23461, Virginia Beach, Virginia Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 23461, Virginia Beach, Virginia is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

97.60 percent of residents in 23461 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.97 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital with a distance of 6.62 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare in 23461

Choosing a new home involves myriad considerations, and for individuals managing asthma, proximity to healthcare is paramount. This write-up explores the accessibility of medical resources for residents of ZIP code 23461 in Virginia Beach, offering an "Asthma Score" assessment based on transportation options. We'll delve into drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, painting a vivid picture of healthcare access in this coastal community. This information is crucial for anyone considering moving to Virginia Beach and prioritizing their respiratory health.

The Asthma Score, in this context, isn't a numerical value but a qualitative assessment of the ease and efficiency with which residents can reach essential medical services. Factors considered include travel time, mode of transportation, and the availability of specialized asthma care. We'll begin with the most common mode: personal vehicles.

**Driving to Healthcare: A Coastal Commute**

Navigating Virginia Beach by car offers considerable flexibility. Residents of 23461 have several major arteries at their disposal. The primary thoroughfare is **Interstate 64 (I-64)**, which provides rapid access to hospitals and specialist clinics. Heading west on I-64, you can reach Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital in approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic. This hospital houses a comprehensive respiratory care unit.

Other key roads include **Virginia Beach Boulevard (Route 58)** and **Independence Boulevard**. These roads, while often congested, offer direct routes to numerous medical facilities. Driving east on Virginia Beach Boulevard provides access to multiple urgent care centers and primary care physicians within a 10-15 minute drive. Independence Boulevard, running north-south, connects to hospitals and specialist offices, with travel times typically ranging from 10 to 25 minutes depending on the destination and traffic conditions.

**General Booth Boulevard**, another major road, provides access to healthcare facilities south of 23461. This offers alternative routes, though travel times might be slightly longer, especially during peak hours. Knowing these routes is critical when considering moving to Virginia Beach.

Traffic, however, is a significant factor. Rush hour, especially during the week, can significantly increase travel times. Therefore, residents should factor in potential delays when planning appointments. The Asthma Score for driving is moderately favorable, offering reasonable access but requiring careful planning to account for traffic.

**Public Transit: A Bus Route Perspective**

Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) provides public transportation within Virginia Beach. Several bus routes serve the 23461 ZIP code, offering an alternative to driving. The primary routes to consider are the **Route 20** and the **Route 22**. These routes connect residential areas to key commercial corridors where medical offices are often located.

The Route 20, for instance, travels along Virginia Beach Boulevard, providing access to various medical facilities. The Route 22 offers access to hospitals and clinics located along Independence Boulevard. However, bus travel times are significantly longer than driving, often requiring transfers and potentially extending travel times to 45 minutes or more.

HRT buses are ADA-accessible, featuring ramps and designated seating for individuals with disabilities. This is a crucial consideration for those with asthma who may experience difficulty walking long distances or navigating crowded environments. While public transit offers a viable option, the extended travel times and potential for exposure to environmental triggers (like allergens on the bus) reduce its Asthma Score. The Asthma Score for public transit is less favorable than driving, but it offers an essential option for those without access to a personal vehicle.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: On-Demand Healthcare**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Virginia Beach. These services offer a convenient alternative to driving, particularly for those unable to drive or prefer not to. Ride-sharing provides door-to-door service, eliminating the need to navigate parking or rely on public transit schedules. Travel times are generally comparable to driving, depending on traffic.

However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a factor, especially for frequent medical appointments. Furthermore, the availability of ride-sharing can fluctuate, particularly during peak hours or in less populated areas. The Asthma Score for ride-sharing is moderately favorable, offering convenience but potentially posing cost and availability challenges.

Medical transport services, such as those offered by companies like AMR (American Medical Response) and local providers, are available for individuals requiring specialized assistance. These services provide transportation with trained medical personnel and specialized equipment, ensuring the safety and comfort of patients. Medical transport is essential for individuals with severe asthma or other health conditions that limit their mobility. However, these services are typically reserved for those with specific medical needs and may require pre-authorization. The Asthma Score for medical transport is highly favorable for those who qualify, offering safe and reliable transportation to healthcare facilities.

**Assessing the Asthma Score: A Holistic View**

The Asthma Score for 23461 is a mixed bag. Driving offers the most efficient access to healthcare, but traffic can be a significant impediment. Public transit provides an essential alternative, but travel times are longer. Ride-sharing offers convenience, while medical transport caters to specific needs.

When considering moving to Virginia Beach and prioritizing healthcare access, residents of 23461 have several options. The best approach is to assess individual needs and preferences. For those who drive, the area offers reasonable access. For those who rely on public transit, careful planning is essential. Ride-sharing and medical transport provide valuable alternatives for specific circumstances.

**Healthcare Access: Beyond Transportation**

Beyond transportation, healthcare access also involves the availability of specialized asthma care. 23461 is served by numerous primary care physicians, pulmonologists, and allergists. Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital and other local hospitals offer comprehensive respiratory care units. The availability of these specialists and facilities contributes positively to the Asthma Score.

**Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision**

In conclusion, the Asthma Score for 23461 is moderately favorable. Residents have multiple transportation options, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Careful consideration of individual needs, including access to a vehicle, reliance on public transit, and the potential need for specialized medical transport, is crucial when making decisions about healthcare access. Moving to Virginia Beach can be a positive experience for those managing asthma, provided they understand the transportation landscape and the availability of healthcare resources.