47637, Tennyson, Indiana Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 47637, Tennyson, Indiana is 52 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

41.13 percent of residents in 47637 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.81 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Ascension St Vincent Warrick with a distance of 8.95 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Tennyson, Indiana (ZIP Code 47637)

Assessing the overall health score for residents of Tennyson, Indiana (ZIP Code 47637) necessitates a deep dive into their ability to access healthcare. This analysis considers the multifaceted nature of transportation, a critical determinant of health outcomes. Factors such as drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing options, and medical transport services are meticulously examined to paint a comprehensive picture of healthcare access in this rural community. Moving to Tennyson, a potential resident must consider these factors.

Tennyson, nestled in Warrick County, is primarily a car-dependent community. The vastness of the surrounding landscape and the absence of robust public transportation infrastructure shape the healthcare access landscape. Residents rely heavily on personal vehicles for travel to medical appointments, pharmacies, and other health-related services. This dependence introduces several challenges, including the cost of vehicle ownership, fuel expenses, and the potential for transportation barriers for those unable to drive.

Drive times to healthcare facilities are a primary concern. The closest significant healthcare hub is Evansville, Indiana, approximately 25 miles to the southwest. Reaching Evansville typically involves traversing the rural roads of Warrick County and utilizing major highways. The primary route to Evansville from Tennyson is via State Road 62, a two-lane highway that can experience moderate traffic, particularly during peak hours. This journey usually takes around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions and the specific destination within Evansville.

Further east, residents might consider healthcare facilities in Tell City, Indiana, approximately 30 miles away. This trip often involves State Road 62 and State Road 66, another two-lane highway. Drive times to Tell City vary, but typically range from 45 minutes to an hour. The condition of these roads, particularly during inclement weather, can significantly impact travel times and safety.

Public transportation options in and around Tennyson are limited. The absence of a dedicated public transit system poses a significant challenge for individuals without personal vehicles, especially the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those with low incomes. The lack of public transportation exacerbates healthcare access disparities, potentially delaying or preventing necessary medical care.

Currently, there are no readily available public transit routes that directly serve Tennyson. This means that residents must rely on alternative transportation solutions, such as ride-sharing services or medical transport providers. The absence of public transit underscores the importance of assessing the availability and accessibility of these alternative options.

Ride-sharing services, like Uber and Lyft, are present in Evansville, but their availability in Tennyson and the surrounding rural areas is often limited. The cost of these services can also be prohibitive for some residents, particularly for frequent medical appointments. The reliability of ride-sharing services in this area can vary, and wait times might be longer than in more densely populated areas.

Medical transport services offer a specialized solution for individuals with specific healthcare needs. These services typically cater to patients requiring transportation to and from medical appointments, dialysis treatments, or other healthcare-related destinations. Several medical transport providers serve the Evansville area, but their reach into Tennyson and the surrounding rural areas requires further investigation.

Medical transport services may provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) for individuals who cannot drive themselves or do not have access to transportation. These services often require pre-booking and can be more expensive than other transportation options. The availability of NEMT services and the associated costs significantly impact healthcare access for vulnerable populations.

In evaluating the healthcare access landscape, ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance is paramount. Public transportation, when available, must adhere to ADA standards, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities. This includes features such as wheelchair lifts, ramps, and accessible seating. Ride-sharing services and medical transport providers should also strive to accommodate individuals with disabilities, providing accessible vehicles and trained personnel.

The overall health score for Tennyson is impacted by the transportation challenges residents face. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the potential limitations of ride-sharing and medical transport services create barriers to healthcare access. These barriers can lead to delayed or missed medical appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and poorer health outcomes.

The distance to Evansville, the primary healthcare hub, necessitates careful planning and consideration of travel times. Residents must factor in potential delays due to traffic, road conditions, and weather. The lack of readily available public transportation adds to the complexity of accessing healthcare.

When moving to Tennyson, potential residents should thoroughly research the available transportation options and assess their individual needs. Individuals without personal vehicles should explore the availability and cost of ride-sharing services and medical transport providers. They should also consider the potential for long wait times and limited availability, especially during off-peak hours or in emergencies.

The overall health score for Tennyson is negatively impacted by the transportation challenges. The lack of robust public transit, the reliance on personal vehicles, and the potential limitations of ride-sharing and medical transport services create barriers to healthcare access. These barriers can lead to delayed or missed medical appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and poorer health outcomes.

To improve the health score, community initiatives focused on enhancing transportation options are essential. This might include advocating for public transit services, partnering with ride-sharing companies to improve availability and affordability, and expanding the reach of medical transport providers. Addressing these transportation challenges is critical to ensuring that all residents of Tennyson have equitable access to healthcare and can maintain their well-being. The health of the community is directly tied to the ease with which residents can access medical care.