38023, Drummonds, Tennessee Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 38023, Drummonds, Tennessee is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

47.62 percent of residents in 38023 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.41 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Baptist Memorial Hospital Tipton with a distance of 13.74 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Drummonds, TN (ZIP Code 38023)

Drummonds, Tennessee, a charming rural community nestled in Tipton County, offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. However, the serenity of Drummonds presents a unique challenge: accessing healthcare. This assessment delves into the complexities of **transportation** and **healthcare access** within and around ZIP code 38023, providing an "Overall Health Score" that reflects the ease or difficulty residents face in reaching essential medical services. For those **moving to Drummonds**, understanding these transportation dynamics is crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

The "Overall Health Score" considers several factors: drive times to various healthcare facilities, the availability and accessibility of public transit, the presence of ride-sharing services, and the availability of specialized medical **transportation**. Each factor is weighted based on its impact on residents' ability to obtain timely and appropriate medical care. The higher the score, the better the access.

**Drive Times and Road Networks: The Foundation of Access**

The primary mode of transportation for Drummonds residents is undoubtedly the personal vehicle. The road network, while generally well-maintained, dictates the speed and efficiency with which individuals can reach healthcare providers. The primary thoroughfare is **Highway 51**, which runs north-south, connecting Drummonds to the larger towns of Covington and Millington.

Drive times to the nearest hospitals, clinics, and specialist offices vary depending on the destination and time of day. Reaching Baptist Memorial Hospital-Tipton in Covington, approximately 10 miles south, typically takes 15-20 minutes under normal traffic conditions. This is a crucial healthcare hub offering a wide range of services.

Traveling north on Highway 51 towards Millington, the drive to Methodist Healthcare-Millington, a smaller facility, takes around 25-30 minutes. However, the commute can be significantly impacted by traffic, especially during peak hours.

For specialized care, residents often travel to Memphis, approximately 30-40 miles south. This journey involves navigating Highway 51 and then connecting to **Interstate 40**. Reaching major medical centers like St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Methodist University Hospital, and the numerous clinics and specialists in the Memphis Medical District can take anywhere from 45 minutes to over an hour, depending on traffic congestion. This extended travel time can be a significant barrier to accessing timely medical care, particularly for emergencies or those requiring frequent appointments.

The condition of the roads is generally good, but potholes and other road hazards can occur, particularly after inclement weather. The availability of well-maintained roads is critical for the safety and efficiency of **transportation** to medical facilities.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transit options in and around Drummonds are extremely limited. The Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) does not currently provide service to Drummonds or the immediate surrounding areas. This absence of public transit significantly restricts **healthcare access** for those who do not own a vehicle, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources.

The lack of public transit necessitates reliance on personal vehicles, ride-sharing services, or medical **transportation**. The absence of accessible public transit, including routes with ADA features, contributes to a lower "Overall Health Score" for Drummonds.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Memphis area and, to a lesser extent, in Covington. However, their availability in Drummonds itself is variable. Wait times can be longer, and the cost of rides can be substantial, especially for trips to Memphis. This can make ride-sharing an unreliable and expensive option for routine medical appointments.

Medical **transportation** services offer a more specialized solution for those requiring assistance. These services provide non-emergency medical **transportation** for individuals who cannot drive themselves or utilize other forms of **transportation**.

Several medical **transportation** providers operate in the Memphis area and may serve Drummonds. These include:

* **CareRide:** Offers non-emergency medical **transportation** services.
* **First Call Medical Transportation:** Provides wheelchair-accessible and stretcher services.
* **Ambulance Services:** For emergency **transportation**.

The availability and cost of these services vary. While they provide a vital link to healthcare for those with mobility limitations or other needs, they can be expensive and may require advance booking.

**Overall Health Score and Considerations for Moving to Drummonds**

Based on the factors discussed, the "Overall Health Score" for **healthcare access** in Drummonds, TN (38023) is moderate. The primary strength lies in the relatively short drive to Covington for basic medical services. However, the lack of public transit, the variable availability of ride-sharing, and the reliance on personal vehicles for accessing specialized care in Memphis present significant challenges.

The cost of **transportation**, including fuel, vehicle maintenance, and potential ride-sharing or medical **transportation** fees, adds to the financial burden of **healthcare access**. The long travel times to Memphis can also impact the quality of life for residents, particularly those with chronic conditions or those who require frequent medical appointments.

For individuals **moving to Drummonds**, a thorough assessment of their healthcare needs and **transportation** capabilities is essential. Considering the proximity to Covington for basic services, the need for reliable **transportation** for specialized care, and the potential costs associated with accessing medical facilities is crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

The "Overall Health Score" can be improved by increasing the availability of public transit, encouraging ride-sharing services, and expanding the reach of medical **transportation** providers. These improvements would significantly enhance **healthcare access** for all residents of Drummonds.