42167, Tompkinsville, Kentucky Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 42167, Tompkinsville, Kentucky is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

66.19 percent of residents in 42167 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.59 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Monroe County Medical Center with a distance of 1.31 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Tompkinsville, KY (ZIP Code 42167)

The overall health of a community is intrinsically linked to its accessibility to healthcare. In Tompkinsville, Kentucky (ZIP Code 42167), a rural community nestled in Monroe County, the ability to readily access medical services is a critical factor influencing the well-being of its residents. This write-up provides an 'Overall Health Score' assessment, focusing on the challenges and opportunities presented by the transportation landscape in relation to healthcare access. It considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, offering a comprehensive view for anyone considering moving to Tompkinsville.

The very fabric of Tompkinsville's healthcare accessibility is interwoven with its geography. The town is relatively isolated, with limited public transportation options. This isolation necessitates a heavy reliance on personal vehicles for most residents. The primary roadways serving the area are Kentucky Route 100, Kentucky Route 63, and Kentucky Route 87. These roads, while generally well-maintained, can be subject to weather-related delays, particularly during winter months, impacting drive times and potentially delaying critical medical care.

Driving to the nearest hospitals and specialized medical facilities requires careful consideration. The closest hospital is The Medical Center at Caverna in Horse Cave, approximately 55 miles away. Driving this distance typically takes around an hour and fifteen minutes via I-65 North and then KY-31E. However, this is heavily dependent on traffic conditions and can extend significantly during peak travel times or in the event of an accident.

For more specialized care, residents may need to travel to Bowling Green, KY, home to The Medical Center and several specialist clinics. This drive is approximately 65 miles and takes around an hour and twenty minutes via KY-63 North to I-65 North. Louisville, KY, with its extensive medical resources, is a further drive, approximately 120 miles, demanding a minimum of two hours of travel time via I-65 North. This extended travel time is a significant consideration for individuals requiring urgent or specialized medical attention.

Public transportation options in Tompkinsville are extremely limited. Monroe County does not have a local public transit system. The absence of buses, trains, or other forms of mass transit significantly restricts healthcare access for those without personal vehicles, including the elderly, disabled individuals, and those with limited financial resources. This lack of transportation presents a considerable barrier to healthcare access, making it challenging for residents to attend routine appointments, follow-up care, and access preventative services.

The absence of public transit necessitates reliance on personal vehicles, ride-sharing services, or medical transport for healthcare access. This adds to the overall cost of healthcare, creating a financial burden for many residents. The lack of public transportation disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, potentially leading to delayed or missed medical appointments and ultimately impacting their overall health outcomes.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Bowling Green, but their presence in Tompkinsville is inconsistent and limited. Securing a ride-share in the area can be challenging, especially during off-peak hours or in emergency situations. This unreliability further complicates healthcare access, leaving residents with limited options when they need transportation to medical appointments or treatments.

Medical transport services offer a crucial lifeline for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring specialized assistance. Several companies provide medical transport services in the region, including ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT). These services are essential for transporting patients to and from medical appointments, hospitals, and rehabilitation facilities. However, the availability and cost of medical transport can vary, and long-distance transport can be expensive.

The availability of medical transport is a critical component of healthcare access in Tompkinsville. Ambulance services are readily available for emergencies, but the cost of an ambulance ride can be substantial. Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services are available for scheduled appointments, but these services often require advance booking and may have limited availability. The cost of NEMT services can also be a barrier for some residents, particularly those with limited financial resources.

The overall health score for healthcare access in Tompkinsville, KY (ZIP Code 42167) is significantly impacted by the transportation challenges. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the inconsistent availability of ride-sharing services all contribute to the difficulties residents face in accessing healthcare. The long distances to hospitals and specialist clinics, coupled with potential weather-related delays, further exacerbate these challenges.

The absence of robust public transportation infrastructure and the limited availability of ride-sharing services create a significant barrier to healthcare access for many residents. This is particularly true for those who are elderly, disabled, or have limited financial resources. The need for medical transport services adds to the overall cost of healthcare, creating a financial burden for some residents.

For individuals considering moving to Tompkinsville, it's crucial to carefully assess their transportation needs and the availability of healthcare services. While the community offers a close-knit environment, the limitations in transportation options can significantly impact healthcare access. Those who rely on public transportation or have mobility limitations should carefully consider the challenges they may face in accessing medical care.

The overall health score for healthcare access in Tompkinsville is therefore moderate, with significant room for improvement. Addressing the transportation challenges, such as exploring options for a local transit system, promoting ride-sharing availability, and ensuring the affordability of medical transport services, is crucial to improving the community's overall health and well-being. This requires a collaborative effort involving local government, healthcare providers, and community organizations to identify and implement sustainable solutions that enhance healthcare access for all residents.