36723, Boykin, Alabama Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 36723, Boykin, Alabama is 12 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

41.03 percent of residents in 36723 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 20.64 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is J Paul Jones Hospital with a distance of 5.57 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Boykin, Alabama (ZIP Code 36723)

Boykin, Alabama, nestled in Wilcox County, presents a unique landscape for individuals managing asthma. The rural setting, while offering tranquility, introduces complexities concerning **healthcare access**. This write-up, acting as an "Asthma Score" assessment, delves into the **transportation** options available for residents of ZIP code 36723, considering the critical need for timely medical attention. It’s particularly relevant for those **moving to Boykin**, where understanding these nuances is paramount.

The primary challenge is the limited proximity to specialized asthma care. The nearest major medical centers with pulmonology departments are in Selma, approximately 30 miles northeast, and Mobile, roughly 100 miles south. These distances, compounded by the potential for unpredictable weather and traffic, significantly impact the Asthma Score. The ability to reach a healthcare provider quickly is crucial for managing asthma exacerbations.

Driving is, unsurprisingly, the most common mode of **transportation** for accessing healthcare in this area. From Boykin, the most direct route to Selma typically involves traveling north on Alabama Highway 28. This two-lane road, while scenic, can be prone to delays, especially during peak hours or due to agricultural traffic. The drive time, under ideal conditions, is approximately 45 minutes to an hour. Further, the road conditions and the availability of emergency services along the route must be factored in.

Traveling to Mobile presents a more significant challenge. The journey involves navigating Alabama Highway 28 to Alabama Highway 5, and then onto US Highway 80 East. The drive time, without accounting for traffic, is around two hours. The potential for delays, particularly on US Highway 80, which traverses several towns and cities, is considerable. This longer distance increases the vulnerability of asthma sufferers, especially during an emergency.

Public **transportation** options are severely limited in Wilcox County. There is no established public bus system operating within the county. This lack of public transit significantly restricts **healthcare access** for those without personal vehicles, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities. This is a critical factor in the Asthma Score, as it excludes a substantial portion of the population from readily available medical care.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, have a limited presence in rural Alabama. While availability might exist, it is not guaranteed, and wait times can be substantial. The cost of a ride-share to Selma or Mobile would also be a significant financial burden, particularly for frequent appointments. The unreliability of ride-sharing further complicates the Asthma Score, as it cannot be considered a dependable means of **transportation**.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed for patients, may offer a solution. Several companies provide non-emergency medical **transportation** (NEMT) services, often catering to Medicaid and Medicare recipients. However, the availability of these services in Boykin and the surrounding area must be verified. The Asthma Score would improve if reliable NEMT services are readily accessible, but this requires thorough investigation.

The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance of available **transportation** is another crucial consideration. If NEMT services are available, their accessibility for individuals with mobility limitations or requiring specialized equipment (e.g., oxygen tanks) must be assessed. This is particularly relevant for those managing asthma, as the disease can often be accompanied by other health challenges.

The Asthma Score is further impacted by the availability of emergency medical services (EMS). The response time of ambulances to calls within Boykin is a critical factor. Delays in reaching a hospital or clinic can be life-threatening during an asthma attack. The location of the nearest hospital and the efficiency of the EMS system are essential components of the Asthma Score.

The infrastructure surrounding healthcare facilities also plays a role. Are there ample parking spaces, and are they accessible for people with disabilities? Are there designated areas for drop-offs and pick-ups? The ease of access to the healthcare facility itself, once **transportation** is secured, contributes to the overall Asthma Score.

The availability of pharmacies and medication refills within a reasonable distance is another critical aspect. Easy access to prescribed medications is essential for managing asthma. The Asthma Score is negatively affected if residents must travel long distances to obtain their prescriptions.

For individuals **moving to Boykin**, understanding these **transportation** challenges is crucial. Researching the availability of NEMT services, verifying the reliability of ride-sharing, and assessing the response time of EMS are all essential steps. The Asthma Score is improved with proactive planning.

The Asthma Score in Boykin, Alabama (36723) is inherently low due to the limited **transportation** options and the distance to specialized asthma care. Driving is the primary mode of **transportation**, but the long distances and potential for delays impact the score. Public **transportation** is virtually non-existent, and ride-sharing services are unreliable. While medical **transportation** services may offer a solution, their availability must be verified. The remoteness of the area and the lack of readily accessible medical care necessitate careful planning and proactive measures for individuals managing asthma. The Asthma Score serves as a crucial tool for assessing **healthcare access** in this rural setting.