38542, Allred, Tennessee Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 38542, Allred, Tennessee is 19 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

0.00 percent of residents in 38542 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.64 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Livingston Regional Hospital with a distance of 7.55 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 38542

Assessing the overall health score for residents of ZIP Code 38542, encompassing the Allred community and surrounding areas, requires a deep dive into healthcare access. This includes evaluating the transportation infrastructure and available resources that facilitate or hinder residents’ ability to reach medical care. The journey to wellness is often paved with roads and public transit, but for those in rural areas, it can be a challenging and sometimes arduous trek.

The primary factor influencing the health score within this ZIP code is the limited availability of healthcare facilities directly within its boundaries. This necessitates residents to travel to neighboring towns and cities for medical appointments, specialist consultations, and emergency care. This reliance on external healthcare providers underscores the critical importance of transportation options.

The primary thoroughfare for accessing healthcare from 38542 is Highway 111. This major highway offers a relatively direct route to Cookeville, the nearest city with a comprehensive range of medical services. However, traffic conditions, particularly during peak hours, can significantly impact travel times. Secondary roads, such as Highway 84 and various county roads, provide alternative routes, though they may be less direct and potentially subject to delays due to their winding nature and limited maintenance.

Drive times to healthcare facilities in Cookeville, the primary destination for medical services, vary depending on the specific location within 38542 and the destination within Cookeville. A typical drive to Cookeville Regional Medical Center, the primary hospital, can range from 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the starting point and traffic. Specialty clinics and physician offices located further into Cookeville may add additional travel time.

Public transportation options are extremely limited in this rural area. There is no established public bus system directly serving 38542. This absence of public transit presents a significant barrier to healthcare access, particularly for individuals who do not own a vehicle, are unable to drive due to age or disability, or face financial constraints. The lack of public transportation disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, potentially leading to delayed or missed medical appointments, exacerbating health conditions.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Cookeville area. However, their availability in the more remote areas of 38542 may be limited, and surge pricing during peak demand can make them an expensive option for frequent medical appointments. The reliability of ride-sharing services is also a concern, particularly for emergency situations or when timely transportation is critical.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a specialized solution. These services often cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring medical assistance during transit. However, the availability and cost of medical transportation services in 38542 need to be carefully considered. The cost of these services can be a significant financial burden for some residents, and the availability of specialized vehicles and trained personnel may be limited in this rural area.

The overall health score for 38542 is significantly impacted by the challenges related to transportation. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with the absence of robust public transit and the potential limitations of ride-sharing and medical transportation services, creates a situation where healthcare access is not equitable. Residents may face significant hurdles in reaching medical care, potentially leading to delayed diagnoses, inadequate treatment, and poorer health outcomes.

The decision to move to Allred, or any location within 38542, should involve a thorough assessment of healthcare access. Prospective residents should carefully consider their transportation needs and the availability of reliable transportation options. They should also research the proximity of healthcare facilities, the types of services offered, and the cost of accessing those services.

The physical geography of 38542, characterized by rolling hills and rural roads, presents additional challenges to transportation. Road conditions, particularly during inclement weather, can impact travel times and safety. The availability of emergency services, including ambulance response times, should also be a factor in assessing the overall health score.

The lack of sidewalks and pedestrian infrastructure in many areas of 38542 further limits healthcare access for those who do not drive. Walking or cycling to medical appointments is often not a viable option, particularly for individuals with mobility limitations or those living in areas with limited pedestrian safety.

The overall health score for 38542 is not solely determined by transportation. Other factors, such as access to healthy food options, opportunities for physical activity, and the availability of social support networks, also play a crucial role. However, transportation is a critical determinant of healthcare access, and its limitations in this ZIP code significantly impact the overall health score.

Improving the health score for 38542 requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes exploring options to enhance public transportation, such as partnering with neighboring counties to expand bus routes or implementing demand-response transportation services. Encouraging ride-sharing and medical transportation services, potentially through subsidies or partnerships with healthcare providers, could also improve access.

Investing in infrastructure improvements, such as road maintenance and the development of pedestrian-friendly areas, would also be beneficial. Promoting telehealth services, where appropriate, can reduce the need for travel and provide access to remote medical care.

Ultimately, the overall health score for 38542 reflects the community's ability to provide equitable access to healthcare. Addressing the transportation challenges is paramount to improving the health and well-being of its residents. This will ensure that those moving to Allred and existing residents alike can easily obtain the medical care they need.