23690, Yorktown, Virginia Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 23690, Yorktown, Virginia is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

57.34 percent of residents in 23690 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 8.21 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Sentara Careplex Hospital with a distance of 13.35 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare in Yorktown (23690)

The air hangs heavy with the promise of history in Yorktown, Virginia (ZIP Code 23690), a coastal community steeped in Revolutionary War lore. But for those managing asthma, the very air can be a challenge. Assessing the accessibility of healthcare, particularly in the context of asthma management, requires a comprehensive look at the available transportation options. This "Asthma Score" write-up delves into the realities of commuting to healthcare appointments, considering the impact of transportation on healthcare access, a crucial factor for anyone moving to Yorktown.

The cornerstone of healthcare access in Yorktown is the availability of timely and reliable transportation. The ability to reach medical professionals quickly, especially during an asthma exacerbation, is paramount. For residents of 23690, the primary mode of transportation for accessing healthcare is the personal vehicle. This necessitates a detailed examination of drive times, considering the potential for traffic congestion and the specific routes available.

Driving from various points within 23690 to the nearest hospitals and specialized asthma care providers is typically the most direct route. Riverside Doctors' Hospital, located in Williamsburg, is a crucial healthcare destination for many Yorktown residents. The most common route involves traversing **George Washington Memorial Highway (Route 17)**, a major artery connecting Yorktown to Williamsburg. Drive times vary depending on the time of day, but generally range from 15 to 30 minutes, assuming normal traffic conditions.

Another essential healthcare facility is Sentara CarePlex Hospital in Hampton. This requires navigating **George Washington Memorial Highway (Route 17)** south, then transitioning to **Fort Eustis Boulevard**, and finally, connecting to **I-64 East**. This journey can take between 20 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic flow, particularly during peak hours. The presence of Interstate 64 offers a faster route, but it's susceptible to congestion, especially during rush hour.

Furthermore, specialized asthma clinics and pulmonologists may be located in Newport News or Norfolk. Reaching these locations necessitates navigating **I-64 East** further, potentially adding significant travel time, especially if dealing with an asthma flare-up. The ability to quickly access care is a crucial element of healthcare access, and the efficiency of transportation directly impacts this.

Public transportation, while available, presents a more complex picture. The Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) system offers bus routes that serve Yorktown. However, these routes are often less frequent and may involve multiple transfers to reach healthcare facilities. Route 105, for instance, provides service along **George Washington Memorial Highway (Route 17)**, potentially connecting to other routes that reach hospitals in Newport News and Hampton.

Unfortunately, the HRT system's ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility, while present, can be a barrier. While buses are equipped with ramps and designated seating, the overall travel time and the potential for multiple transfers can be challenging for individuals experiencing asthma symptoms. The reliance on public transportation for healthcare access in 23690 requires careful planning and consideration of potential delays.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer another transportation option. These services provide a more flexible and potentially faster alternative to public transit. However, the availability of ride-sharing can vary depending on the time of day and the demand. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, particularly for frequent appointments or those with limited financial resources.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients with mobility issues or medical needs, also operate in the area. These services, such as MedRide and Firstat, offer non-emergency medical transportation. They provide door-to-door service, ensuring patients can reach their appointments safely and comfortably. However, these services often require advance booking and may have specific eligibility criteria.

The impact of transportation on healthcare access is multifaceted. For individuals with asthma, the ability to quickly reach a doctor or hospital during an exacerbation is critical. Delays caused by traffic congestion, infrequent public transit schedules, or the unavailability of ride-sharing services can have serious consequences. The cost of transportation, whether it be gas, public transit fares, or ride-sharing fees, also presents a barrier for some residents.

Moving to Yorktown, therefore, requires a thorough assessment of transportation options in relation to healthcare needs. Individuals with asthma should consider the proximity of healthcare providers, the reliability of transportation options, and the potential for delays. The availability of specialized asthma care, including pulmonologists and respiratory therapists, is also a crucial factor.

The "Asthma Score" for 23690, then, is not just about the physical distance to healthcare facilities; it's about the ease and efficiency of reaching those facilities. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limitations of public transit, the variability of ride-sharing services, and the availability of medical transportation services all contribute to the overall score.

For those with asthma, the ideal scenario is a combination of readily accessible healthcare providers, reliable transportation options, and the ability to quickly reach medical assistance during an asthma flare-up. The success of managing asthma in Yorktown hinges on a proactive approach to transportation planning and a clear understanding of the available resources. This includes knowing the routes, the potential for delays, and the costs associated with each mode of transportation. The journey to healthcare, for those managing asthma, is a critical one.