28466, Wallace, North Carolina Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 28466, Wallace, North Carolina is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

68.48 percent of residents in 28466 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.66 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Pender Memorial Hospital with a distance of 13.72 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare in Wallace, NC (ZIP Code 28466)

The air hangs heavy with the scent of pine and saltwater in Wallace, North Carolina (ZIP code 28466). This rural haven, nestled between the Cape Fear River and the Intracoastal Waterway, beckons with its slower pace and close-knit community. However, for individuals managing asthma, the allure of a new home must be tempered with a pragmatic assessment of **healthcare access**. This "Asthma Score" write-up provides a detailed overview of **transportation** options, crucial for those needing regular medical attention, particularly given the potential for asthma exacerbations. It aims to illuminate the realities of **moving to Wallace** for asthmatics, offering a clear picture of how to reach vital **healthcare** services.

The cornerstone of healthcare access in Wallace is, of course, the ability to reach a medical provider. For many, this means relying on personal vehicles. The primary arteries connecting Wallace to surrounding areas are US Highway 117 and NC Highway 41. These roads, while generally well-maintained, can experience congestion during peak hours, potentially impacting drive times.

For routine appointments at the Duplin General Hospital, located in Kenansville, a drive of approximately 15-20 minutes via NC-41 East is typical. However, this estimate can fluctuate depending on traffic and the time of day. Emergency situations demand immediate action. The same route to Duplin General Hospital becomes critical in these circumstances. The hospital's emergency department is equipped to handle acute asthma attacks, offering immediate medical intervention.

Specialist care, however, often necessitates travel to larger cities. Wilmington, approximately an hour's drive southeast via US-117 South and I-40 East, offers a broader range of specialists, including pulmonologists and allergists. This journey, while manageable, requires careful planning, considering potential traffic delays, especially during the busy summer months when tourists flock to the coast.

Alternatively, Jacksonville, to the northeast, provides another option for specialized care. The drive, approximately an hour and fifteen minutes via US-117 North and NC-24 East, is subject to similar traffic considerations. The I-40 corridor, while offering a faster route to Wilmington, can experience significant delays, particularly during rush hour and holiday periods.

Public transportation options within and around Wallace are limited. The Duplin County Transportation Department operates a demand-response service, providing transportation for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited access to other forms of transportation. This service, while offering a lifeline for some, requires advance booking and is not designed for immediate medical emergencies. The availability of this service is crucial for those with limited mobility, making it a key component in the overall **healthcare access** equation. Unfortunately, the specifics of ADA accessibility features on these vehicles are difficult to ascertain without direct inquiry to the Duplin County Transportation Department.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, operate in the area, but their availability is not guaranteed, especially during off-peak hours or in more remote locations. Reliance on these services for regular medical appointments could be problematic. While they offer a degree of flexibility, their reliability is less certain than a pre-arranged medical transport. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, particularly for frequent trips.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), offer a more reliable alternative. Companies like MedTrans and First Transit provide door-to-door service, often equipped with specialized vehicles to accommodate individuals with mobility limitations or requiring medical assistance during transit. These services require pre-booking and may necessitate prior authorization from insurance providers. They are a vital resource for asthmatics who may experience difficulty driving themselves, particularly during periods of respiratory distress.

The Asthma Score for Wallace, therefore, is a complex calculation. While the town offers a sense of community and a slower pace of life, the limitations in **transportation** options present challenges for asthmatics. The accessibility of the Duplin General Hospital for immediate care is a significant advantage. However, the need for specialized care in Wilmington or Jacksonville necessitates careful planning and a reliance on personal vehicles, medical transport, or, in limited circumstances, ride-sharing. The lack of robust public transit options further complicates the **healthcare access** landscape.

For individuals considering **moving to Wallace** with asthma, a thorough assessment of their individual needs is crucial. Factors to consider include the severity of their asthma, the frequency of specialist appointments, and their ability to drive or access alternative **transportation**. Establishing a relationship with a local primary care physician and understanding the local **healthcare** system is paramount.

The proximity to the coast, while offering scenic beauty, can also introduce potential asthma triggers, such as pollen, mold, and humidity. The prevalence of seasonal allergies in the region should be considered. Furthermore, the presence of agricultural activities in the area may expose residents to airborne irritants.

Ultimately, the Asthma Score for Wallace reflects a nuanced reality. While the town offers a welcoming atmosphere, the limitations in **transportation** and the need for specialized care necessitate careful consideration for individuals managing asthma. A proactive approach to **healthcare access**, including pre-planning for appointments, exploring medical transport options, and establishing a strong relationship with a healthcare provider, is essential for successful living in this charming, yet geographically isolated, community. The ability to navigate the **transportation** landscape effectively is critical to ensuring timely access to vital medical services, thereby improving the quality of life for asthmatics **moving to Wallace**.