health Paoli Hospital with a distance of 15.81 miles from the area.

**Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 47175 (Taswell, Indiana)**

Taswell, Indiana, nestled in the heart of rural Crawford County, presents a unique landscape for assessing overall health. The community's well-being is inextricably linked to its **transportation** infrastructure and, consequently, its **healthcare access**. This analysis delves into the realities of navigating the region to receive medical care, providing an "Overall Health Score" based on commute times, available modes of transport, and the accessibility of various healthcare providers. If you are **moving to Taswell**, understanding these factors is paramount.

The score considers the ease of reaching primary care physicians, specialists, emergency services, and pharmacies. It weighs the challenges posed by limited public transit, the reliance on personal vehicles, and the availability of alternative options like ride-sharing and medical transport services. This assessment is not a simple numerical grade but a nuanced understanding of the factors that shape the health of Taswell residents.

**Drive Times and Roadways: The Primary Arteries**

The primary mode of transport in Taswell is, without question, the personal vehicle. The vast majority of residents rely on cars, trucks, and SUVs to access essential services, including healthcare. The area’s geography necessitates this dependence, with sprawling distances between homes, businesses, and medical facilities.

The central artery for travel is State Road 37, which runs north-south through the area. This road offers relatively direct access to the nearest larger towns, such as English and Paoli. However, the road is often subject to traffic, especially during peak hours. Traveling north on State Road 37 leads to Paoli, approximately a 20-minute drive, where the Orange County Hospital provides essential medical services.

Heading south on State Road 37, the journey leads to the county seat of English, roughly a 15-minute drive. English is home to the Crawford County Hospital, a crucial healthcare provider for the community. The hospital offers a range of services, including emergency care, outpatient clinics, and specialized treatments.

Other significant roadways include State Road 64, which intersects State Road 37. This route provides access to more distant locations, such as Tell City, Indiana, which is about an hour's drive. The drive along these roads, while scenic, can be challenging due to the winding nature of the terrain and the potential for inclement weather.

The journey to Louisville, Kentucky, a major metropolitan area with numerous healthcare options, is approximately a 1.5 to 2-hour drive. This longer commute underscores the challenges faced by residents seeking specialized care or access to a wider range of medical professionals. The route typically involves taking State Road 37 to Interstate 64, a major east-west highway.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public **transportation** in Taswell and Crawford County is severely limited. There is no regular bus service or established public transit system within the immediate area. This lack of public **transportation** significantly restricts **healthcare access** for those who cannot drive, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those without access to a personal vehicle.

The absence of public transit necessitates a reliance on alternative methods of travel, further compounding the challenges of accessing medical care. The lack of **transportation** options is a significant barrier to **healthcare access** in this rural community.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their presence is limited. Availability depends on driver density, which is often lower in rural areas. This means that securing a ride to a medical appointment might require advance planning and could be subject to delays or cancellations.

Medical **transportation** services offer a crucial lifeline for residents who cannot drive or lack access to other forms of **transportation**. These services provide non-emergency medical **transportation** to and from medical appointments, dialysis treatments, and other healthcare-related destinations.

Several medical **transportation** providers operate in the region, including companies like CareRide and MedTrans. These services often require pre-booking and can have varying rates depending on the distance and the specific needs of the patient. They typically offer door-to-door service, ensuring that individuals are safely transported to and from their appointments.

**ADA Accessibility: A Critical Consideration**

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that public **transportation** and healthcare facilities be accessible to individuals with disabilities. However, the lack of public **transportation** in Taswell poses a significant challenge to ADA compliance. Individuals with disabilities must rely on personal vehicles, ride-sharing services, or medical **transportation**, all of which may have accessibility limitations.

Healthcare facilities, such as hospitals and clinics, are generally required to meet ADA standards, including accessible entrances, ramps, elevators, and restrooms. However, the accessibility of these facilities is only as good as the **transportation** options available to reach them.

**Pharmacies and Medication Access: A Vital Component**

Access to pharmacies and medications is an essential aspect of **healthcare access**. Taswell has limited pharmacy options, with residents often relying on pharmacies in neighboring towns like English and Paoli. This necessitates an additional commute to pick up prescriptions and refill medications.

The availability of mail-order pharmacies can help mitigate this challenge, allowing residents to have their medications delivered directly to their homes. However, this option requires access to the internet and a reliable postal service.

**Overall Health Score: A Summary**

The Overall Health Score for **healthcare access** in ZIP Code 47175 is moderate, with significant challenges. The reliance on personal vehicles for **transportation** creates barriers for those without access to a car. The limited public transit options and the variable availability of ride-sharing services further exacerbate these challenges.

While medical **transportation** services offer a vital lifeline, they are not always readily available or affordable. The lack of readily available **transportation** impacts the ability of residents to access timely and appropriate medical care, potentially leading to delayed diagnoses and treatment.

The score is also influenced by the distance to specialized medical services and the limited pharmacy options within Taswell. The need for residents to travel to larger towns or cities for certain types of care adds to the overall burden.

**Recommendations**

Improving **healthcare access** in Taswell requires a multi-faceted approach. Investing in a local public **transportation** system, even a limited one, could significantly improve **healthcare access**. Expanding the availability of ride-sharing services and medical **transportation** options could also help.

Community initiatives to support carpooling and neighborly assistance could also alleviate some of the challenges. Telemedicine and virtual healthcare appointments could also play a role in improving access to care, especially for routine check-ups and follow-up appointments.

For those **moving to Taswell**, it is essential to consider these **transportation** and **healthcare access** factors. Understanding the limitations and planning accordingly is crucial for maintaining good health. The Overall Health Score highlights the need for ongoing efforts to improve the **transportation** infrastructure and expand **healthcare access** in this rural community.