47524, Decker, Indiana Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 47524, Decker, Indiana is 61 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

85.22 percent of residents in 47524 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.94 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Daviess Community Hospital with a distance of 20.52 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 47524

The health of a community is inextricably linked to its ability to access healthcare. This analysis, focused on ZIP Code 47524, home to the charming town of Decker, Indiana, examines the crucial element of transportation and its impact on healthcare access. We'll explore the available options, from personal vehicles to public transit, ride-sharing, and specialized medical transport, providing an "Overall Health Score" based on the ease, efficiency, and equity of reaching essential medical services. Considering the challenges of rural living, especially for those contemplating moving to Decker, understanding these transportation dynamics is paramount.

The primary determinant of healthcare access in 47524 is the reliance on personal vehicles. Decker itself is a small community, and the nearest hospitals and specialized medical facilities are located in larger towns and cities. The most direct route often involves navigating **Indiana State Road 61** and **Indiana State Road 58**. These roads, while generally well-maintained, can experience delays due to seasonal weather conditions, particularly during winter months. Travel times can vary significantly depending on traffic, time of day, and the specific destination.

For instance, a trip to Good Samaritan Hospital in Vincennes, a major healthcare provider, typically involves a drive of approximately 20-30 minutes, covering roughly 20 miles. Accessing specialized care in Evansville, about 60 miles away, necessitates a longer journey, potentially exceeding an hour, depending on traffic and the route taken, often utilizing **US-41**. These drive times, while seemingly manageable, can become significant barriers for individuals with chronic conditions, mobility limitations, or those requiring frequent appointments. The availability of a reliable vehicle and the financial burden of fuel costs are also critical factors influencing healthcare access.

Public transportation options within 47524 are limited. There is no dedicated public bus system serving the immediate area. The absence of robust public transit presents a significant challenge, especially for individuals who cannot drive, lack access to a personal vehicle, or are unable to afford the costs associated with private transportation. This lack of public transit disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including the elderly, low-income individuals, and those with disabilities, potentially leading to delayed or missed medical appointments, and ultimately, poorer health outcomes. The absence of public transit is a significant negative factor in the overall health score.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the region, but their presence is not as consistent or readily accessible as in more urban areas. Availability can be unpredictable, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant barrier, especially for frequent medical appointments. While ride-sharing offers a potential alternative to personal vehicles, its limitations in terms of availability and affordability reduce its overall impact on improving healthcare access in 47524.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a crucial lifeline for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring specialized assistance. These services, often provided by ambulance companies or private transportation providers, can be essential for individuals who cannot drive or are unable to utilize other forms of transportation. However, the cost of medical transportation can be substantial, and the availability of these services may be limited depending on the specific needs of the patient and the geographic location.

The availability of specialized medical transportation is a positive factor, but its cost and limited availability in some cases need to be considered. The presence of these services, however, does mitigate some of the negative impacts of the lack of public transit and the challenges associated with ride-sharing.

The geographical dispersion of healthcare facilities also impacts the overall health score. While Good Samaritan Hospital in Vincennes offers a comprehensive range of services, access to specialized care often requires travel to Evansville or even further afield. This necessitates longer travel times, potentially increasing the burden on patients and their caregivers. The distance to specialized care is a significant factor in the overall health score.

The concept of moving to Decker presents both opportunities and challenges regarding healthcare access. The town's rural setting offers a peaceful lifestyle, but it also necessitates careful consideration of transportation options and the availability of healthcare services. Potential residents should thoroughly investigate the availability of transportation options, the proximity of healthcare providers, and the potential costs associated with accessing medical care.

The "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in 47524 is influenced by a complex interplay of factors. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, the variable availability of ride-sharing services, and the presence of medical transportation all contribute to the overall assessment. The geographical dispersion of healthcare facilities, particularly the need to travel to larger cities for specialized care, also plays a crucial role.

Based on this analysis, the "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in 47524 is moderate. While the availability of personal vehicles provides a primary means of transportation, the lack of robust public transit, the limitations of ride-sharing, and the potential costs associated with medical transportation create significant challenges. The geographical distance to specialized care further compounds these challenges. Individuals considering moving to Decker should carefully assess their transportation needs and healthcare requirements to ensure they can effectively access the medical services they need.

The overall health score could be improved by several factors. The expansion of public transportation options, even a limited demand-response system, would significantly enhance healthcare access. Increasing the availability and affordability of ride-sharing services would also be beneficial. Furthermore, initiatives to promote telehealth and remote patient monitoring could help mitigate the challenges associated with geographical distance. Investing in these areas would contribute to a healthier community and make Decker a more accessible and attractive place to live.