32073, Orange Park, Florida Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 32073, Orange Park, Florida is 69 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

51.29 percent of residents in 32073 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 4.55 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Hca Florida Orange Park Hospital with a distance of 1.73 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare in Orange Park (ZIP Code 32073)

Relocating to a new community, particularly when managing a chronic condition like asthma, necessitates careful consideration of healthcare access. This assessment focuses on transportation options within ZIP Code 32073 (Orange Park, Florida), offering an "Asthma Score" to gauge the ease of reaching medical facilities. Factors considered include drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transportation. This information is crucial for individuals and families considering moving to Orange Park, Florida, and managing asthma.

Orange Park, a vibrant suburb of Jacksonville, offers a blend of residential areas and commercial hubs. Its location in Clay County provides a unique transportation landscape. The proximity to Jacksonville, however, broadens the healthcare options, albeit with potential transportation challenges.

**Drive Time and Roadways: The Backbone of Access**

The most common mode of transportation for healthcare access in Orange Park is the personal vehicle. The primary arteries for navigating the area include Blanding Boulevard, a major north-south thoroughfare, and Kingsley Avenue, which runs east-west. These roads are typically well-maintained but can experience congestion during peak hours, potentially impacting drive times to medical appointments.

For those residing in the southern reaches of 32073, accessing healthcare facilities in Orange Park may involve navigating US-17, a major highway connecting the area to Jacksonville. This route, while offering direct access, can be prone to delays, especially during rush hour. The I-295 beltway provides an alternative route, offering quicker access to hospitals and specialists in Jacksonville.

Drive times to healthcare providers vary depending on location within the ZIP code and the destination. Generally, expect a 5-15 minute drive within Orange Park for routine appointments. Accessing facilities in Jacksonville, such as Baptist Medical Center South or UF Health Jacksonville, could extend the commute to 20-45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions and the chosen route. Always account for potential delays, especially when scheduling appointments.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation in Orange Park, provided by the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA), offers a less comprehensive solution for healthcare access. The bus routes serving the area, while present, have limited frequency and coverage, making them less ideal for individuals with asthma, who may require timely access to medical care.

The primary bus routes serving Orange Park include the 10, 12, and 23. These routes run along Blanding Boulevard and Kingsley Avenue, connecting to Jacksonville's downtown area. However, the frequency of these routes, especially during evenings and weekends, can be a significant barrier.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a key consideration. JTA buses are equipped with ramps and other features to accommodate individuals with disabilities. However, the extended travel times and potential for transfers can still pose challenges for those with asthma. The Asthma Score reflects the limitations of public transit as a primary mode of transportation for healthcare access.

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

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer a more flexible alternative to public transit. These services are readily available in Orange Park and provide on-demand transportation to medical appointments. The convenience of ride-sharing, however, comes with a cost. Fares can vary depending on demand and distance, making it a potentially expensive option for frequent healthcare visits.

Medical transportation services cater specifically to individuals with medical needs. Companies like CareRide and MedTrans offer specialized transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained drivers. These services provide a valuable option for those who cannot drive or have mobility limitations. The Asthma Score considers the availability and accessibility of these services as a crucial factor.

**Healthcare Facilities within Reach**

Orange Park boasts several healthcare facilities within the 32073 ZIP code. Orange Park Medical Center, a full-service hospital, provides a range of medical services, including emergency care and specialized asthma treatment. Numerous primary care physicians and specialists are also located in the area, offering convenient access to routine and specialized care.

The proximity to Jacksonville expands healthcare options. Major hospitals like Baptist Medical Center South and UF Health Jacksonville offer comprehensive services, including pulmonology and allergy specialists. These facilities, however, necessitate careful consideration of transportation logistics and potential drive times.

**The Asthma Score: A Synthesis**

The Asthma Score for healthcare access in Orange Park (32073) reflects the interplay of these transportation factors. The score is a subjective assessment, recognizing that individual needs and circumstances vary.

* **Drive Time:** Moderate to good, with potential for delays during peak hours.
* **Public Transit:** Limited coverage and frequency, making it a less reliable option.
* **Ride-Sharing:** Readily available, but cost is a consideration.
* **Medical Transportation:** Available, offering specialized support.
* **Healthcare Facilities:** Ample access to local and regional healthcare providers.

**Overall, the Asthma Score for healthcare access in 32073 is moderate.** While drive times are generally manageable, the limitations of public transit and the cost of ride-sharing require careful planning. Individuals with asthma should prioritize proximity to healthcare facilities and carefully consider transportation options when moving to Orange Park. Careful planning and understanding of transportation options are vital for successful healthcare management.