38002, Arlington, Tennessee Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 38002, Arlington, Tennessee is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

48.70 percent of residents in 38002 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.57 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Saint Francis Bartlett Medical Center with a distance of 4.90 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare in Arlington, TN (ZIP Code 38002)

Choosing a new home involves a myriad of considerations, and for individuals managing asthma, the ease of accessing healthcare is paramount. This write-up assesses the accessibility of healthcare facilities for residents of Arlington, Tennessee (ZIP code 38002), focusing on transportation options and their implications for asthma management. We'll explore the practicalities of reaching essential medical appointments, considering drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive "Asthma Score" to aid in your decision-making process when moving to Arlington.

The primary factor influencing healthcare access in Arlington is its location within the Memphis metropolitan area. While offering a suburban lifestyle, this proximity dictates the necessity of transportation for most medical needs. The absence of a hospital within Arlington itself means residents must travel to surrounding areas for specialized care. This immediately elevates the importance of reliable transportation, especially for individuals with asthma, who may experience breathing difficulties during transit.

**Driving the Distance: A Roadway Assessment**

Driving remains the most common mode of transportation for healthcare access in Arlington. The primary artery connecting Arlington to Memphis and its healthcare hubs is **Highway 70 (Macon Road)**. Travel times to major hospitals like Methodist Le Bonheur Germantown Hospital, located approximately 15-20 minutes away, are generally manageable under normal traffic conditions. However, peak hours can significantly extend this commute.

Another crucial route is **Highway 64**, providing access to facilities in Collierville and east Memphis. This route offers alternative access to hospitals like Baptist Memorial Hospital-Collierville, which is roughly a 20-25 minute drive. The efficiency of both Highway 70 and Highway 64, however, can be impacted by traffic congestion, particularly during rush hour.

Navigating smaller roads, such as **Airline Road** and **Shelby Drive**, can provide alternative routes, though they often involve more stop-and-go traffic and may not be ideal for individuals experiencing asthma symptoms. The condition of these roads, including potholes and uneven surfaces, could also impact the comfort of the ride, potentially exacerbating symptoms.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Arlington are limited. The Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) provides bus service to the area, but routes are infrequent and primarily focus on connecting Arlington to Memphis proper. This makes public transit a less viable option for accessing healthcare facilities, particularly those located outside of the immediate Memphis area.

The specific bus routes serving Arlington are subject to change, but typically, they involve a transfer or two to reach major hospitals. For example, to reach Methodist Le Bonheur Germantown Hospital, a resident might need to take a bus along Highway 70 and then transfer to another route. This can significantly increase travel time, potentially exceeding an hour or more, making it less practical for individuals with asthma.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a crucial consideration. MATA buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and other features to accommodate passengers with disabilities. However, the infrequency of service and the potential for multiple transfers can still pose challenges for individuals with asthma, especially during flare-ups.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Supplementary Solutions**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a more flexible transportation option than public transit. Availability in Arlington is generally good, and these services can provide a direct route to healthcare facilities. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a significant factor, especially for frequent appointments.

Medical transportation services provide a specialized option for individuals who require assistance with mobility or have specific medical needs. Several companies operate in the Memphis area, offering non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) services. These services typically provide door-to-door transportation in vehicles equipped with medical equipment, such as oxygen tanks. However, the cost of these services can be substantial, and pre-booking is often required.

**Medical Transport Brands**

Several medical transport brands operate in the Memphis area, including but not limited to:

* **American Medical Response (AMR):** Offers both emergency and non-emergency medical transport.
* **MedStar Ambulance Service:** Provides NEMT services.
* **CareRide:** Specializes in non-emergency medical transportation.
* **First Choice Medical Transportation:** Offers NEMT services.

**Healthcare Access: Assessing the Score**

The "Asthma Score" for healthcare access in Arlington, TN (ZIP code 38002) is moderately challenging. While driving offers the most direct and flexible option, the reliance on personal vehicles and the potential for traffic congestion are significant drawbacks. Public transit is limited and less suitable for individuals with asthma due to infrequent service and the need for transfers. Ride-sharing and medical transport services provide valuable alternatives, but their cost and availability can be limiting factors.

**Factors to Consider:**

* **Proximity to Healthcare Facilities:** The location of your preferred healthcare providers relative to your residence in Arlington is crucial.
* **Traffic Patterns:** Consider the impact of rush hour traffic on commute times, especially during peak asthma seasons.
* **Personal Vehicle Availability:** The reliability of your own vehicle is a key factor.
* **Financial Resources:** Factor in the cost of ride-sharing, medical transport, and potential parking fees.
* **Severity of Asthma:** Individuals with more severe asthma may require more immediate and reliable transportation options.

**Recommendations:**

* **Prioritize proximity:** When choosing a home, consider the proximity to healthcare facilities.
* **Plan for traffic:** Factor in potential traffic delays when scheduling appointments.
* **Explore ride-sharing and medical transport options:** Research and familiarize yourself with available services.
* **Consider insurance coverage:** Ensure your insurance plan covers transportation costs, if applicable.
* **Maintain a well-stocked asthma action plan:** Ensure you have the necessary medications and a plan in place for managing flare-ups during transit.

**Conclusion**

Moving to Arlington, TN, offers a suburban lifestyle, but for individuals with asthma, careful consideration of transportation options is essential for healthcare access. While driving remains the primary mode, the limitations of public transit and the costs associated with ride-sharing and medical transport services must be factored into your decision-making process. By carefully assessing these factors and planning accordingly, residents of Arlington can effectively manage their asthma and access the healthcare they need. The "Asthma Score" for Arlington is moderate, emphasizing the importance of proactive planning and the need to prioritize transportation accessibility when navigating healthcare.