22207, Arlington, Virginia Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 22207, Arlington, Virginia is 86 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

56.96 percent of residents in 22207 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 2.03 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Virginia Hospital Center with a distance of 0.71 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in 22207

Moving to Arlington, Virginia, and specifically the 22207 ZIP code, presents a multitude of considerations, from proximity to green spaces to the quality of schools. For individuals managing asthma, however, a critical factor becomes healthcare access. This 'Asthma Score' write-up delves into the complexities of **transportation** options available to residents of 22207, analyzing drive times, public transit, ride-share services, and medical transport, to provide a comprehensive understanding of how easily individuals can reach vital healthcare services. This information is crucial for assessing the overall **healthcare access** within the community.

The 22207 ZIP code, encompassing portions of Arlington, enjoys a relatively favorable position for accessing healthcare. Its location offers a blend of suburban convenience and proximity to the District of Columbia, providing a range of options for medical care. However, the specific **transportation** challenges inherent in the area necessitate a nuanced evaluation.

**Driving Times and Roadways:**

Driving remains a primary mode of **transportation** for many residents. The major roadways serving 22207, including the George Washington Memorial Parkway (GW Parkway), Interstate 395 (I-395), and Route 50 (Arlington Boulevard), provide direct routes to several hospitals and clinics.

Traveling to Virginia Hospital Center, a prominent healthcare provider, typically takes approximately 5-10 minutes via the GW Parkway or North George Mason Drive, depending on traffic conditions. The drive to MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C., can range from 15-30 minutes, utilizing the GW Parkway and Key Bridge, but is highly susceptible to traffic congestion, especially during peak hours.

Similarly, reaching Inova Alexandria Hospital involves a drive of approximately 20-30 minutes, largely dependent on traffic flow on I-395. Rush hour commutes, particularly those heading towards the District, can significantly extend these travel times, impacting the ability to quickly access medical attention. The presence of these major roadways offers convenience but also presents potential challenges during times of heavy traffic.

**Public Transit Options:**

Arlington's robust public transit system, primarily comprised of the Washington MetroMetropolitan Area TransitWashington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), offers several alternatives to driving. The Metrorail system, with its Orange and Silver lines, provides a reliable means of **transportation** to various healthcare facilities.

The East Falls Church Metro station, located within the 22207 area, offers direct access to the Orange Line. This line provides convenient access to Virginia Hospital Center (Ballston-MU station) and the medical facilities along the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor. The Silver Line, accessible via transfer, connects to hospitals in the District of Columbia, including MedStar Georgetown University Hospital (Foggy Bottom-GWU station).

Bus routes, operated by WMATA and Arlington Transit (ART), supplement the Metrorail system, providing access to a wider network of clinics and medical offices. ART routes 41, 42, and 45 offer direct connections to various locations within the 22207 area, including those with medical facilities.

WMATA strives to maintain ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance across its services, including accessible stations and buses. However, reliance on public transit requires consideration of potential delays, transfers, and the need for walking between stations and healthcare facilities.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, provide on-demand **transportation** options, particularly valuable for those without personal vehicles or for times when public transit is less convenient. These services offer door-to-door service, eliminating the need for walking or transfers.

The availability of ride-share services in 22207 is generally high, with readily available drivers. However, surge pricing during peak hours or periods of high demand can increase the cost of these services.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for patients with mobility limitations or requiring specialized assistance, are also available. Companies like CareRide, LogistiCare, and American Medical Response (AMR) offer non-emergency medical **transportation**, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. These services can be invaluable for individuals with asthma who may experience difficulty navigating public transit or driving themselves.

**Healthcare Access Considerations for Asthma Patients:**

For individuals with asthma, swift access to medical care is paramount, especially during exacerbations. The 'Asthma Score' for 22207 considers the following factors: proximity to urgent care facilities, availability of specialists, and ease of access to emergency services.

Virginia Hospital Center, with its emergency department and pulmonary specialists, represents a critical resource. The proximity of this facility, combined with the availability of multiple **transportation** options, contributes positively to the 'Asthma Score'.

The presence of numerous primary care physicians and pulmonologists in the surrounding areas further enhances **healthcare access**. The ability to schedule routine appointments and receive timely follow-up care is crucial for managing asthma effectively.

The reliance on roadways like the GW Parkway and I-395, while offering direct routes, also introduces the risk of traffic delays. This factor necessitates careful planning and consideration of alternative **transportation** methods, such as public transit or ride-sharing, particularly during peak hours.

**Conclusion:**

The 22207 ZIP code offers a relatively favorable environment for individuals with asthma, providing a blend of convenient **transportation** options and access to quality healthcare. While driving remains a primary choice, the availability of public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport enhances **healthcare access** and offers flexibility. The proximity to Virginia Hospital Center and the presence of numerous specialists further contribute to the overall 'Asthma Score'.

However, potential traffic congestion on major roadways and the need for careful planning when using public transit necessitate a proactive approach to managing asthma. Considering these factors, individuals **moving to Arlington** and residing in 22207 can effectively navigate the **transportation** landscape and ensure timely access to the healthcare services they need. The key lies in understanding the available options, planning accordingly, and prioritizing swift access to medical attention when necessary.