40140, Garfield, Kentucky Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 40140, Garfield, Kentucky is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

32.11 percent of residents in 40140 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.60 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Breckinridge Memorial Hospital with a distance of 11.80 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 40140

Understanding healthcare access is paramount when considering a move, particularly to a location like Garfield, Kentucky, within ZIP Code 40140. This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, evaluating the transportation landscape and its impact on accessing medical services. It considers drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing/medical transport availability, offering a comprehensive view of the healthcare commute. This information is crucial for residents and prospective movers alike, ensuring informed decisions about their health and well-being.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The primary factor influencing healthcare access in 40140 is vehicular transportation. Residents often rely on personal vehicles to reach medical facilities. The geographical layout of Garfield necessitates navigating specific roadways to reach hospitals, clinics, and specialists.

Traveling south on **US-60** is a common route. This highway provides access to larger towns and cities, where more extensive medical facilities are located. Expect drive times to vary significantly based on the destination and time of day. Peak traffic hours can extend travel durations, impacting the timely receipt of medical care.

Another important artery is **KY-144**, which intersects with US-60. This road offers alternative routes to healthcare providers, potentially reducing travel time depending on the specific location. Smaller clinics and urgent care centers may be accessible via KY-144, providing convenient options for immediate needs.

The **Western Kentucky Parkway** offers a more direct route to larger medical centers, particularly those located in Louisville, though it requires a toll. This option can significantly reduce travel time for specialized care or emergency situations. However, the cost and distance must be considered when evaluating overall healthcare access.

**Public Transit and Accessibility:**

Public transportation options in 40140 are limited, posing a significant challenge for those without personal vehicles. The availability of public transit directly affects healthcare access, particularly for individuals with mobility limitations or those unable to drive.

Currently, there are no established fixed-route public bus services within the immediate vicinity of Garfield. This means residents are highly reliant on private transportation, increasing the challenges for those with limited mobility or financial constraints.

While no fixed routes exist, the potential for demand-response transit services, such as those operated by local county governments or non-profit organizations, should be investigated. These services, often requiring advance booking, can provide transportation to medical appointments. However, availability and operational hours can vary.

The absence of accessible public transit highlights the importance of considering the availability of alternative transportation options for individuals with disabilities. This includes the presence of ramps, elevators, and other ADA-compliant features at healthcare facilities.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, and medical transport brands, offer alternative solutions for healthcare access in 40140. These services provide a convenient option for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle.

The availability of ride-sharing services can vary depending on demand and driver availability. Residents should check the coverage area of these services to ensure they can be reliably used for medical appointments.

Medical transport services, such as those provided by private ambulance companies or non-emergency medical transportation providers, are crucial for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring specialized assistance. These services offer door-to-door transportation, ensuring safe and comfortable travel to and from medical appointments.

**Medical Transport Brands:**

Several medical transport brands operate in the broader region. These include private ambulance companies and non-emergency medical transportation providers. These services often require prior arrangements and may have varying pricing structures.

**Overall Health Score and Considerations:**

The "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in 40140 is moderate. While the area offers access to healthcare facilities via roadways like US-60, KY-144, and the Western Kentucky Parkway, the limited public transit options and reliance on personal vehicles create challenges for some residents.

The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services offers some solutions, but their accessibility and cost should be considered. Individuals with mobility limitations or those without personal vehicles may face significant barriers to accessing healthcare.

**Recommendations for Moving to Garfield:**

* **Assess Transportation Needs:** Before moving to Garfield, carefully evaluate your transportation needs and access to healthcare. Consider whether you have a reliable vehicle or can depend on ride-sharing or medical transport services.
* **Research Healthcare Providers:** Identify the healthcare providers you will need and determine the distance and travel time to their locations.
* **Explore Transportation Alternatives:** Investigate the availability of demand-response transit services or community-based transportation programs.
* **Consider Proximity to Healthcare:** When choosing a residence, consider its proximity to healthcare facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies.
* **Plan for Emergencies:** Have a plan for accessing medical care in emergencies, including knowing the location of the nearest emergency room and the availability of ambulance services.

**Conclusion:**

The "Overall Health Score" for 40140 highlights the importance of transportation in healthcare access. While the area offers access to medical facilities via roadways and ride-sharing services, the limited public transit options create challenges. Residents and prospective movers should carefully assess their transportation needs and plan accordingly to ensure timely access to healthcare. This comprehensive analysis empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their health and well-being when considering moving to Garfield, Kentucky.