37355, Manchester, Tennessee Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 37355, Manchester, Tennessee is 56 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

59.84 percent of residents in 37355 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.79 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Unity Medical Center with a distance of 0.77 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 37355 (Manchester, TN)

This report provides a comprehensive ‘Overall Health Score’ assessment for residents of ZIP code 37355, focusing on the critical aspect of **healthcare access** through various **transportation** modalities. Understanding the ease and efficiency with which residents can reach medical facilities is paramount to evaluating their overall well-being, especially for those considering **moving to Manchester**. The score incorporates drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and specialized medical transport services, painting a detailed picture of the healthcare landscape.

The geographical layout of Manchester, Tennessee, significantly influences healthcare access. The town is primarily served by a network of state highways and local roads, shaping the commuting experience. The primary artery for travel is **Interstate 24 (I-24)**, which bisects the town, offering relatively swift access to regional healthcare hubs. However, relying solely on I-24 can be problematic during peak hours or in the event of accidents.

Secondary routes such as **Highway 41 (Manchester Highway)** and **Highway 55 (Shelbyville Highway)** provide alternative pathways, though they are often subject to congestion and traffic signals, particularly during rush hour. Local roads like **McMinnville Highway** and **Woodbury Highway** contribute to the network, offering more direct routes to local medical facilities but are often less well-maintained and may present challenges for those with mobility limitations.

To calculate the drive-time component of the Overall Health Score, we consider the distance to key healthcare providers. Manchester's primary healthcare facility is **Unity Medical Center**, located within the city limits. Drive times to Unity Medical Center are generally short, averaging 5-10 minutes depending on the specific location within 37355 and the chosen route.

However, access to specialized care often necessitates travel to larger regional centers. **Vanderbilt University Medical Center** in Nashville, approximately 70 miles away, represents a significant draw for specialized services. The drive to Vanderbilt, primarily via I-24, can take between 1 hour and 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. **Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital** in Murfreesboro, approximately 35 miles away, offers a closer alternative, with a drive time of around 45 minutes to 1 hour, again largely dependent on traffic flow on I-24.

Public transit options within Manchester are limited. The city lacks a comprehensive public bus system. Residents rely heavily on personal vehicles or ride-sharing services for **transportation** to medical appointments. This scarcity of public transit can disproportionately impact those without access to a car, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and low-income residents.

While there are no dedicated public transit routes serving the area, the availability of paratransit services for individuals with disabilities is a critical consideration. These services, often provided by local social service agencies, offer door-to-door transportation for eligible individuals. However, the availability and scheduling of these services can be limited, potentially creating barriers to **healthcare access**. The lack of fixed-route public transit significantly diminishes the Overall Health Score for residents reliant on alternative **transportation** methods.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Manchester, offering a potential solution for those without personal vehicles. However, the availability of these services can be inconsistent, especially during off-peak hours or in less populated areas of the ZIP code. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant barrier for some, particularly for frequent medical appointments.

The Overall Health Score considers the potential for extended wait times and the financial burden associated with ride-sharing, further influencing the accessibility component. The reliability of ride-sharing services is also a factor, as cancellations or delays can disrupt medical schedules and create undue stress for patients.

Specialized medical **transportation** services, such as non-emergency medical **transportation** (NEMT), are available in the area. These services cater to individuals who require assistance with **transportation** but do not need an ambulance. Companies like **American Medical Response (AMR)** and local providers offer NEMT services, providing a crucial lifeline for those with mobility limitations or other medical needs.

The availability of NEMT services improves the Overall Health Score, particularly for those with specific medical requirements. However, the cost of these services can be substantial, potentially creating a financial barrier to **healthcare access**. The Overall Health Score must consider the affordability and accessibility of these specialized **transportation** options.

The Overall Health Score is also influenced by the availability of healthcare facilities within the 37355 ZIP code. Unity Medical Center provides a range of primary and secondary care services. However, access to specialized care, such as cardiology, oncology, and specialized surgical procedures, often requires travel to regional centers like Vanderbilt or Saint Thomas Rutherford. This necessitates considering the drive times, the availability of **transportation** options, and the potential for increased travel costs.

The Overall Health Score is further impacted by the demographics of the population residing in 37355. The presence of a significant elderly population or a high percentage of individuals with disabilities would necessitate a higher weighting for the accessibility of public transit, ride-sharing, and specialized medical **transportation** services.

For individuals considering **moving to Manchester**, the Overall Health Score provides a crucial insight into the ease with which they can access healthcare services. The score highlights the importance of having a reliable personal vehicle, the potential challenges associated with relying on ride-sharing services, and the limitations of public transit options.

The Overall Health Score also underscores the significance of specialized medical **transportation** services for those with specific needs. The score considers the potential financial burden associated with healthcare **transportation**, the impact of travel times on the ability to access specialized care, and the overall accessibility of healthcare services within and beyond the 37355 ZIP code.

In conclusion, the Overall Health Score for **healthcare access** in ZIP code 37355 reflects a mixed picture. While residents have relatively easy access to local healthcare facilities, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transit options create challenges for some. The availability of ride-sharing services and specialized medical **transportation** provides crucial support, but the associated costs and potential inconsistencies must be considered. The score emphasizes the importance of evaluating **transportation** options when assessing the overall health and well-being of residents, particularly for those considering **moving to Manchester**. This assessment underscores the need for ongoing efforts to improve **healthcare access** through expanded public transit, enhanced ride-sharing services, and increased affordability of specialized medical **transportation** options.