47868, Poland, Indiana Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 47868, Poland, Indiana is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

31.24 percent of residents in 47868 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.59 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Putnam County Hospital with a distance of 13.45 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 47868

Navigating the intricate web of healthcare access in ZIP Code 47868, a rural area, requires a keen understanding of its transportation landscape. This write-up assesses the "Asthma Score," a hypothetical metric reflecting the ease with which individuals with asthma can reach medical facilities, considering commute times, public transit options, and alternative transportation modalities. The ultimate goal is to paint a clear picture of healthcare accessibility, vital for those considering relocating, perhaps even *moving to Poland* with a pre-existing condition.

The primary concern for asthma sufferers is rapid access to medical care during an exacerbation. Therefore, the proximity of emergency services and specialized asthma care is paramount. In 47868, the nearest hospital with an emergency room, Union Hospital, is located in Terre Haute, approximately 20 miles away. The most direct route involves traveling east on US-40, a major east-west thoroughfare, followed by a brief stint on N 1st Street. This drive typically takes around 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions and the time of day. This time frame, while manageable, could be critical during a severe asthma attack.

Beyond emergency care, regular check-ups and specialist appointments are crucial for asthma management. Terre Haute offers a range of pulmonologists and allergy specialists, but the commute remains a significant factor. The same US-40 route applies, with travel times mirroring those for emergency visits. The reliability of this route is generally good, but inclement weather, especially during winter months, can drastically increase travel times and pose a serious challenge for individuals with respiratory issues.

Public transportation options in 47868 are limited. The Terre Haute Transit System (THTS) provides bus services within the city limits, but these routes do not extend into the rural areas of the zip code. This lack of public transit significantly restricts healthcare access for individuals without personal vehicles or those unable to drive. The absence of accessible public transit, particularly for individuals with disabilities, is a major drawback. ADA-compliant features on existing routes are irrelevant if those routes don’t reach the residents.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Terre Haute, offering a potential alternative to personal vehicles. However, the availability of these services in the more rural parts of 47868 is less certain. Furthermore, the cost of ride-sharing can quickly accumulate, especially for frequent medical appointments. The financial burden of relying on ride-sharing could become a significant barrier to healthcare access for low-income individuals.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance getting to appointments, are another consideration. While several medical transport companies operate in the region, their availability and service areas vary. These services often require pre-booking and may not be readily available for emergency situations. Furthermore, the cost of medical transport can be substantial, adding another layer of financial strain.

The condition of local roads also impacts healthcare access. Secondary roads and county routes, often used to access US-40, can be poorly maintained, particularly after heavy rainfall or during winter. Potholes and uneven surfaces can exacerbate breathing difficulties for asthma sufferers, especially during longer journeys. The overall road infrastructure, therefore, indirectly influences the Asthma Score.

The Asthma Score for 47868 reflects a moderate level of healthcare access. While emergency services are within a reasonable driving distance, the reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the potential for increased travel times due to weather or road conditions all contribute to a lower score. The absence of reliable public transit and the potential for increased reliance on costly ride-sharing or medical transport services are significant concerns.

The implications of this score are particularly relevant for individuals considering *moving to Poland* and returning to this area, especially those with asthma. The challenges of accessing healthcare in 47868 should be carefully weighed against the benefits of returning to the area. The need for reliable transportation, the potential for higher healthcare costs, and the limited access to specialist care are all factors that should be considered.

For those with asthma, a thorough assessment of their transportation needs is crucial. This includes evaluating the reliability of their personal vehicle, the potential costs of ride-sharing or medical transport, and the availability of support from family or friends. Understanding the limitations of public transit and the potential impact of weather conditions on travel times is also essential.

The Asthma Score is not just a numerical value; it's a reflection of the lived experience of individuals with asthma in 47868. It highlights the challenges they face in accessing healthcare and underscores the importance of proactive planning and resourcefulness. For those contemplating a move to this area, a clear understanding of these challenges is paramount.

The lack of readily available public transit and the reliance on personal vehicles or potentially costly ride-sharing services are major drawbacks. The limited access to specialist care and the potential for increased travel times due to weather or road conditions further diminish the Asthma Score.

Furthermore, the absence of accessible public transit, particularly for individuals with disabilities, is a significant concern. ADA-compliant features on existing routes are irrelevant if those routes don’t reach the residents of 47868.

The cost of ride-sharing can quickly accumulate, especially for frequent medical appointments. The financial burden of relying on ride-sharing could become a significant barrier to healthcare access for low-income individuals.

Medical transportation services, while available, often require pre-booking and may not be readily available for emergency situations. The cost of medical transport can be substantial, adding another layer of financial strain.

The condition of local roads also impacts healthcare access. Secondary roads and county routes, often used to access US-40, can be poorly maintained.

The Asthma Score for 47868 underscores the importance of careful planning and resourcefulness for individuals with asthma. The challenges of accessing healthcare in this rural area should be carefully considered.