40060, Raywick, Kentucky Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 40060, Raywick, Kentucky is 52 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

84.36 percent of residents in 40060 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.04 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Spring View Hospital with a distance of 9.36 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Raywick, KY (ZIP Code 40060)

Raywick, Kentucky, nestled in the heart of Marion County, presents a unique landscape for assessing overall health, particularly concerning **healthcare access**. This analysis, focusing on ZIP code 40060, delves into the complexities of **transportation** options available for residents seeking medical care, ultimately formulating an "Overall Health Score" based on accessibility, efficiency, and the availability of diverse modes of travel. This score will illuminate considerations for those contemplating **moving to Raywick**, Kentucky, and the impact of commuting on their well-being.

The primary challenge for healthcare access in Raywick stems from its rural location. The nearest major medical facilities are situated in Lebanon, approximately 15 miles away, and in Bardstown, around 25 miles distant. These distances, while seemingly manageable, become significant when considering the quality of roads, weather conditions, and the availability of alternative **transportation** methods.

**Drive Times and Road Conditions:**

The most common mode of travel for medical appointments is personal vehicles. From Raywick, the journey to Lebanon typically involves navigating Kentucky Route 49, a two-lane road that can be subject to heavy truck traffic, especially during peak hours. The drive, under ideal conditions, takes approximately 25-30 minutes. However, adverse weather, such as snow or ice, can significantly extend this travel time, potentially delaying or even preventing access to crucial medical care.

Traveling to Bardstown involves a combination of Kentucky Route 49 and US-68. This route, while generally in better condition than Route 49, is still susceptible to traffic congestion, particularly around the Bardstown city limits. The drive to Bardstown usually takes around 35-45 minutes.

**Public Transit: A Limited Reality:**

Public **transportation** options in Marion County are extremely limited. The county does not have a comprehensive public bus system that serves the entire area. While some demand-response services might be available through the local Area Agency on Aging or similar organizations, they typically require advance booking and may not be readily accessible for urgent medical needs. Furthermore, the lack of fixed routes and schedules significantly reduces the convenience and reliability of public transit for healthcare appointments. ADA-compliant features, such as wheelchair accessibility, are likely available on any demand-response vehicles, but the overall impact of public transit on **healthcare access** remains minimal in Raywick.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the region, but their presence and reliability in rural areas like Raywick are often inconsistent. Availability may be limited, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Furthermore, the cost of ride-sharing can be a significant barrier for some residents, especially those with chronic conditions or limited incomes.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed for patients requiring assistance, offer a more specialized solution. Companies like Rural Transit or similar local providers might be available, offering wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained staff. However, these services often require pre-booking, can be expensive, and may have limited availability, particularly for same-day appointments.

**Overall Health Score Calculation:**

The "Overall Health Score" for **healthcare access** in Raywick (40060) is calculated based on the following factors:

* **Drive Time to Nearest Medical Facilities:** 30%
* **Reliability of Drive Time (Weather, Traffic):** 25%
* **Availability of Public Transit:** 5%
* **Accessibility and Affordability of Ride-Sharing:** 10%
* **Availability and Cost of Medical Transport:** 15%
* **Proximity to Pharmacies and Urgent Care:** 15%

Considering these factors, the Overall Health Score for Raywick, KY (40060) is assessed as **Fair**.

The score is primarily impacted by the reliance on personal vehicles and the potential for extended travel times due to weather and road conditions. The limited availability of public transit and the potential cost and unreliability of ride-sharing services further contribute to the lower score. While medical transport services offer a specialized solution, their limitations in terms of availability and cost also weigh on the overall assessment.

**Implications for Moving to Raywick:**

Individuals considering **moving to Raywick** should carefully evaluate their healthcare needs and **transportation** requirements. Those with chronic medical conditions or limited mobility should consider the potential challenges of accessing healthcare facilities. The availability of reliable personal **transportation** is crucial. Exploring the availability and cost of medical transport services is also highly recommended. Prospective residents should also assess the proximity to pharmacies and urgent care facilities, as these can provide immediate access to care for minor ailments.

**Recommendations for Improvement:**

Improving the "Overall Health Score" for Raywick requires a multi-faceted approach. Investing in improved road infrastructure, particularly on Kentucky Route 49, would reduce drive times and improve reliability. Exploring partnerships with regional transit authorities to establish a more robust public **transportation** system, even if limited, could significantly enhance **healthcare access**. Incentivizing ride-sharing services to operate in the area and ensuring the affordability of medical transport services would also contribute to a higher score. Promoting telemedicine and telehealth services could also mitigate the challenges of distance and **transportation**, allowing residents to access certain types of medical care remotely.

In conclusion, while Raywick offers a tranquil and close-knit community, the **transportation** challenges associated with accessing healthcare facilities warrant careful consideration. The "Overall Health Score" reflects the current realities of **healthcare access** in the area, highlighting the importance of personal **transportation** and the need for improvements in public transit and medical support services. Residents and prospective residents must proactively plan for their healthcare needs, ensuring they have reliable access to medical care. The assessment should be a key consideration for anyone considering **moving to Raywick**, Kentucky, to ensure their health and well-being.