28392, Tar Heel, North Carolina Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 28392, Tar Heel, North Carolina is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

45.95 percent of residents in 28392 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.36 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Southeastern Regional Medical Center with a distance of 13.87 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in ZIP Code 28392

Relocating to a new area, especially with a chronic condition like asthma, demands meticulous planning. This write-up analyzes healthcare access within ZIP Code 28392, Tar Heel, North Carolina, focusing on transportation options and their implications for individuals managing asthma. We aim to provide a comprehensive "Asthma Score" assessment, considering the complexities of healthcare access in a rural setting.

The primary concern for asthma sufferers is timely access to medical care during exacerbations. This hinges on efficient transportation. In 28392, the reliance on personal vehicles is significant. The most direct route to healthcare providers often involves driving. The primary arteries are **US Highway 74**, which runs east-west, and **NC Highway 87**, a north-south thoroughfare. These highways offer relatively quick access to larger towns like Lumberton and Whiteville, where a greater concentration of medical facilities exists.

However, drive times can be deceptive. Traffic, weather conditions, and the distance to the nearest emergency room can drastically impact outcomes. The absence of readily available public transportation further complicates the situation. Individuals without personal vehicles, or those unable to drive, face significant challenges.

Public transit options in 28392 are limited. The county, like many rural areas, lacks a robust public transportation system. There are no fixed-route bus services operating within the ZIP code. This absence of readily available public transit significantly impacts the Asthma Score, particularly for those with mobility limitations or financial constraints.

For those who cannot drive or lack access to a personal vehicle, ride-sharing services present an alternative. **Uber** and **Lyft** may operate in the area, but their availability and response times can be inconsistent, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The reliability of ride-sharing services for emergency situations is questionable, making them a less-than-ideal primary transportation solution for individuals managing asthma.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), offer a more specialized solution. Several companies provide this service in the region, including **First Transit** and **LogistiCare**. These services typically require advance booking and may have limitations regarding immediate access. They are often covered by Medicaid or other insurance programs, making them a viable option for some residents. However, the scheduling process and potential delays can pose a challenge during an asthma flare-up.

The nearest hospitals are located in Lumberton, approximately 20 miles east via US-74, and Whiteville, roughly 25 miles south via NC-87. Drive times to these hospitals can vary significantly based on traffic and road conditions. During peak hours, the commute can extend beyond 30 minutes. In an emergency, this delay could be critical.

The Asthma Score is also influenced by the proximity to pharmacies. Access to medication refills is crucial for asthma management. Pharmacies are located in Lumberton and Whiteville, requiring a drive. The availability of 24-hour pharmacies is limited, further emphasizing the importance of proactive medication management and reliable transportation.

Furthermore, the Asthma Score must consider the availability of specialized asthma care. The presence of pulmonologists and allergists in the immediate area is limited. Individuals may need to travel to larger cities like Fayetteville or Wilmington for specialized care, adding significant travel time and complexity to healthcare access.

The impact of these transportation limitations extends beyond emergency situations. Routine check-ups, medication refills, and allergy testing all require travel. This can lead to missed appointments, delayed treatment, and ultimately, poorer asthma control. For individuals considering moving to Tar Heel, the transportation landscape must be carefully assessed.

The Asthma Score for 28392 is therefore influenced by several factors. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the potential delays associated with ride-sharing and medical transport services all contribute to a lower score. The distance to healthcare providers, the lack of readily available specialized care, and the challenges of accessing pharmacies further diminish the score.

The absence of a robust public transportation system, including accessible options for individuals with disabilities (ADA features), is a significant drawback. The lack of readily available, on-demand transportation options, such as dedicated asthma-specific transport services, exacerbates the challenges.

The Asthma Score in 28392 is not inherently negative, but it demands proactive planning and resourcefulness. Individuals with asthma considering relocation must assess their ability to drive, their access to a reliable vehicle, and their financial resources to utilize ride-sharing or medical transport services.

Moreover, potential residents should research the availability of telehealth services. Telehealth can provide remote consultations with healthcare providers, reducing the need for frequent travel. However, telehealth access depends on reliable internet connectivity, which may be limited in some areas of 28392.

For those moving to Tar Heel, understanding the transportation landscape is paramount. It requires a proactive approach to healthcare management, including establishing a relationship with a local primary care physician, developing a comprehensive asthma action plan, and ensuring a reliable means of transportation.

In conclusion, the Asthma Score for 28392 reflects the challenges of healthcare access in a rural setting. While the area offers a peaceful environment, the limited transportation options demand careful consideration for individuals managing asthma. A thorough assessment of personal transportation capabilities, coupled with proactive healthcare planning, is essential for successful asthma management in this location. The journey to better health in 28392 necessitates a well-defined transportation strategy.