41835, Mc Roberts, Kentucky Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 41835, Mc Roberts, Kentucky is 31 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

24.10 percent of residents in 41835 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.25 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Whitesburg Arh Hospital with a distance of 10.20 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Mc Roberts, Kentucky (ZIP Code 41835)

The air hangs heavy with the promise of coal and the ghosts of industry in Mc Roberts, Kentucky. Nestled deep within the Appalachian Mountains, this community in ZIP Code 41835 faces unique challenges, particularly when it comes to healthcare access. For individuals managing asthma, the journey to quality medical care is often compounded by geographical isolation and limited transportation options. This write-up aims to provide an “Asthma Score” assessment, evaluating the accessibility of healthcare services, focusing on transportation, and highlighting the realities faced by residents with respiratory conditions.

Understanding the terrain is paramount. Mc Roberts is a small town, but the surrounding topography is dramatically mountainous. This impacts travel times and the feasibility of various transportation methods. The primary arteries for movement are Kentucky Route 317, the main thoroughfare through town, and the winding Kentucky Route 119, which connects Mc Roberts to larger towns and cities. These roads, while scenic, can be treacherous during inclement weather, further complicating healthcare access.

**Drive Times and Road Conditions:**

The nearest hospitals offering comprehensive asthma care are located in Pikeville, approximately 30 miles to the northeast. The drive, primarily via KY-119 and US-23, can take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and a half, depending on traffic and road conditions. This time frame presents a significant challenge for individuals experiencing acute asthma exacerbations. The roads are often narrow and winding, with limited shoulders, adding to the stress of an emergency situation.

Further, the drive to larger medical centers in Lexington, Kentucky, or Charleston, West Virginia, becomes a multi-hour journey. While these facilities may offer specialized asthma care, the travel time and associated costs, including gas and potential lodging, can be prohibitive for many residents of Mc Roberts. The time spent on the road, coupled with the stress of travel, can worsen asthma symptoms.

**Public Transit: A Limited Lifeline:**

Public transportation options in Mc Roberts are severely limited. The Kentucky Department of Transportation (KYTC) operates a regional transit system, but its services in this area are sparse. Bus routes are infrequent, often operating only a few times a day, and may not align with medical appointment schedules. The routes, if available, would likely involve connections, extending travel times considerably.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a crucial consideration. While the regional transit system strives to provide accessible vehicles, the hilly terrain and lack of accessible infrastructure at bus stops can pose significant challenges for individuals with mobility limitations, including those experiencing asthma-related breathing difficulties. The lack of readily available public transit necessitates reliance on personal vehicles or alternative transportation methods.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gap?**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are generally unavailable in the Mc Roberts area. The limited demand and geographical isolation make it economically unfeasible for these companies to operate. This leaves residents with few options beyond personal vehicles or medical transport services.

Medical transport services, such as ambulances and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) providers, are essential for individuals with asthma who require assistance getting to and from medical appointments. However, these services can be costly, and the availability of NEMT providers may be limited, particularly for routine appointments. The time it takes to arrange and schedule medical transport can also be a barrier to healthcare access.

**Medical Transport Brands:**

Several medical transport brands may serve the Mc Roberts area. These include local ambulance services and regional NEMT providers. Researching and contacting these providers in advance is crucial for individuals with asthma. Some potential brands to investigate include:

* **Pike County Ambulance Service:** Provides emergency and non-emergency medical transport within Pike County.
* **Other regional NEMT providers:** Researching providers that serve the area.

**Healthcare Access and the Asthma Score:**

The "Asthma Score" for Mc Roberts, Kentucky, reflects the challenges faced by individuals with asthma in accessing healthcare. The score would be low, due to the limited transportation options, long travel times to medical facilities, and the potential for delays in accessing emergency care.

The score is influenced by several factors:

* **Proximity to medical facilities:** The distance to hospitals and specialized asthma care providers.
* **Availability of public transportation:** The frequency, accessibility, and coverage of public transit routes.
* **Accessibility of ride-sharing services:** The availability of Uber, Lyft, or other ride-sharing options.
* **Availability and affordability of medical transport:** The cost and accessibility of ambulance and NEMT services.
* **Road conditions and weather:** The impact of road conditions and weather on travel times and safety.

**Moving to Mc Roberts: A Consideration for Asthma Sufferers:**

For individuals with asthma considering a move to Mc Roberts, a thorough assessment of healthcare access is essential. The potential benefits of a rural lifestyle must be weighed against the challenges of limited transportation and healthcare resources.

Before relocating, prospective residents should:

* **Research local healthcare providers:** Identify primary care physicians, pulmonologists, and emergency care facilities.
* **Assess transportation options:** Evaluate the feasibility of driving, utilizing public transit, or relying on medical transport.
* **Consider the impact of weather and road conditions:** Understand the potential for travel disruptions during inclement weather.
* **Develop an emergency plan:** Establish a plan for accessing medical care in the event of an asthma exacerbation.

**Conclusion:**

The "Asthma Score" for Mc Roberts, Kentucky, underscores the need for improved healthcare access and transportation options for individuals with asthma. Addressing the challenges of geographical isolation, limited public transit, and the high cost of medical transport is crucial to ensuring that residents with respiratory conditions can receive timely and effective medical care. The community, healthcare providers, and policymakers must collaborate to find innovative solutions to bridge the gap in healthcare access and improve the quality of life for individuals living with asthma in Mc Roberts.