41102, Ashland, Kentucky Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 41102, Ashland, Kentucky is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

79.15 percent of residents in 41102 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.37 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is King's Daughters' Medical Center with a distance of 3.57 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Ashland, KY (ZIP Code 41102)

Relocating to a new area, especially with health considerations like asthma, necessitates a thorough understanding of healthcare access. This analysis focuses on ZIP Code 41102, Ashland, Kentucky, evaluating its transportation infrastructure and its impact on individuals managing asthma. We will examine the drive times to medical facilities, public transit options, and ride-sharing and medical transport services, ultimately providing an "Asthma Score" to gauge the ease of healthcare access for potential residents.

The primary consideration is the proximity of healthcare facilities. Ashland, nestled along the Ohio River, offers several options. King's Daughters Medical Center (KDMC), a major regional hospital, is a crucial point of reference. Other important facilities include primary care clinics, urgent care centers, and specialists. The Asthma Score will consider the time required to reach these destinations, factoring in traffic patterns and road conditions.

Driving remains the dominant mode of transportation in Ashland. Major thoroughfares like US Route 23 (the "Greenup Avenue" corridor) and US Route 60 (the "Winchester Avenue" artery) are vital for navigating the city. Access to KDMC from various points within 41102 typically involves traveling along these roads. Rush hour, especially during weekday mornings and afternoons, can significantly impact drive times. Therefore, the Asthma Score will reflect these peak-hour delays.

For instance, a drive from the eastern edge of 41102, near the intersection of US 23 and 13th Street, to KDMC, located on 23rd Street, could take approximately 5-10 minutes during off-peak hours. However, during rush hour, this commute might extend to 15-20 minutes. Similarly, a trip from the western side of the zip code, closer to the Ashland Town Center Mall, might involve navigating US 60 and could take a similar amount of time, depending on traffic. The condition of the roads, including potential potholes or construction, will also be considered in the score.

Public transportation, while available, presents a different challenge. The Ashland Transit Authority (ATA) operates a bus system within the city. Route information, including route numbers, schedules, and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility, is crucial for asthma sufferers. The Asthma Score will assess the frequency of bus service, the proximity of bus stops to residential areas and healthcare facilities, and the availability of ADA-compliant features like ramps and designated seating.

The ATA's routes might cover key areas, but the frequency of service could be a limiting factor. For instance, a resident living in a more remote part of 41102 might need to walk a considerable distance to reach a bus stop. Furthermore, the travel time on the bus, compared to driving, could be significantly longer, especially when transferring between routes. The Asthma Score will account for these limitations, recognizing that extended travel times can be particularly challenging for individuals experiencing asthma symptoms.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer another transportation option. Their availability and cost-effectiveness are critical for the Asthma Score. The presence of these services in Ashland, and their reliability, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather, will be evaluated. The cost of these services, relative to the distance traveled and the frequency of use, will also be considered.

Medical transport services are specifically designed to cater to individuals with medical needs. Brands like CareRide or similar local providers may offer non-emergency medical transportation. The Asthma Score will assess the availability of these services, their coverage area within 41102, and their ability to accommodate individuals with asthma. The cost of these services, and whether they are covered by insurance, will also influence the score.

Healthcare access extends beyond physical transportation. The Asthma Score will also consider the availability of telehealth services. Telehealth, including virtual consultations with doctors and specialists, can significantly reduce the need for in-person visits, especially for routine check-ups or medication refills. The Asthma Score will evaluate the availability of telehealth services from local healthcare providers and the ease of access for residents of 41102.

The Asthma Score is not merely a numerical value; it's a holistic assessment. It considers the interplay of various factors, from the convenience of driving to the limitations of public transit, and the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport options. The goal is to provide a realistic picture of healthcare access for individuals with asthma considering moving to Ashland.

For example, a high score might indicate that the area has excellent healthcare access, with readily available transportation options, short drive times to medical facilities, and robust telehealth services. A lower score would suggest that healthcare access is more challenging, potentially due to limited transportation options, longer travel times, or fewer telehealth resources.

The final Asthma Score will be a composite value, reflecting the weighted average of the factors discussed. Each factor will be assigned a weight based on its relative importance. For example, the proximity of healthcare facilities and the ease of driving might be weighted more heavily than the availability of ride-sharing services.

The Asthma Score is designed to be a valuable tool for individuals with asthma. It provides a clear and concise assessment of healthcare access, empowering them to make informed decisions about moving to Ashland, KY (41102). The score, combined with a thorough understanding of the local healthcare landscape, can help individuals manage their asthma effectively and maintain a good quality of life.