43771, Philo, Ohio Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 43771, Philo, Ohio is 27 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

46.61 percent of residents in 43771 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 21.37 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Genesis Hospital with a distance of 10.61 miles from the area.

**Asthma Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Philo, Ohio (ZIP Code 43771)**

The air hangs heavy with the promise of rural tranquility in Philo, Ohio, a community nestled in the heart of Muskingum County. Yet, beneath the idyllic veneer lies a complex reality for those managing asthma, a chronic respiratory disease. Accessing timely and appropriate healthcare is paramount for these individuals, and the journey to medical care in Philo, a town of under 1,000 residents, is inextricably linked to the available **transportation** options. This write-up analyzes the challenges and opportunities for residents of ZIP code 43771, creating an "Asthma Score" based on **healthcare access** and **transportation** realities.

The primary determinant of the "Asthma Score" is the ease with which residents can reach essential medical services, including primary care physicians, specialists, urgent care facilities, and pharmacies. The score will also reflect the burden of commuting, considering factors such as drive times, the availability of public **transportation**, and the presence of alternative options like ride-sharing and medical transport. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the **transportation** landscape for those with asthma, especially for individuals **moving to Philo** who need to consider healthcare access.

**Driving the Distance: Highways and Byways**

For most Philo residents, the automobile remains the dominant mode of **transportation**. The primary artery connecting Philo to larger population centers and medical facilities is State Route 77, a two-lane highway that snakes its way north and south. The drive to Zanesville, the county seat and home to Genesis Hospital, the region's primary healthcare provider, is typically a 15-20 minute drive, depending on traffic. This trip is manageable for most, but the time can be extended during inclement weather, which is common in Ohio.

Traveling further afield, to cities like Columbus, Ohio, which offers a wider array of specialized medical services, requires navigating Interstate 70. The I-70 corridor can be congested, particularly during peak hours, extending the commute to over an hour. The added stress of navigating heavy traffic can be a significant trigger for asthma exacerbations. Furthermore, the condition of the roads themselves, with potholes and uneven surfaces, can contribute to vehicle stress and potentially trigger asthma attacks.

Other roads, such as State Route 60, offer alternative routes, but these are often winding and less direct, adding to the travel time. The condition of these secondary roads can also be a concern, particularly during the winter months when snow and ice can make driving hazardous. For individuals with asthma, a reliable and safe driving environment is critical.

**Public Transit: A Limited Lifeline**

Public **transportation** options in Philo are limited. The Muskingum County Transit System (MCTS) provides demand-response service, meaning rides must be scheduled in advance. This service is available within Muskingum County, but it is not a fixed-route system. This can pose a significant challenge for individuals with asthma who require frequent medical appointments. The availability of MCTS is also limited during evenings and weekends.

The MCTS does offer ADA-compliant vehicles, equipped with wheelchair lifts and other accessibility features. This is a crucial consideration for individuals with asthma who may have mobility limitations or require assistance. However, the need to schedule rides in advance and the limited service hours can still create barriers to **healthcare access**.

The lack of a robust public **transportation** system in Philo underscores the reliance on private vehicles for accessing medical care. This can be particularly challenging for those who do not own a car, cannot drive due to medical conditions, or have limited financial resources to afford the costs of owning and operating a vehicle.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Zanesville area, but their presence in Philo is less consistent. Availability can be limited, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier for some individuals, especially when frequent trips to medical appointments are required.

Medical **transportation** services, such as MedTrans and First Call Medical Transportation, offer specialized services for individuals with medical needs. These services typically provide door-to-door **transportation** and can accommodate individuals with mobility limitations or other special needs. However, these services can be expensive, and may not be covered by all insurance plans.

The availability of ride-sharing and medical **transportation** services offers a potential lifeline for individuals with asthma who lack access to a private vehicle or are unable to drive. However, the limitations in availability and cost can still create barriers to **healthcare access**.

**The Asthma Score: A Composite View**

The "Asthma Score" for Philo, Ohio (ZIP code 43771) reflects the interplay of all these factors. The score will be a composite rating, taking into account the following:

* **Drive Times:** The average drive time to the nearest primary care physician, specialist, urgent care facility, and pharmacy.
* **Public Transit Availability:** The frequency, hours of operation, and accessibility of public **transportation** services.
* **Ride-Sharing Availability:** The frequency, cost, and reliability of ride-sharing services.
* **Medical Transport Availability:** The availability, cost, and insurance coverage of medical **transportation** services.
* **Road Conditions:** The quality and safety of the roads, particularly during inclement weather.

The "Asthma Score" will be a valuable tool for individuals **moving to Philo**, as it provides a realistic assessment of **healthcare access**.

**Recommendations and Considerations**

Improving **healthcare access** for individuals with asthma in Philo requires a multi-pronged approach. This includes:

* **Advocating for increased public transit:** Expanding the MCTS service, including fixed routes and more frequent service, especially during evenings and weekends.
* **Promoting ride-sharing awareness:** Educating residents about the availability and cost of ride-sharing services.
* **Supporting medical transport services:** Ensuring that medical **transportation** services are affordable and accessible.
* **Improving road infrastructure:** Maintaining and improving the condition of roads, particularly during winter months.
* **Telehealth adoption:** Promoting the use of telehealth services to reduce the need for in-person appointments.

For those considering **moving to Philo**, it's crucial to weigh the advantages of rural living against the potential challenges of accessing healthcare. While the community offers a peaceful environment, the limitations in **transportation** options require careful consideration. Planning for medical needs, including establishing relationships with healthcare providers and exploring **transportation** alternatives, is essential for managing asthma effectively.

The "Asthma Score" for Philo, Ohio, highlights the need for continued efforts to improve **healthcare access** for all residents, particularly those with chronic conditions like asthma. By addressing the **transportation** challenges and promoting a supportive healthcare environment, Philo can become a more accessible and healthy community for all.