38558, Crossville, Tennessee Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 38558, Crossville, Tennessee is 10 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

91.59 percent of residents in 38558 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 20.37 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Cumberland Medical Center with a distance of 9.04 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Crossville, TN (ZIP Code 38558)

The journey to healthcare within ZIP Code 38558, Crossville, Tennessee, is a complex tapestry woven with threads of geography, transportation options, and the availability of medical services. This "Overall Health Score" assessment delves into the realities of accessing healthcare in this Cumberland County community, considering drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport options, all crucial elements for residents seeking care. Understanding these factors is paramount for both current residents and individuals considering moving to Crossville.

The fundamental challenge in Crossville is its rural setting. While offering the serenity of the Tennessee countryside, this environment presents hurdles to healthcare access. The dispersed population and limited public transportation options create a dependence on personal vehicles for most residents. This reliance underscores the importance of understanding drive times and road conditions when evaluating healthcare access.

The primary arteries for navigating Crossville and reaching medical facilities are Interstate 40 (I-40) and US Highway 70. I-40, running east-west, provides access to larger medical centers in Knoxville and Nashville, but these destinations involve significant travel times. US Highway 70, also known as West Avenue and then East Avenue within Crossville, serves as a crucial local thoroughfare, connecting various parts of the city and leading to local healthcare providers. Other key roads include US Highway 127, also known as North Main Street and South Main Street, which runs north-south, and State Route 101, which provides access to areas east of Crossville.

Drive times to healthcare facilities are variable and depend heavily on the destination and traffic conditions. Within Crossville, reaching the Cumberland Medical Center, the primary hospital in the area, typically involves a drive of less than 15 minutes for most residents. However, accessing specialized care or emergency services outside of Crossville can significantly extend travel times. A trip to Knoxville, for instance, can take upwards of 1.5 to 2 hours, and a drive to Nashville could stretch to 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic. These extended travel times can be a significant barrier to timely healthcare access, particularly in emergency situations.

Public transportation options in Crossville are limited. The Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency (UCHRA) operates a public transit system, providing transportation services within Cumberland County. However, the system's routes and schedules are limited, and it may not be a viable option for all residents, especially those with mobility limitations or those living in more remote areas. Information on specific routes, schedules, and ADA accessibility features is readily available through UCHRA.

The availability of ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft in Crossville is also limited. While these services may be available, their reliability and availability can vary, particularly during peak hours or in inclement weather. This can pose a challenge for individuals who do not own a vehicle or are unable to drive.

Medical transportation services offer a vital lifeline for individuals who cannot drive themselves or lack access to other transportation options. Several medical transport companies operate in the Crossville area, providing services such as non-emergency medical transport and ambulance services. These services can be essential for individuals with mobility issues, those requiring regular medical appointments, or those needing to be transported to specialized care facilities.

The overall health score for healthcare access in ZIP Code 38558 is moderately impacted by the limitations of transportation. While local healthcare facilities are readily accessible for many residents, the reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transportation, and the variable availability of ride-sharing services create challenges. The extended drive times to larger medical centers outside of Crossville further exacerbate these challenges, particularly for those requiring specialized care or experiencing medical emergencies.

For individuals considering moving to Crossville, a thorough assessment of transportation needs and healthcare access is essential. Prospective residents should evaluate their ability to drive, the availability of family or friends to assist with transportation, and the potential need for medical transportation services. Understanding the limitations of public transportation and ride-sharing services is also crucial.

The Cumberland Medical Center is the cornerstone of healthcare access in Crossville. However, the availability of specialized care and the need to travel to larger medical centers in Knoxville or Nashville can significantly impact healthcare access. The ability to drive, or access to reliable transportation, is a critical factor in determining the ease of accessing healthcare services.

The infrastructure for healthcare access in Crossville is evolving. The community is actively working to improve transportation options and expand healthcare services. However, the current limitations of transportation, particularly the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transit, create challenges for many residents.

The overall health score for healthcare access in Crossville, TN (ZIP Code 38558) reflects a community grappling with the challenges of rural healthcare access. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limitations of public transportation, and the variable availability of ride-sharing services all contribute to the complexities of accessing healthcare. While local healthcare facilities are readily accessible for many, the extended travel times to larger medical centers and the limited transportation options create barriers for some residents. A thorough understanding of these factors is crucial for both current residents and individuals considering moving to Crossville.

The ongoing efforts to improve transportation options and expand healthcare services offer hope for the future. However, the current realities of transportation and healthcare access in Crossville require careful consideration and planning. The ability to navigate the transportation landscape is a key determinant of overall health and well-being in this vibrant, yet geographically challenging, community.