47584, Spurgeon, Indiana Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 47584, Spurgeon, Indiana is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

46.99 percent of residents in 47584 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.98 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Ascension St Vincent Warrick with a distance of 15.23 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Spurgeon, Indiana (ZIP Code 47584)

Spurgeon, Indiana, nestled in the heart of rural Daviess County, presents a unique landscape when considering overall health and, specifically, access to healthcare. This analysis, focusing on ZIP code 47584, aims to provide a comprehensive "Overall Health Score" by evaluating the multifaceted challenges and opportunities related to transportation and healthcare access. Understanding the realities of moving to Spurgeon, with its limited options, is crucial for anyone prioritizing their well-being.

The score will consider factors such as drive times to medical facilities, the availability of public transit, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transportation. This information will be synthesized to paint a clear picture of the ease or difficulty residents face in reaching essential healthcare services.

**Drive Times: The Highway to Health**

The primary mode of transportation in Spurgeon is undoubtedly the personal vehicle. The reliance on cars significantly impacts healthcare access, particularly for those without reliable transportation or facing mobility limitations. The nearest significant healthcare hubs, including hospitals and specialized clinics, are located in Washington, Indiana, and Vincennes, Indiana.

Traveling to Washington, the county seat, involves navigating a network of county roads and state highways. A typical journey involves utilizing County Road 1000 South, connecting to State Road 57. From there, travelers can access US 50, which leads directly into Washington. This drive, under optimal conditions, can take approximately 20 to 30 minutes, covering a distance of around 15 to 20 miles. However, this estimate is subject to change based on traffic, weather conditions, and the specific location within the ZIP code.

For more specialized care or a wider range of medical services, residents often travel to Vincennes. This route typically involves taking State Road 57 south to US 50 west. The drive to Vincennes can take approximately 45 minutes to an hour, covering a distance of around 30 to 40 miles. The longer distance and potential for heavier traffic on US 50 increase the challenges for individuals requiring urgent care or regular appointments.

These drive times, while not excessive by some standards, can pose significant obstacles for those with chronic conditions, limited mobility, or those requiring frequent medical attention. The need to factor in travel time, especially during emergencies, underscores the importance of understanding the transportation landscape in Spurgeon.

**Public Transit: A Limited Lifeline**

Public transportation options in and around Spurgeon are extremely limited. Daviess County does not currently have a comprehensive public transit system. This lack of public transportation significantly impacts healthcare access for individuals who cannot drive, do not own a car, or are unable to rely on family or friends for rides.

While the absence of a traditional bus system is a major concern, the county may offer limited demand-response services for seniors and individuals with disabilities. These services, often requiring advance booking, may provide transportation to medical appointments. However, the availability and scope of these programs are often limited, and they may not always meet the needs of all residents.

The lack of readily available public transit necessitates a heavy reliance on personal vehicles, creating a significant barrier to healthcare access for a substantial portion of the population, especially when considering moving to Spurgeon.

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

The availability of ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft in Spurgeon is also limited. Due to the rural nature of the area and the relatively low population density, the presence of these services is sporadic. Residents cannot rely on ride-sharing as a consistent or readily available means of transportation to medical appointments.

Medical transportation services, however, offer a more specialized solution for individuals with specific needs. Several companies provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) in the region, including local ambulance services and private transportation providers. These services typically offer transportation for appointments, dialysis, and other medical needs.

The cost of medical transportation can be a significant financial burden for some individuals, and insurance coverage may vary. While these services provide a valuable lifeline for those with limited mobility or other transportation challenges, their accessibility and affordability are critical considerations.

**ADA Accessibility: Ensuring Inclusivity**

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that public transportation and healthcare facilities be accessible to individuals with disabilities. While the lack of public transit in Spurgeon is a major concern, it is crucial to evaluate the accessibility of healthcare facilities in Washington and Vincennes.

Healthcare providers must comply with ADA regulations, ensuring that their facilities are accessible to individuals with mobility impairments, visual impairments, and other disabilities. This includes features such as ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, and accessible examination rooms.

When evaluating healthcare access, it is essential to consider not only the availability of transportation but also the accessibility of the destination facilities.

**Overall Health Score: A Synthesis**

Based on the factors discussed, the "Overall Health Score" for access to healthcare in ZIP code 47584 is moderate, with significant challenges. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the sporadic availability of ride-sharing services create substantial barriers for some residents.

The drive times to healthcare facilities in Washington and Vincennes, while not excessively long, can be problematic for those with mobility limitations, chronic conditions, or those requiring frequent medical attention. The lack of readily available public transit exacerbates these challenges, leaving many residents dependent on personal vehicles or potentially expensive medical transportation services.

The availability of medical transportation services and the ADA compliance of healthcare facilities offer some mitigating factors. However, the overall picture reveals a need for improved transportation options and greater awareness of the challenges faced by residents in accessing healthcare.

**Recommendations**

To improve the "Overall Health Score" and enhance healthcare access in Spurgeon, several recommendations can be considered.

* **Advocate for Improved Public Transit:** Explore opportunities to establish or expand public transportation options, potentially through partnerships with neighboring counties or state agencies.
* **Promote Ride-Sharing Awareness:** Increase awareness of available ride-sharing services and medical transportation options, including information on costs, eligibility, and booking procedures.
* **Support Community Transportation Initiatives:** Encourage the development of community-based transportation programs, such as volunteer driver programs or carpooling initiatives.
* **Enhance Healthcare Facility Accessibility:** Ensure that healthcare facilities in Washington and Vincennes are fully compliant with ADA regulations and provide accessible services for all residents.
* **Promote Telehealth and Remote Monitoring:** Encourage the use of telehealth and remote patient monitoring technologies to reduce the need for in-person visits, particularly for individuals with chronic conditions.

By addressing these challenges and implementing these recommendations, the community can work towards creating a healthier and more accessible environment for all residents of Spurgeon, especially those considering moving to Spurgeon and prioritizing their healthcare access.