18912, Buckingham, Pennsylvania Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 18912, Buckingham, Pennsylvania is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

50.94 percent of residents in 18912 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.55 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Doylestown Hospital with a distance of 4.80 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Buckingham, PA (ZIP Code 18912)

Relocating to Buckingham, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18912) promises a tranquil lifestyle, but for individuals managing asthma, understanding healthcare access is paramount. This "Asthma Score" write-up assesses the transportation landscape impacting healthcare access, focusing on drive times, public transit, ride-sharing options, and medical transport services. This information is crucial for making informed decisions about moving to Buckingham and ensuring readily available medical care.

Buckingham, a charming Bucks County community, presents a unique set of transportation challenges and opportunities. The area's relative remoteness, while contributing to its appeal, necessitates careful consideration of how residents can reach essential healthcare providers. The Asthma Score, therefore, evaluates the ease and efficiency of accessing medical care, taking into account the specific needs of asthma sufferers.

**Drive Times: The Road to Relief**

For many Buckingham residents, personal vehicles are the primary mode of transportation. Accessing healthcare often hinges on navigating local roads and highways. Depending on the location within 18912, drive times to key medical facilities can vary significantly.

Doylestown Hospital, a major healthcare provider, is a central destination. From central Buckingham, the drive typically involves taking **Route 202** south. Expect a drive time of approximately 15 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Rush hour, particularly during weekday mornings and evenings, can significantly extend these times, potentially exacerbating asthma symptoms due to stress and exposure to vehicle emissions.

Another crucial route involves **Route 413**, which provides access to various medical practices and specialists in Doylestown and New Britain. Travel times along Route 413 are generally shorter than those on Route 202, but the road's winding nature and potential for traffic congestion can still impact drive times.

For residents in the more northern parts of Buckingham, accessing healthcare facilities in areas like New Hope or even further afield may necessitate longer drives. These routes often involve traversing **Route 263** and potentially connecting with **I-95**, which can introduce additional travel time and potential for traffic delays.

The Asthma Score considers these drive times, acknowledging that longer travel distances can increase stress and exposure to environmental triggers, impacting asthma management. Careful planning and consideration of peak traffic times are essential for minimizing these risks.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Buckingham are limited, presenting a challenge for individuals who do not drive or prefer alternative modes of transport. The Bucks County Transport (BCT) provides bus services, but routes within 18912 are sparse and primarily serve the more populated areas.

The primary bus route that services the area is the **Route 130** bus, which runs along **Route 202** and provides access to Doylestown and other nearby towns. However, the frequency of this route is limited, and the bus stops are not always conveniently located, potentially requiring a significant walk to reach a stop.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features on BCT buses include wheelchair accessibility and priority seating for individuals with disabilities. However, the limited route coverage and infrequent service make public transit a less viable option for many Buckingham residents, especially those requiring frequent medical appointments or experiencing acute asthma symptoms.

The Asthma Score recognizes the limitations of public transportation in Buckingham, highlighting the need for alternative transportation solutions for those who cannot or prefer not to drive.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gap**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Buckingham, offering a potential alternative to driving or relying on public transit. However, availability can vary depending on the time of day and the demand for rides.

Ride-sharing can be a convenient option for accessing healthcare appointments, particularly for those who cannot drive or prefer not to navigate traffic. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a factor, and the reliability of these services should be carefully considered, especially during emergencies.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation providers, are also available in the area. These services are specifically designed to transport individuals with medical needs to and from healthcare facilities.

Medical transport services are particularly valuable for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring specialized medical assistance during transport. The Asthma Score considers the availability and accessibility of these services, recognizing their importance in ensuring timely access to healthcare.

**Medical Transport Brands**

Several medical transport brands serve the Buckingham area. These include:

* **Medic 100:** Provides ambulance and medical transport services.
* **Care Ride Transportation:** Offers non-emergency medical transportation.
* **Liberty Medical Transport:** Specializes in medical transportation services.

Contacting these providers directly is necessary to determine their availability, pricing, and specific services offered.

**Healthcare Access: A Holistic View**

The Asthma Score for Buckingham (18912) acknowledges the complexities of healthcare access. While the area offers a desirable lifestyle, transportation limitations necessitate careful planning and consideration.

The availability of personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, the presence of ride-sharing services, and the availability of medical transport providers all contribute to the overall score.

For individuals with asthma, the Asthma Score emphasizes the importance of:

* **Proximity to healthcare facilities:** Choosing a residence within a reasonable driving distance of medical providers.
* **Traffic considerations:** Planning travel routes and times to avoid peak traffic periods.
* **Alternative transportation options:** Identifying and utilizing ride-sharing or medical transport services when needed.
* **Emergency preparedness:** Having a plan for accessing medical care during emergencies.

By carefully evaluating these factors, individuals can make informed decisions about moving to Buckingham and ensure they have reliable access to the healthcare services they need. The Asthma Score serves as a valuable tool for navigating the transportation landscape and making Buckingham a safe and healthy place to live.