45132, Highland, Ohio Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 45132, Highland, Ohio is 34 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

87.64 percent of residents in 45132 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.15 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Highland District Hospital with a distance of 8.30 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in ZIP Code 45132

The journey to healthcare, especially for individuals managing asthma, extends far beyond the doctor's office door. It encompasses the complex web of transportation options, the accessibility of those options, and the time commitment required to reach vital medical services. This write-up assesses the "Asthma Score" for healthcare access in ZIP Code 45132, focusing on the practical realities of getting to appointments, acquiring medication, and responding to asthma-related emergencies. This is particularly relevant for those considering moving to Highland County, Ohio, and needing to understand the transportation landscape.

ZIP Code 45132, encompassing the village of Highland, Ohio, and surrounding areas, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. The rural nature of the region significantly influences transportation availability, making a car a near necessity for many residents. The Asthma Score considers these factors, providing a comprehensive picture of the transportation environment.

**Drive-Time Dynamics:**

The primary arteries for navigating the area are State Route 124, the main east-west thoroughfare, and State Route 73, which runs north-south. These roads, while generally well-maintained, can experience congestion during peak hours, particularly around the county seat of Hillsboro, adding to drive times. The nearest major medical facilities are located in Hillsboro, approximately a 15-20 minute drive, depending on traffic and the specific location within ZIP Code 45132.

For more specialized care, residents often need to travel to larger cities like Cincinnati, approximately a 1.5 to 2-hour drive via State Route 32, a major east-west highway connecting to Interstate 275, which encircles Cincinnati. This longer commute is crucial to consider for individuals requiring regular specialist appointments or emergency care. The condition of these highways and roads, especially during inclement weather, can significantly impact travel times and safety.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public transportation options in ZIP Code 45132 are extremely limited. Highland County does not have a comprehensive public bus system. This severely restricts healthcare access for individuals without personal vehicles, particularly those with mobility limitations or those unable to drive. This lack of robust public transit significantly lowers the Asthma Score.

While there is no fixed-route bus service, Highland County offers a demand-response transportation service, which requires advance booking. This service may provide transportation to medical appointments within and outside the county. However, availability is limited, and scheduling can be challenging, especially for urgent needs. The absence of regular, reliable public transit presents a significant barrier to healthcare access, impacting the Asthma Score.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport: A Mixed Bag:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their reliability can be inconsistent, especially during off-peak hours or in more remote locations within the ZIP Code. Availability can be subject to driver availability and surge pricing, potentially making these options costly for regular healthcare appointments.

Medical transport services, such as MedTrans and Rural Transit, may offer specialized transportation for individuals with medical needs. These services often provide door-to-door assistance and may be equipped to handle patients with mobility challenges or other specific requirements. However, these services typically require pre-booking and can be expensive, particularly for long-distance travel to Cincinnati or other major medical centers. The availability and affordability of these services vary.

**Accessibility Considerations:**

The Asthma Score also considers the accessibility of transportation options for individuals with disabilities. The lack of readily available public transit with ADA-compliant features significantly impacts the score. While ride-sharing services may offer accessible vehicles, their availability is not guaranteed. Medical transport services often prioritize accessibility, but they come with associated costs.

The physical accessibility of medical facilities is also a crucial factor. While most modern healthcare facilities are designed to be ADA-compliant, ensuring easy access for patients with mobility limitations, the journey to those facilities remains a significant hurdle in this rural setting.

**Emergency Response: A Critical Factor:**

Emergency medical services (EMS) play a vital role in healthcare access for individuals with asthma. The response time of local EMS units is a critical element in the Asthma Score. The rural nature of the area can potentially impact response times, particularly in more remote locations within the ZIP Code.

The availability of emergency care at local hospitals and the ability to quickly transport patients to more specialized facilities in Cincinnati are also essential considerations. The Asthma Score acknowledges the critical importance of rapid access to emergency medical care for asthma-related emergencies.

**Medication Access:**

The ease of access to pharmacies for obtaining asthma medications is another critical factor. The availability of local pharmacies in Highland and Hillsboro is generally good. However, individuals who rely on specialized medications or require frequent refills may need to consider the travel time and potential delays associated with obtaining their prescriptions.

**The Asthma Score Summary:**

The Asthma Score for healthcare access in ZIP Code 45132 is moderate to low. While the area offers access to local medical facilities and pharmacies, the limited public transportation options, the reliance on personal vehicles, and the potential for longer travel times to specialized care centers significantly impact the score.

Individuals considering moving to Highland County, Ohio, should carefully evaluate their transportation needs and healthcare requirements. A personal vehicle is almost essential. Proximity to the main roads, such as State Route 124 and State Route 73, can improve drive times.

The Asthma Score underscores the importance of planning and preparation for individuals managing asthma in this rural environment. Understanding the available transportation options, the potential challenges, and the resources available is crucial for ensuring timely access to healthcare services and managing asthma effectively.