38464, Lawrenceburg, Tennessee Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 38464, Lawrenceburg, Tennessee is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

68.66 percent of residents in 38464 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.19 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Southern Tennessee Regional Health System Lawrence with a distance of 2.19 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 38464 (Lawrenceburg, TN)

Assessing the overall health score for residents of Lawrenceburg, Tennessee (ZIP Code 38464), necessitates a comprehensive evaluation of their access to healthcare. A crucial element in this assessment is the ease and efficiency with which individuals can **transport** themselves to medical facilities. This write-up delves into the various **transportation** options available, analyzing drive times, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical **transport** providers. Ultimately, the goal is to paint a clear picture of the challenges and opportunities that residents face when seeking medical care, a critical factor for anyone **moving to Lawrenceburg**.

The primary challenge for healthcare access in Lawrenceburg lies in its rural setting. While the town itself offers some medical services, specialized care often requires travel to larger cities like Nashville or Huntsville. This geographical reality significantly impacts the overall health score, particularly for those without reliable **transportation** or with mobility limitations.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The most common mode of **transportation** for accessing healthcare in 38464 is personal vehicle. The majority of residents rely on their cars to navigate the area's road network. Lawrenceburg is primarily served by US Highway 64, a major east-west artery that connects the town to neighboring communities. Traveling east on US-64 leads to Pulaski, approximately a 30-minute drive, where residents can access additional medical facilities.

Westbound on US-64 provides access to Columbia, Tennessee, about an hour's drive, offering a wider range of healthcare options. Interstate 65, a major north-south highway, is accessible via US-64, further extending healthcare options. Nashville, a major medical hub, is roughly a 1.5-hour drive north on I-65. This distance necessitates careful planning, particularly for appointments and emergencies.

Other important roadways include State Route 43, which runs north-south through Lawrenceburg, and State Route 245, connecting to nearby towns. These roads, while offering alternative routes, can be subject to traffic, especially during peak hours. The condition of these roads, including potholes and lack of shoulders, can further impact drive times and the safety of **transportation**.

**Public Transit:**

Public transit options within Lawrenceburg and surrounding areas are limited. There is no established public bus system directly serving the area. This lack of readily available public **transportation** poses a significant barrier for individuals who cannot drive, including the elderly, those with disabilities, and low-income residents. This deficiency further reduces the overall health score for those without alternative means of **transportation**.

The absence of public transit underscores the importance of other **transportation** solutions, such as ride-sharing and medical **transport** services, for ensuring adequate healthcare access. The lack of ADA-compliant features in any public transit system further exacerbates the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Lawrenceburg, but their availability can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in remote areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant barrier for some residents, making it a less viable option for frequent medical appointments. This variability in availability and affordability impacts the overall health score.

Medical **transport** services are available to address the needs of individuals requiring specialized assistance. These services typically cater to patients with mobility limitations or those needing non-emergency medical **transportation** to appointments. Several medical **transport** providers operate in the region, including but not limited to, First Medical Transport and American Medical Response (AMR). These services often require pre-booking and can be costly, further affecting the overall health score.

The availability of these services provides a crucial lifeline for individuals who cannot drive or lack access to other **transportation** options. However, the cost and scheduling limitations of these services can still create barriers to accessing timely medical care.

**Healthcare Access and Implications for Moving to Lawrenceburg:**

The overall health score for residents of 38464 is impacted by the interplay of several factors. The reliance on personal vehicles for **transportation** creates challenges for those without cars or who cannot drive. The limited public transit options exacerbate these challenges, particularly for vulnerable populations.

The availability of ride-sharing and medical **transport** services offers some solutions, but their cost and availability can be limiting. The distance to specialized medical facilities in larger cities adds to the complexity of healthcare access, requiring careful planning and potentially increasing the time spent traveling for appointments.

For individuals **moving to Lawrenceburg**, understanding these **transportation** limitations is crucial. Potential residents should consider their individual healthcare needs, the availability of personal **transportation**, and the potential costs associated with ride-sharing or medical **transport** services.

The overall health score for 38464 is thus moderate. While the town offers some local medical services, accessing specialized care often requires significant travel. The lack of robust public transit and the reliance on personal vehicles create barriers for some residents. The availability of ride-sharing and medical **transport** services offers some solutions, but their limitations impact the overall health score.

**Recommendations:**

To improve the overall health score and enhance healthcare access in 38464, several initiatives could be considered. Exploring the feasibility of establishing a public transit system, even on a limited scale, could significantly benefit residents without personal vehicles. Partnering with ride-sharing services to provide subsidized rides for medical appointments could also be beneficial.

Furthermore, promoting awareness of existing medical **transport** services and providing financial assistance to those in need could help address the cost barriers associated with these services. Encouraging the development of telehealth services could also reduce the need for in-person visits, particularly for routine check-ups and consultations.

Finally, improving the infrastructure of the roadways, including addressing potholes and adding shoulders where possible, would enhance the safety and efficiency of **transportation** for all residents. By addressing these challenges, Lawrenceburg can improve its overall health score and ensure that all residents have equitable access to the healthcare they need.