41810, Cromona, Kentucky Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 41810, Cromona, Kentucky is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

87.77 percent of residents in 41810 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.42 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Whitesburg Arh Hospital with a distance of 8.76 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Cromona, KY (ZIP Code 41810)

The health of a community is inextricably linked to its ability to access healthcare. This report assesses the overall health score for residents of Cromona, Kentucky (ZIP Code 41810), focusing specifically on the transportation infrastructure and its impact on healthcare access. This analysis considers various modes of transportation, including personal vehicles, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport, to determine the ease and efficiency with which residents can reach medical facilities. This is especially important for those considering moving to Cromona.

The primary challenge for healthcare access in Cromona stems from its rural location. The surrounding terrain and limited transportation options significantly influence the overall health score. While the community itself may be tight-knit, the distance to comprehensive medical services necessitates careful consideration of transportation logistics. A low score in this area can have a detrimental effect on preventative care, timely treatment, and overall well-being.

**Drive Times and Road Infrastructure:**

The backbone of transportation in Cromona is the personal vehicle. Residents primarily rely on their cars for accessing healthcare. However, the drive times to medical facilities are a crucial factor. The nearest hospital, Whitesburg Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH), is approximately 12 miles away, translating to a drive time of around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions. The primary route involves traveling on Kentucky Route 15 (KY-15), a two-lane highway that can experience congestion during peak hours.

Further afield, more specialized care may necessitate travel to larger cities such as Lexington or Pikeville. Reaching Lexington, which offers a wider range of medical specialists and facilities, involves a drive of approximately 150 miles. This journey primarily utilizes the Mountain Parkway and the Hal Rogers Parkway, with an estimated travel time of 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. This long commute significantly impacts healthcare access, particularly for individuals requiring frequent appointments or experiencing medical emergencies.

Pikeville, another option for healthcare, is roughly 50 miles away, accessible via KY-1428 and US-23. The drive typically takes around 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes. While closer than Lexington, Pikeville's healthcare options are still limited compared to larger metropolitan areas. The condition of these roads, especially during inclement weather, can further complicate travel and affect the overall health score.

**Public Transit Limitations:**

Public transportation options in Cromona are extremely limited. The primary provider of public transit in the region is the Kentucky River Area Development District (KRADD). However, their services are primarily focused on demand-response transportation, meaning rides must be scheduled in advance. This service is often used for medical appointments.

The KRADD offers limited fixed-route services, and these routes do not directly serve Cromona. Furthermore, the availability of services is significantly restricted, often operating only during weekdays and with limited hours. The lack of readily available public transit significantly hinders healthcare access for those without personal vehicles or who are unable to drive.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a critical consideration for public transit. While the KRADD strives to provide accessible services, the limited scope and demand-response nature of their operations can pose challenges for individuals with disabilities. The need for advance scheduling and potential delays can create barriers to timely healthcare access.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their availability is often sporadic and dependent on driver availability. Residents of Cromona may experience longer wait times and higher fares compared to urban areas. This can make ride-sharing an unreliable and expensive option for routine medical appointments.

Medical transport services are available to address the specific needs of patients requiring transportation to medical appointments. These services often cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those who need assistance getting to and from their appointments. However, these services can be costly and may require advance booking, further impacting healthcare access. The availability of these services is a positive factor, but their cost and scheduling requirements can still present challenges.

**Overall Health Score and Recommendations:**

The overall health score for healthcare access in Cromona (ZIP Code 41810) is moderate. The primary strengths are the presence of KY-15 and the availability of personal vehicles. However, the limitations of public transit, the potential for long drive times to specialized care, and the reliance on potentially unreliable ride-sharing services significantly impact the overall score. For those considering moving to Cromona, understanding these transportation challenges is vital.

To improve the overall health score and enhance healthcare access, several recommendations are offered. First, expanding public transit options, including fixed routes and increased service hours, is crucial. This would provide a more reliable and affordable alternative to personal vehicles, especially for those who are unable to drive.

Second, improving the road infrastructure, including maintenance and potential expansion of KY-15, would reduce drive times and improve safety. This would make healthcare access more efficient and less stressful for residents.

Third, promoting partnerships between local healthcare providers and ride-sharing services could help to ensure reliable and affordable transportation options for medical appointments. Subsidized ride-sharing programs or partnerships with medical transport services could significantly improve access for vulnerable populations.

Finally, increasing awareness of available medical transport services and providing financial assistance to those who need it would help to address the needs of individuals with mobility limitations or those who require assistance. This would ensure that all residents have access to the healthcare they need, regardless of their ability to drive or their financial situation.

By addressing these challenges and implementing these recommendations, Cromona can improve its overall health score and create a healthier community for all its residents. The focus on transportation is a critical component of ensuring that the community thrives and that its citizens have the ability to live long and healthy lives.