38575, Moss, Tennessee Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 38575, Moss, Tennessee is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

49.79 percent of residents in 38575 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.93 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Macon Community Hospital with a distance of 21.25 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 38575

The health of a community is intrinsically linked to its ability to access healthcare. In ZIP Code 38575, encompassing the charming town of Moss, Tennessee, the ease of reaching medical facilities significantly impacts residents' well-being. This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score," considering the multifaceted nature of transportation and healthcare access in this rural setting. It explores drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, painting a comprehensive picture for those considering moving to Moss or seeking to improve their healthcare access.

The primary factor influencing the health score is the geographical reality of the area. Moss, nestled in the heart of Clay County, is characterized by its rural landscape and limited public transportation infrastructure. This necessitates a reliance on personal vehicles for most residents. The drive to healthcare facilities becomes a critical determinant of healthcare access, especially for those with mobility limitations or without access to a car.

**Drive Times: The Road to Well-being**

The journey to healthcare in 38575 often begins on local roads, such as Highway 53, a vital artery connecting Moss with surrounding towns. This road, while scenic, can be subject to traffic, particularly during peak hours or inclement weather. The distance to the nearest hospitals and clinics dictates the overall health score.

Residents seeking immediate care often travel to Celina, approximately a 15-20 minute drive via Highway 53. Celina hosts the Clay County Medical Center, a critical access hospital providing essential services. For more specialized care, residents often travel to Cookeville, a larger city about an hour's drive via Highway 53 and then Interstate 40. This longer commute necessitates careful planning and can pose challenges for those with chronic conditions or requiring frequent appointments.

Further afield, Nashville, with its extensive network of hospitals and specialists, is a viable option, but the drive, taking approximately two hours via I-40, is a significant undertaking. This distance can be a barrier to accessing specialized care and can lead to delayed treatment. The drive times, therefore, significantly impact the overall health score.

**Public Transit: A Limited Landscape**

Public transportation options in 38575 are notably limited. There is no established public bus system operating within the immediate area. This absence poses a significant challenge for individuals without access to personal vehicles, including the elderly, disabled, and low-income residents. The lack of public transit necessitates reliance on other, potentially less reliable, transportation methods.

For those with disabilities, the absence of accessible public transit is particularly concerning. The lack of ADA-compliant buses or paratransit services further restricts healthcare access for individuals with mobility challenges. This limitation contributes to a lower overall health score, highlighting the need for improved transportation options.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the broader Cookeville area, but their availability in Moss itself is less consistent. The rural nature of the area and the limited demand can result in longer wait times and potentially higher fares. This makes ride-sharing a less reliable option for urgent medical needs.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), play a crucial role in bridging the gap in healthcare access. Ambulance services are readily available for emergencies, ensuring timely medical intervention. NEMT services, provided by companies like Logisticare or MTM, offer transportation for non-emergency medical appointments. These services are particularly important for individuals with disabilities or those unable to drive.

However, the availability and cost of NEMT services can vary, and the process of scheduling and coordinating transportation can be complex. These factors can impact the overall health score, particularly for those relying on these services for routine medical care.

**Overall Health Score: A Comprehensive Assessment**

The overall health score for healthcare access in 38575 reflects a mixed picture. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the variable availability of ride-sharing services create significant challenges. The drive times to healthcare facilities, particularly for specialized care, can be lengthy, potentially leading to delays in treatment.

The availability of medical transport services, while crucial, adds another layer of complexity to healthcare access. The overall health score is therefore impacted by the challenges faced by residents in accessing healthcare.

**Recommendations and Future Considerations**

Improving healthcare access in 38575 requires a multi-pronged approach. Investing in a more robust public transportation system, including ADA-compliant options, would significantly improve healthcare access for vulnerable populations. Partnering with ride-sharing companies to ensure consistent service and potentially subsidizing fares for low-income residents could also be beneficial.

Promoting telehealth services, such as virtual doctor appointments and remote monitoring, could help mitigate the challenges of long travel distances. Expanding the availability of NEMT services and streamlining the scheduling process would further improve healthcare access.

For those considering moving to Moss, understanding the transportation landscape is crucial. While the community offers a peaceful and close-knit environment, the limitations in healthcare access must be carefully considered. Assessing individual needs, researching available transportation options, and planning for potential travel times are essential steps in ensuring access to quality healthcare.

The overall health score for 38575, while acknowledging the challenges, also underscores the community's resilience and the dedication of healthcare providers. By addressing the transportation limitations and investing in innovative solutions, Moss can strive to create a healthier future for all its residents. This is a community that values well-being and actively seeks to improve healthcare access for all. The journey to better healthcare access is ongoing, and the community's commitment to improvement is a testament to its strength.