43565, Tontogany, Ohio Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 43565, Tontogany, Ohio is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

66.52 percent of residents in 43565 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.06 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is St Luke's Hospital with a distance of 10.05 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Tontogany, Ohio (ZIP Code 43565)

The crisp, rural air of Tontogany, Ohio, in ZIP Code 43565, offers a certain charm. However, for individuals managing asthma, the serenity of small-town living must be balanced with the realities of healthcare access. This “Asthma Score” analysis delves into the transportation landscape, crucial for timely medical intervention, and considers the challenges and opportunities for residents seeking to manage their respiratory health. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of how easily residents can access the care they need, factoring in drive times, public transit, and alternative transportation options.

The primary consideration for any asthma sufferer moving to Tontogany is the proximity of specialized care. While the village itself is a haven of quiet, the nearest hospitals and specialists are located in neighboring communities. This necessitates a reliance on personal vehicles, ride-sharing services, or, in limited instances, public transportation. The ability to quickly reach a medical professional during an asthma exacerbation is paramount, making the transportation infrastructure a critical determinant of quality of life.

Driving remains the most common mode of transportation. From Tontogany, the journey to the nearest major healthcare providers often involves navigating a network of roads. Wood County Hospital in Bowling Green, a common destination for urgent care and general medical needs, is approximately a 15- to 20-minute drive, largely via **OH-64** and **US-6**. The route is generally straightforward, but traffic can be a factor, particularly during peak hours or when events are held in Bowling Green.

For specialized pulmonology care, residents may need to travel further. The University of Toledo Medical Center, offering a wider array of specialists and services, is roughly a 35- to 45-minute drive. This journey typically involves **OH-64** to **I-75 North**. The interstate offers a faster route, but weather conditions, especially during the harsh Ohio winters, can significantly impact travel times and safety. The ability to reach a well-equipped hospital in a timely manner is a crucial aspect of healthcare access.

Another important consideration for those moving to Tontogany is the availability of public transportation. The Wood County Committee on Aging (WCCOA) provides a limited public transit service, primarily for seniors and individuals with disabilities. The routes are not fixed, and scheduling requires advance booking. This service, while valuable for those eligible, is not a reliable option for urgent medical needs or routine appointments for the general population. The lack of a robust public transit system underscores the importance of alternative transportation.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, offering a potential solution for those without personal vehicles or unable to drive. However, their availability can be inconsistent, particularly in rural areas like Tontogany. Surge pricing during peak hours or emergencies can also make these services cost-prohibitive. Reliance on ride-sharing should be considered with these limitations in mind.

Medical transportation services, such as non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), offer another option. These services often cater to individuals requiring transportation to and from medical appointments, including those with mobility limitations or who cannot drive. The availability of NEMT providers in the area should be researched, as they can be a valuable resource for regular check-ups and specialized care.

When assessing healthcare access, it is important to consider the availability of urgent care facilities and pharmacies within a reasonable distance. While Tontogany may have a local pharmacy, access to urgent care centers is limited. The nearest urgent care facilities are in Bowling Green, adding to the drive time during a medical emergency. The convenience of pharmacies and urgent care facilities directly impacts the ability to manage asthma symptoms effectively.

The “Asthma Score” for Tontogany (43565) reflects a landscape where healthcare access is heavily reliant on personal vehicles. While the drive times to nearby hospitals and specialists are manageable, the absence of a robust public transit system and the potential limitations of ride-sharing services pose challenges. The weather conditions, especially during winter, can further complicate transportation.

For individuals with asthma considering moving to Tontogany, several factors should be carefully evaluated. The availability of a reliable vehicle is essential. Understanding the potential for traffic delays and the impact of weather conditions on travel times is crucial. Researching the availability of ride-sharing services and medical transportation providers is also recommended.

The healthcare access landscape in Tontogany, though manageable, requires proactive planning. Individuals with asthma should establish relationships with local healthcare providers, including primary care physicians and pulmonologists, in advance. They should also familiarize themselves with the routes to the nearest hospitals and urgent care facilities.

The overall “Asthma Score” for Tontogany is moderate. While the drive times to healthcare facilities are generally acceptable, the lack of public transit and the potential limitations of ride-sharing create challenges. Individuals with asthma must be prepared to navigate the transportation landscape strategically to ensure timely access to medical care. The quality of life in Tontogany, with its peaceful atmosphere, is inextricably linked to the ability to manage asthma effectively, which in turn depends on reliable and accessible transportation.