27248, Franklinville, North Carolina Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 27248, Franklinville, North Carolina is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

53.77 percent of residents in 27248 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.12 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Randolph Hospital with a distance of 7.28 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare in Franklinville (ZIP Code 27248)

Moving to a new area, especially with a health condition like asthma, requires careful consideration of healthcare access. This write-up, tailored for ZIP code 27248 (Franklinville, North Carolina), provides an "Asthma Score" assessment, focusing on transportation options for accessing healthcare. It analyzes drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services, painting a comprehensive picture of the challenges and opportunities for residents managing asthma.

Franklinville, a charming rural community, presents unique transportation challenges. The primary determinant of healthcare access hinges on personal vehicle ownership. The limited public transit and ride-sharing options necessitate a reliance on driving, impacting the Asthma Score significantly. The score reflects the ease, reliability, and affordability of reaching medical appointments and essential asthma-related services.

**Driving Times and Roadways:**

The most direct route to healthcare providers from Franklinville involves driving. Randolph Hospital in Asheboro (approximately 15 miles) serves as the primary healthcare hub. Driving time to Randolph Hospital, via **NC-49 South** and **US-64 East**, typically ranges from 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic. This drive is generally straightforward, offering well-maintained roads. However, peak traffic hours, especially during morning and evening commutes, can extend travel times, potentially exacerbating asthma symptoms due to stress and prolonged exposure to vehicle exhaust.

Other specialized healthcare facilities, such as pulmonologists or allergy specialists, may necessitate travel to Greensboro or Winston-Salem. The drive to Greensboro, using **US-64 East** and then **I-85 North**, can take approximately 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. Winston-Salem, accessible via **US-64 West** and **I-40 West**, requires a similar travel time. These longer drives introduce additional complexities, including increased fuel costs, potential for traffic delays, and the need for pre-planning to ensure adequate medication and emergency preparedness.

**Public Transportation: A Limited Option:**

Public transportation in Franklinville is severely limited. The Randolph County Transportation Authority (RCTA) provides a demand-response service, meaning riders must schedule rides in advance. This service is not a fixed-route system, which significantly impacts healthcare access for individuals with asthma. The RCTA operates within Randolph County, offering transportation to medical appointments, but the scheduling process and potential wait times can be problematic.

The RCTA offers ADA-accessible vehicles, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities, including those with asthma. However, the limited service area and the need for advance booking make it less than ideal for urgent medical needs or spontaneous appointments. The Asthma Score is negatively impacted by the lack of readily available public transit.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Franklinville area, but their availability and reliability are not guaranteed. The rural nature of the area may result in longer wait times and higher fares, particularly during off-peak hours or inclement weather. Reliance on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments can be expensive and unpredictable, affecting the Asthma Score.

Medical transport services, like MedTrans or FirstCall Medical Transport, provide specialized transportation for individuals with medical needs. These services offer stretcher and wheelchair transport, as well as trained medical personnel. While these options offer a higher level of care and convenience, they are typically more expensive than ride-sharing or personal vehicle use. The Asthma Score benefits from the availability of these services, but the cost factor must be considered.

**Healthcare Access and the Asthma Score:**

The Asthma Score for Franklinville (ZIP code 27248) is moderately impacted by transportation challenges. The reliance on personal vehicles for accessing healthcare is the primary factor. While driving times to Randolph Hospital are relatively short, longer drives to specialized care in Greensboro or Winston-Salem increase the complexity and potential risks.

The limited public transit and the variable availability of ride-sharing services further complicate healthcare access. The availability of medical transport services offers a valuable alternative, but the cost implications must be considered.

**Recommendations for Asthma Management in Franklinville:**

Individuals with asthma moving to Franklinville should prioritize the following:

* **Maintain a reliable vehicle:** This is essential for accessing healthcare.
* **Establish a relationship with a primary care physician:** This ensures prompt medical attention and referrals to specialists.
* **Explore the RCTA:** Familiarize yourself with the demand-response service and its scheduling procedures.
* **Research ride-sharing options:** Identify reliable drivers and assess the cost-effectiveness of these services.
* **Investigate medical transport options:** Understand the services offered and the associated costs.
* **Develop an asthma action plan:** This should include emergency contact information and a plan for accessing care in case of an asthma exacerbation.
* **Consider proximity to healthcare facilities:** When choosing a home, consider its proximity to Randolph Hospital and other essential healthcare providers.
* **Assess air quality:** Monitor local air quality reports and take precautions during periods of poor air quality.
* **Advocate for improved transportation:** Support initiatives to expand public transit options in the area.

**Conclusion:**

Moving to Franklinville with asthma requires careful planning and a proactive approach to healthcare access. While the area offers a welcoming community, the transportation limitations necessitate a strategic approach to managing asthma. By understanding the available transportation options, developing a comprehensive asthma action plan, and advocating for improved healthcare access, residents can successfully navigate the challenges and enjoy a fulfilling life in Franklinville. The Asthma Score reflects the need for careful consideration of transportation when choosing to relocate to Franklinville.