38579, Quebeck, Tennessee Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 38579, Quebeck, Tennessee is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

35.79 percent of residents in 38579 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.93 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Saint Thomas Highlands Hospital with a distance of 9.24 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 38579

ZIP Code 38579, encompassing the town of Monterey, Tennessee, presents a unique landscape for assessing overall health. Its rural character and distance from major metropolitan centers significantly influence healthcare access. This assessment delves into the transportation infrastructure, a critical determinant of health outcomes, focusing on drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services. The goal is to provide a comprehensive 'Overall Health Score' reflective of the challenges and opportunities residents face when seeking healthcare.

The primary challenge in 38579 stems from its geographical isolation. The nearest major hospitals and specialized medical facilities are located in Cookeville, approximately 15 to 20 miles away. This distance, seemingly manageable, becomes a significant barrier considering the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited alternative transportation options. The primary thoroughfare connecting Monterey to Cookeville is **Highway 70**, a two-lane road that can experience traffic congestion during peak hours. Other routes, like **Highway 111**, offer alternative paths, but they often involve longer distances and potential delays due to varying road conditions.

Drive times, therefore, become a crucial factor in determining the 'Overall Health Score'. Emergency situations demand rapid transport, and any delay can have dire consequences. Residents with chronic conditions, requiring frequent appointments, face a constant struggle with travel time and associated costs. The availability of reliable and efficient transportation directly impacts their ability to manage their health effectively. For those contemplating moving to Quebeck, a nearby community, this aspect of healthcare access must be carefully considered.

Public transportation options in 38579 are limited. The Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency (UCHRA) provides a demand-response transit service, offering rides within the region. However, this service is not a frequent, fixed-route system. It requires advance booking and is primarily designed for non-emergency medical appointments, shopping trips, and other essential errands. The availability of UCHRA services is a positive aspect, but its limitations, including potential wait times and restricted operating hours, impact its overall effectiveness.

The UCHRA vehicles are generally ADA-accessible, providing wheelchair lifts and other accommodations. This is a vital feature for residents with disabilities or mobility impairments, ensuring their access to healthcare services. However, the demand-response nature of the service can still pose challenges for those needing immediate or unscheduled medical attention. The lack of a robust public transit network, particularly a fixed-route system with frequent service, is a significant factor impacting the 'Overall Health Score'.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Cookeville area, but their presence in 38579 is less consistent. Availability depends on driver density and demand, which can fluctuate significantly. Relying on ride-sharing for medical appointments can be unreliable, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier, particularly for low-income residents. The uncertainty associated with ride-sharing availability and cost further diminishes the 'Overall Health Score'.

Medical transport services play a crucial role in bridging the gap in healthcare access, especially for individuals requiring specialized care or unable to drive themselves. Several companies operate in the region, offering ambulance services for emergencies and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) for scheduled appointments. These services are essential for those with mobility limitations or serious medical conditions.

The availability of medical transport services is a positive factor, but the cost can be a significant burden. Insurance coverage for NEMT varies, and out-of-pocket expenses can be substantial. The response time for ambulance services is another critical factor, especially in rural areas. While the presence of medical transport services improves the 'Overall Health Score', the cost and potential delays can still pose challenges.

The 'Overall Health Score' for 38579 reflects a complex interplay of factors. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, the inconsistent availability of ride-sharing services, and the cost of medical transport all contribute to a score that is lower than that of more urbanized areas. The geographical isolation of Monterey, while offering a tranquil lifestyle, presents significant challenges in terms of healthcare access.

The 'Overall Health Score' is also influenced by the demographics of the population. The presence of a significant elderly population, often with mobility limitations and chronic health conditions, increases the demand for accessible and affordable transportation. The socio-economic status of residents also plays a crucial role. Lower-income individuals may struggle to afford the costs of transportation, further limiting their access to healthcare.

Improving the 'Overall Health Score' in 38579 requires a multi-faceted approach. Investing in public transit infrastructure, including expanding the UCHRA service and exploring the feasibility of a fixed-route system, is crucial. Encouraging ride-sharing companies to increase their presence in the area and offering subsidies for low-income residents could also improve access.

Supporting community initiatives that promote carpooling and shared transportation can also help. Strengthening partnerships between healthcare providers, transportation agencies, and community organizations is essential to create a coordinated and efficient system. Addressing the affordability of medical transport services is also critical, potentially through insurance reform or government subsidies.

For those considering moving to Quebeck or the surrounding areas, a thorough understanding of these transportation and healthcare access challenges is paramount. Researching the availability of specific medical services, assessing the feasibility of personal transportation, and exploring the options for public transit and medical transport are essential steps.

The 'Overall Health Score' for 38579 is not static. It is a reflection of the current transportation landscape and the healthcare needs of the community. By addressing the challenges and seizing the opportunities for improvement, the community can enhance its healthcare access and improve the overall health and well-being of its residents. The focus on transportation, healthcare access, and the specific challenges faced in this rural setting provides a critical framework for understanding the health dynamics of the area.