40020, Fairfield, Kentucky Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 40020, Fairfield, Kentucky is 15 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

35.82 percent of residents in 40020 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.40 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Flaget Memorial Hospital with a distance of 9.15 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Fairfield, KY (ZIP Code 40020)

The health and well-being of a community are intricately linked to its residents' ability to access essential services, particularly healthcare. This analysis provides an “Overall Health Score” assessment for residents of Fairfield, Kentucky (ZIP code 40020), focusing on the critical aspect of *transportation* to healthcare facilities. We will delve into drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, offering a comprehensive picture for individuals considering *moving to Fairfield* and assessing their *healthcare access* options.

Fairfield, nestled within Shelby County, presents a unique landscape for healthcare access. While a charming and desirable location, its relative remoteness necessitates careful consideration of *transportation* logistics. The “Overall Health Score” for this ZIP code will reflect the challenges and opportunities associated with navigating the *transportation* infrastructure to reach vital medical care.

**Driving to Healthcare: A Road Map**

For many residents, driving remains the primary mode of *transportation* to healthcare appointments. The efficiency of this mode hinges on the road network and traffic conditions. Within Fairfield, the primary arteries for accessing healthcare are US-60 and KY-55. These roads, while generally well-maintained, can experience congestion during peak hours, particularly around Shelbyville.

The nearest major healthcare hub is Shelbyville, home to the Baptist Health Medical Center. A typical drive from the heart of Fairfield to the hospital, traveling primarily on KY-55 and US-60, averages approximately 15-20 minutes under normal traffic conditions. This relatively short drive time contributes positively to the “Overall Health Score.”

However, specialized care or access to a wider range of medical professionals may necessitate travel to Louisville. This journey involves navigating Interstate 64 (I-64), a major east-west thoroughfare. The drive to Louisville, depending on the specific location within the city and the destination hospital, can range from 45 minutes to over an hour. This longer travel time, coupled with potential traffic delays, presents a challenge for residents requiring specialized care, impacting the “Overall Health Score” negatively.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public *transportation* options in the Fairfield area are limited. The Transit Authority of River City (TARC), the primary public transit provider for the Louisville metropolitan area, does not directly serve Fairfield. This significantly restricts *healthcare access* for individuals who do not own a vehicle or are unable to drive.

While TARC services are available in nearby Shelbyville, the frequency of routes and the lack of direct connections to Fairfield make public transit a less viable option for most residents. This limitation has a considerable negative impact on the “Overall Health Score,” particularly for those with mobility challenges or who rely on public *transportation*.

Furthermore, it is essential to note the accessibility features of any available public transit. TARC buses are generally equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant features, including ramps and designated seating. However, the practical limitations of route availability and frequency still pose a significant hurdle for individuals requiring accessible *transportation* to healthcare appointments.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative *transportation* solution for residents of Fairfield. Availability, however, can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, especially for frequent medical appointments.

The presence of ride-sharing services provides a degree of flexibility and *healthcare access* that is not available with public transit, contributing a moderate positive effect on the “Overall Health Score.” However, the reliability and affordability of these services remain a concern.

For individuals requiring specialized medical *transportation*, several options are available. Medical *transportation* companies, such as CareRide and First Choice Medical *Transportation*, provide non-emergency medical *transportation* services. These services typically involve scheduled pick-up and drop-off for medical appointments. The cost of these services can vary depending on the distance and the specific needs of the patient.

Ambulance services are available for emergency situations. The presence of medical *transportation* options, particularly for non-emergency situations, helps to mitigate some of the challenges associated with limited public *transportation* and ride-sharing availability, adding a moderate positive contribution to the “Overall Health Score.”

**Medical Facilities and Their Impact**

The proximity and availability of medical facilities significantly impact the *healthcare access* component of the “Overall Health Score.” Baptist Health Medical Center in Shelbyville is the primary hospital serving the area. This facility offers a range of medical services, including emergency care, inpatient care, and outpatient clinics.

The presence of a local hospital, even if it necessitates a short drive, is a significant positive factor. The availability of primary care physicians, specialists, and urgent care facilities in Shelbyville further enhances the “Overall Health Score.”

However, residents may need to travel to Louisville for specialized care, such as advanced cardiology, oncology, or specialized surgical procedures. This necessitates the longer drive times discussed earlier, which impacts the overall score negatively.

**Overall Health Score Conclusion**

The “Overall Health Score” for *transportation* to healthcare in Fairfield, KY (ZIP code 40020) presents a mixed picture. The relatively short drive time to Shelbyville for general medical care contributes positively. The availability of ride-sharing and medical *transportation* services provides additional options, albeit with limitations.

However, the lack of reliable public transit, the longer drive times to Louisville for specialized care, and the potential for ride-sharing service inconsistencies negatively impact the score.

For individuals *moving to Fairfield*, a thorough assessment of their healthcare needs and *transportation* capabilities is crucial. Those who can drive and have access to a vehicle will likely find *healthcare access* relatively manageable. However, individuals who rely on public *transportation* or have mobility limitations will face greater challenges.

Therefore, the “Overall Health Score” for *transportation* to healthcare in Fairfield, KY (40020) is moderately positive, with room for improvement through increased public transit options and greater availability of affordable *transportation* alternatives. This information should be considered alongside other factors when evaluating the overall health and well-being of the community.