47564, Otwell, Indiana Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 47564, Otwell, Indiana is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

72.26 percent of residents in 47564 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.95 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Memorial Hospital And Health Care Center with a distance of 9.86 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 47564 (Otwell, Indiana)

This analysis provides a comprehensive ‘Overall Health Score’ assessment for healthcare access within ZIP Code 47564, focusing on transportation options. Understanding these factors is crucial for residents and prospective movers, particularly those considering moving to Otwell, Indiana. The score considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation options, painting a picture of the ease or difficulty of accessing healthcare services.

The score will be a subjective assessment, based on the availability, efficiency, and accessibility of each transportation method. It is intended to provide a general overview and should not be considered a definitive guide for individual healthcare needs.

**Driving Times and Road Infrastructure:**

The primary mode of transportation in Otwell is personal vehicles. The road network, while functional, significantly impacts healthcare access. Residents rely heavily on driving to reach medical facilities. The most direct route to larger healthcare providers often involves navigating State Road 57. This road, while generally well-maintained, can experience congestion during peak hours, potentially extending travel times.

Traveling south on State Road 57 provides access to Jasper, Indiana, a regional hub with hospitals and specialty clinics. The journey typically takes around 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Further afield, accessing Evansville, Indiana, a larger metropolitan area with a wider range of healthcare options, requires a drive of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, primarily utilizing US-231 and then Interstate 64.

Smaller, more local medical facilities are accessible via county roads like County Road 1000 North and County Road 400 East. These roads are generally less congested but may have limited maintenance, especially during inclement weather. This can pose challenges, particularly for individuals with mobility issues or those relying on emergency services.

**Public Transit Availability:**

Public transportation options in Otwell and the surrounding areas are extremely limited. There is no established public bus service directly serving the ZIP Code. This absence presents a significant barrier to healthcare access for individuals without personal vehicles, including the elderly, those with disabilities, and low-income residents.

The closest public transit options are likely to be found in Jasper, Indiana. However, the frequency and routes of these services are limited, and the travel time to reach them from Otwell would be considerable. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-compliant buses and infrastructure is a critical consideration. Without reliable public transit, residents face significant challenges in accessing healthcare.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation Services:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are present in the larger cities like Jasper and Evansville. However, their availability in Otwell is unpredictable. The rural nature of the area and the limited population density can make it difficult to secure a ride, especially during off-peak hours or in emergencies.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by local ambulance companies and specialized non-emergency medical transport providers, offer a crucial lifeline for some residents. These services are often designed to transport individuals to and from medical appointments. However, they can be expensive and may require advance booking, which may not be suitable for urgent care needs. The availability of these services and their coverage area are important factors in the overall health score.

**Specific Considerations for Healthcare Access:**

The location of specific healthcare facilities significantly impacts the overall health score. The presence of a local clinic or doctor's office within Otwell would improve the score. However, the reliance on driving to reach hospitals and specialists in Jasper or Evansville highlights the importance of reliable transportation.

The availability of emergency medical services (EMS) is also a critical factor. The response time of ambulances and the proximity of emergency rooms are essential for residents' safety. The health score considers the efficiency of these services and the ease of access to emergency care.

**Impact on Overall Health Score:**

The overall health score for healthcare access in ZIP Code 47564 is moderately low. The primary factor lowering the score is the lack of public transportation and the reliance on personal vehicles. While driving times to some medical facilities are reasonable, the absence of alternative transportation options creates significant challenges for those without cars.

The score is also influenced by the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services and the cost of medical transportation. The limited availability of local healthcare providers further exacerbates the transportation challenges.

**Recommendations for Improving Healthcare Access:**

Several strategies could improve healthcare access in Otwell. The most impactful would be the introduction of a public transportation system, even a limited one, to connect residents with healthcare facilities in Jasper and other nearby towns.

Collaboration between local healthcare providers, community organizations, and transportation companies could facilitate the development of subsidized or discounted ride-sharing programs. This would help make transportation more affordable for low-income residents.

Furthermore, promoting the expansion of telehealth services would reduce the need for in-person visits, especially for routine check-ups and consultations. This is particularly important for residents with limited transportation options.

**Conclusion:**

The overall health score for healthcare access in ZIP Code 47564 reflects the challenges of rural living. While residents have access to healthcare facilities, the transportation options are limited. The absence of public transit and the reliance on personal vehicles create barriers for many.

Prospective movers considering moving to Otwell should carefully evaluate their transportation needs and healthcare access requirements. While the area offers a peaceful lifestyle, the limitations in transportation may pose challenges for those who rely on public transit or have mobility issues. Addressing these transportation challenges is essential to improving the overall health and well-being of the community.