46835, Fort Wayne, Indiana Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 46835, Fort Wayne, Indiana is 76 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

78.12 percent of residents in 46835 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 4.08 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Dupont Hospital Llc with a distance of 3.84 miles from the area.

**Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare in 46835**

The challenge of healthcare access in Fort Wayne, Indiana, particularly for those managing asthma, extends beyond the clinic doors. It begins with the journey itself. This Asthma Score write-up for ZIP code 46835, a residential area in the city's northeast, considers the complexities of transportation, weighing drive times, public transit options, ride-share availability, and medical transport services. This is vital information for anyone considering moving to Fort Wayne and needing reliable healthcare access.

The core of this analysis centers on ease of access to healthcare facilities. Asthma, a chronic respiratory condition, demands timely and consistent medical attention. Delays in reaching a doctor's office or emergency room can trigger exacerbations, increasing morbidity and reducing quality of life. Therefore, transportation options become critical.

**Driving Dynamics: Highways and Arterials**

Driving remains a primary mode of transportation in Fort Wayne. ZIP code 46835 benefits from its proximity to major thoroughfares. Access to Interstate 69 (I-69) is a significant advantage. Residents can quickly navigate north or south, connecting to various healthcare providers. Driving to Parkview Regional Medical Center, a major healthcare hub, typically takes 15-20 minutes via I-69 south and then onto Dupont Road.

The presence of U.S. Route 24 (US-24), also known as the "Lima Road" corridor, offers another vital route. This road provides easy access to several clinics and medical offices along its path. The commute time to the downtown area, where several hospitals are located, depends on traffic. The journey can be made via US-24 and then onto Coliseum Boulevard, or via US-24 and then onto State Road 3 (also known as "Broadway").

Local roads, like Maplecrest Road and Stellhorn Road, serve as crucial connectors within the ZIP code and to nearby areas. These roads, while convenient for local travel, can experience heavier traffic during peak hours. Careful planning is essential to account for potential delays, especially during rush hour, which can impact asthma sufferers.

**Public Transit: Navigating the Bus System**

Fort Wayne's public transit system, Citilink, offers an alternative to driving. Several bus routes serve the 46835 area. Route 8, for instance, travels along Maplecrest Road, providing access to healthcare facilities and shopping centers. Route 1A, which runs along Stellhorn Road, offers another option for accessing healthcare.

However, relying on public transit requires careful consideration. Bus schedules and frequency can impact travel times. The availability of ADA-accessible buses is a critical factor for individuals with mobility limitations. While Citilink strives to provide accessible services, the overall travel time can be longer than driving.

The Citilink website and app offer detailed route information, including real-time tracking and accessibility features. Planning the trip in advance is crucial, allowing for potential delays and ensuring enough time to reach medical appointments.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport: Options for Access**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are readily available in Fort Wayne. These services offer a convenient option, especially for those who do not drive or prefer not to drive. The availability of ride-sharing can be a lifeline for individuals needing to reach healthcare facilities quickly.

However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a concern, especially for frequent medical appointments. Surge pricing during peak hours or periods of high demand can increase expenses.

Medical transportation services provide specialized transport for individuals with specific medical needs. These services often offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. Companies like MedTrans and American Medical Response (AMR) operate in Fort Wayne, offering non-emergency medical transport. This option is particularly valuable for individuals who require assistance with mobility or medical monitoring during transit.

**Healthcare Facilities and Proximity**

The proximity of healthcare facilities to 46835 is a key factor. Several clinics and medical offices are located within the ZIP code or nearby. This close proximity reduces travel times and enhances healthcare access.

Parkview Physicians Group has several locations in the area, offering primary care and specialist services. Lutheran Health Network also has a presence in the region, providing another option for healthcare needs. These facilities are generally accessible via car, public transit, and ride-sharing services.

The location of hospitals, such as Parkview Regional Medical Center and Lutheran Hospital, is also a factor. While these hospitals are not located directly within 46835, they are easily accessible via major highways and roads.

**Asthma Score Considerations: A Holistic Approach**

This Asthma Score for 46835 is more than a simple calculation of distance and time. It's a holistic assessment of transportation options and their impact on healthcare access for asthma sufferers.

The score considers the following factors:

* **Drive Time:** The average time to reach various healthcare facilities via different routes.
* **Public Transit Accessibility:** The frequency, route coverage, and ADA accessibility of Citilink buses.
* **Ride-Share Availability:** The ease of booking and cost of ride-sharing services.
* **Medical Transport Options:** The availability and cost of medical transport services.
* **Proximity to Healthcare Facilities:** The distance to clinics, medical offices, and hospitals.

The ideal scenario is a combination of factors: a short drive time, reliable public transit, accessible ride-sharing, and proximity to healthcare facilities. The Asthma Score assesses how well 46835 aligns with this ideal.

**Conclusion: Transportation and Healthcare Access**

For those considering moving to Fort Wayne, specifically to 46835, understanding the transportation landscape is crucial. While driving offers the most flexibility, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services provide valuable alternatives. The Asthma Score helps assess the ease of accessing healthcare, a critical factor for individuals managing asthma. Careful planning, considering traffic patterns, bus schedules, and the availability of ride-sharing, will contribute to improved healthcare access and a better quality of life.