38117, Memphis, Tennessee Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 38117, Memphis, Tennessee is 78 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

85.53 percent of residents in 38117 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 2.84 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is St Francis Hospital with a distance of 2.39 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in 38117

Considering a move to Memphis, specifically the 38117 ZIP code? Understanding the landscape of healthcare access is crucial. This assessment provides an "Overall Health Score," analyzing the ease of reaching medical facilities, encompassing transportation options, drive times, and accessibility. This information will help you make an informed decision, considering the critical link between transportation and healthcare access.

The 38117 ZIP code, a vibrant area of Memphis, presents a mixed bag regarding healthcare accessibility. The score is determined by factoring in the proximity of medical facilities, the efficiency of transportation, and the inclusivity of options for all residents. This analysis considers the practical realities of navigating Memphis, balancing the convenience of personal vehicles with the availability of public transit and ride-sharing services.

**Drive Times: Navigating the Memphis Grid**

The cornerstone of healthcare access in 38117 is the automobile. The region is designed with a car-centric approach, influencing how residents reach hospitals, clinics, and specialists. Drive times are heavily influenced by traffic patterns, particularly during peak hours.

For residents in the eastern part of 38117, reaching Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis, a major medical center, typically involves a drive of 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. The route often utilizes Poplar Avenue, a major thoroughfare, and sometimes requires navigating the I-240 loop. Alternatively, reaching Methodist Le Bonheur Germantown Hospital, located slightly further east, might take 20-30 minutes, involving a drive along Poplar Avenue and a turn onto Germantown Parkway.

Those residing in the western part of 38117 might find themselves closer to St. Francis Hospital-Memphis. This journey, often utilizing Walnut Grove Road and I-240, could take 10-20 minutes, again contingent on traffic conditions. The ease of access to these major hospitals is a critical factor in the overall health score.

**Public Transit: Navigating the Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA)**

While the automobile reigns supreme, the Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) offers an alternative, albeit with limitations. The public transit system, while present, does not provide the same level of convenience or frequency as in other major metropolitan areas.

Several MATA bus routes serve the 38117 area. Route 50, for instance, travels along Poplar Avenue, connecting to various medical facilities. Route 42 and Route 53, operating along major arteries like Perkins Road and Highland Street, also offer access to healthcare providers. The frequency of these routes, however, can be a significant barrier, with buses arriving at intervals that can be inconvenient for medical appointments.

MATA strives to be inclusive, offering ADA-accessible buses. These vehicles are equipped with ramps or lifts to accommodate individuals with disabilities. However, the availability of accessible stops and the overall coverage of the system remain challenges.

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

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer another layer of transportation options. These services are readily available in Memphis, providing on-demand transportation to medical appointments. The convenience is undeniable, but the cost can be a factor, especially for frequent trips.

For individuals requiring specialized medical transport, several companies operate in Memphis. These services cater to patients with specific needs, providing transportation to and from medical appointments. Companies like CareRide and MedTrans offer services, ranging from wheelchair-accessible vehicles to stretcher transport. While these services are invaluable for specific populations, they often come with higher costs.

**Overall Health Score: A Synthesis**

The "Overall Health Score" for commuting to healthcare in 38117 is moderately positive. The area benefits from the proximity of several major hospitals and a relatively efficient road network. However, the reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with the limitations of public transit, presents challenges.

The score is also influenced by the availability of ride-sharing services and medical transport options. These services provide valuable alternatives, but their cost and accessibility can be limiting factors.

**Factors Influencing the Score:**

* **Proximity to Healthcare Facilities:** The 38117 area benefits from the presence of major hospitals, offering a range of medical services.
* **Drive Times:** The efficiency of the road network, though subject to traffic congestion, allows for reasonable drive times to healthcare facilities.
* **Public Transit:** The availability of MATA bus routes provides an alternative, but the frequency and coverage of the system are limitations.
* **Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:** These services offer convenient options, but their cost and availability impact the overall score.
* **ADA Accessibility:** MATA strives to provide ADA-accessible buses, but the availability of accessible stops remains a challenge.

**Recommendations for Prospective Residents:**

* **Assess Individual Needs:** Consider your personal transportation needs and healthcare requirements.
* **Explore Public Transit Options:** Familiarize yourself with MATA routes and schedules.
* **Factor in Costs:** Evaluate the costs of ride-sharing and medical transport services.
* **Consider Proximity:** When choosing a residence, consider the proximity to healthcare facilities and transportation options.

**Conclusion:**

Moving to Memphis, specifically 38117, requires a careful assessment of healthcare access. While the area offers a reasonable level of access, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limitations of public transit are factors to consider. By understanding the transportation landscape, prospective residents can make informed decisions, ensuring their healthcare needs are met. The "Overall Health Score" reflects this complex interplay, providing a valuable framework for evaluating the accessibility of healthcare in this vibrant Memphis ZIP code. The future of healthcare access in 38117, and Memphis as a whole, will depend on continued investment in transportation infrastructure and the expansion of accessible, affordable options for all residents.