40819, Coldiron, Kentucky Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 40819, Coldiron, Kentucky is 31 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

75.77 percent of residents in 40819 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.72 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Harlan Arh Hospital with a distance of 8.02 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Coldiron, Kentucky (ZIP Code 40819)

The crisp mountain air of Coldiron, Kentucky, offers a certain allure, a sense of peace and isolation. But for those managing asthma, the very beauty of the landscape can be a double-edged sword. The air, while often clean, can be punctuated by seasonal allergens, and the remoteness of the area significantly impacts healthcare access. This write-up analyzes the “Asthma Score” for residents of ZIP code 40819, focusing on the critical aspect of transportation to healthcare facilities. We will delve into drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, providing a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by individuals with asthma in this Appalachian community.

The foundation of our Asthma Score lies in understanding the time it takes to reach essential healthcare. For residents of Coldiron, this often means a journey to the nearest hospitals and specialist clinics. The primary route involves navigating the winding roads, primarily using US Route 119, a vital artery connecting the region. From Coldiron, a drive to the closest hospital, Whitesburg Appalachian Regional Hospital (ARH), typically takes between 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions. This drive is primarily along US 119, offering a relatively direct route. However, during inclement weather, the mountainous terrain and potential for road closures can significantly extend travel times, posing a serious concern for individuals experiencing an asthma exacerbation.

Further healthcare access necessitates travel to more specialized facilities. For instance, a trip to a pulmonologist or allergist in Hazard, Kentucky, requires a longer journey, often exceeding an hour. This route involves traveling on US 119 and then connecting to the Hal Rogers Parkway. The Parkway offers a faster, more direct route, but the overall travel time remains substantial. Even a routine follow-up appointment can consume a significant portion of the day, impacting work, school, and overall quality of life.

Public transportation options in Coldiron are extremely limited. The primary mode of public transit is the Kentucky River Area Development District (KRADD) transportation service. However, KRADD primarily serves the elderly, disabled, and low-income populations. While they do offer transportation to medical appointments, availability is limited, and advance booking is often required. The buses are equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, including wheelchair lifts, making them accessible to individuals with mobility limitations. However, the infrequent schedules and limited routes restrict their usefulness for those needing urgent care or frequent appointments. The lack of robust public transit significantly exacerbates the challenges of healthcare access, particularly for those without personal vehicles or the ability to drive.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are virtually nonexistent in Coldiron and the surrounding areas. This lack of readily available transportation options further isolates residents, particularly those who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle. The absence of ride-sharing leaves individuals reliant on family, friends, or medical transport services for transportation to healthcare appointments. This dependency can create logistical challenges and potentially delay access to critical medical care.

Medical transport services are available in the area, but their availability and cost can be significant barriers. Several companies provide ambulance services for emergency situations. However, for non-emergency transportation to appointments, the options are more limited. These services often require pre-booking and can be expensive, placing a financial burden on individuals with asthma, especially those with limited incomes. The reliance on these services underscores the critical need for improved transportation infrastructure and affordable healthcare access solutions in Coldiron.

For individuals with asthma considering moving to Coldiron, a thorough assessment of transportation options is crucial. The remoteness of the area presents significant challenges in terms of healthcare access. While the natural beauty of the region may be appealing, the limited transportation infrastructure and the potential for extended travel times to medical facilities must be carefully considered. The Asthma Score for this area is negatively impacted by these factors.

The Asthma Score for ZIP code 40819 is significantly affected by the limited transportation options. The long drive times to healthcare facilities, the scarcity of public transit, and the absence of ride-sharing services all contribute to a reduced score. The reliance on personal vehicles, medical transport, and the limited availability of KRADD services creates a complex web of challenges for individuals managing asthma.

The lack of readily available transportation is a key factor in determining the Asthma Score. The absence of ride-sharing, the limited public transit, and the potential for long drive times all contribute to a lower score. The remoteness of the area and the reliance on personal vehicles or medical transport services create a significant barrier to healthcare access.

The overall Asthma Score for Coldiron, Kentucky (ZIP code 40819) is relatively low due to the limitations in healthcare access. The score is negatively impacted by the long drive times to medical facilities, the scarcity of public transit, and the absence of ride-sharing services. For individuals with asthma considering a move to this area, a careful assessment of their transportation needs and the available resources is essential. The challenges associated with healthcare access in Coldiron highlight the critical need for improved transportation infrastructure and affordable healthcare solutions to support the health and well-being of its residents. The journey to healthcare in Coldiron is a significant consideration for anyone managing asthma.