38573, Monroe, Tennessee Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 38573, Monroe, Tennessee is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

36.98 percent of residents in 38573 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.05 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Livingston Regional Hospital with a distance of 9.22 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 38573 (Monroe, TN)

The overall health score for residents of ZIP Code 38573, encompassing Monroe, Tennessee, is significantly influenced by their ability to access healthcare. This write-up assesses the transportation landscape, a critical determinant of healthcare access, considering drive times, public transit options, and alternative transportation solutions. Understanding these factors is crucial for anyone considering moving to Monroe, as they directly impact health outcomes and quality of life.

The primary mode of transportation for healthcare access in Monroe is personal vehicles. The town's layout and limited public transit necessitate reliance on cars for most residents. This dependence highlights the importance of reliable vehicles and the financial burden associated with vehicle ownership, maintenance, and fuel costs. Access to healthcare becomes inextricably linked to socioeconomic status.

Drive times to healthcare facilities vary depending on the specific destination and the time of day. The primary artery for travel within and out of Monroe is **Highway 111**, a crucial thoroughfare connecting the town to larger cities like Cookeville and Crossville. Traveling north on Highway 111 provides access to Cookeville Regional Medical Center, a comprehensive healthcare provider. The drive typically takes between 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Venturing south on Highway 111 leads to Crossville and the Cumberland Medical Center. This journey usually takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour. These drive times are not insignificant, especially for individuals requiring urgent care or facing chronic health conditions necessitating frequent appointments.

Other roads play a supporting role in healthcare access. **Highway 70** provides an alternative route to Cookeville, though it often involves slower speeds and more local traffic. **Highway 84** serves as a connector to surrounding communities and can be utilized for accessing smaller clinics or specialists in neighboring towns. The condition of these roads, particularly after inclement weather, can further impact drive times and accessibility.

Public transportation options in Monroe are extremely limited. The Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency (UCHRA) provides demand-response transportation services, but these are primarily designed for seniors and individuals with disabilities. These services, while essential for a segment of the population, do not offer a comprehensive public transit network that could serve the broader community. The lack of regular bus routes or fixed-route services significantly restricts healthcare access for those without personal vehicles or the ability to drive.

The UCHRA's services, while offering crucial support, often require advance booking and may have limited operating hours, further complicating healthcare access. The availability of ADA-accessible vehicles is a vital consideration, ensuring that individuals with mobility limitations can access these services. However, the overall scope of public transit remains insufficient to meet the diverse needs of the population.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Monroe, but their presence is sporadic and availability is not guaranteed, especially during off-peak hours or in remote areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant barrier for some residents, making it an impractical solution for regular healthcare appointments. The reliance on ride-sharing also introduces an element of uncertainty, as delays or cancellations can disrupt access to critical medical care.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients requiring non-emergency medical transport, may offer an alternative. These services often cater to individuals with specific medical needs or those requiring assistance with mobility. Companies like AMR (American Medical Response) or local providers may offer services in the area. However, the availability and cost of these services can vary, and they may not be readily accessible for all residents.

The overall health score for residents of 38573 is significantly impacted by the transportation landscape. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the variable availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services create significant challenges for healthcare access. The drive times to major healthcare facilities, while not excessive, can still pose a burden, especially for those with chronic conditions or limited mobility.

The absence of a robust public transit system disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources. These individuals may face greater difficulty accessing essential medical care, leading to poorer health outcomes and reduced quality of life.

Moving to Monroe necessitates careful consideration of these transportation challenges. Prospective residents should factor in the costs of vehicle ownership, the potential for long drive times, and the limited availability of alternative transportation options when assessing their ability to access healthcare. Understanding the existing transportation infrastructure is crucial for making informed decisions about healthcare needs and ensuring a healthy lifestyle.

Improving healthcare access in Monroe requires a multifaceted approach. Investing in public transit infrastructure, expanding the availability of ride-sharing services, and supporting medical transportation providers are essential steps. Community initiatives aimed at providing transportation assistance to vulnerable populations can also play a vital role.

Furthermore, promoting telehealth services and expanding the availability of local healthcare providers can help mitigate the challenges posed by the transportation landscape. Encouraging the development of healthcare facilities within the town itself will reduce the reliance on travel to distant locations.

In conclusion, the overall health score for residents of ZIP Code 38573 is inextricably linked to the availability and accessibility of transportation. While the town offers access to healthcare facilities, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transit options create significant barriers. Addressing these challenges through strategic investments in transportation infrastructure, community support programs, and telehealth initiatives is crucial for improving healthcare access and promoting the well-being of the community. The future health of Monroe hinges on its ability to overcome these transportation hurdles.