26148, Macfarlan, West Virginia Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 26148, Macfarlan, West Virginia is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

64.41 percent of residents in 26148 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 21.72 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Minnie Hamilton Health System with a distance of 10.85 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Macfarlan, WV (ZIP Code 26148)

The crisp, West Virginia air, often lauded for its beauty, can present a significant challenge for individuals managing asthma. This write-up analyzes the transportation landscape in and around Macfarlan (ZIP Code 26148), focusing on healthcare access and the potential impact on individuals with respiratory conditions. Understanding the available transportation options is crucial for anyone considering a move to this rural community, ensuring that access to medical care remains a manageable aspect of daily life. We will delve into drive times, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation, providing a comprehensive “Asthma Score” assessment.

The very fabric of healthcare access in Macfarlan is woven with the threads of transportation. The ability to reach a doctor's office, pharmacy, or emergency room directly influences the quality of life for those with asthma. This is particularly true in a rural setting where distances can be vast, and public transportation options may be limited. The Asthma Score, therefore, is not just a measure of available routes, but a reflection of the potential burdens placed on individuals with asthma.

**Drive Times and Roadways: The Primary Arteries**

For residents of Macfarlan, the automobile is king. The primary roadways dictate the ebb and flow of healthcare access. The town itself is nestled along **West Virginia Route 14**, a two-lane road that serves as the main artery connecting Macfarlan to neighboring communities and essential services. Driving north on Route 14 will lead you towards the town of Cairo, where you can connect with **West Virginia Route 50**. This is a major east-west thoroughfare that provides access to larger towns and cities like Parkersburg, approximately an hour's drive away.

Traveling south on Route 14, you'll eventually reach **West Virginia Route 47**, another important road that provides access to various destinations. The drive to the nearest hospital, Camden Clark Medical Center in Parkersburg, is approximately 50-60 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions. This is a significant drive, especially during an asthma exacerbation, when every minute counts. The condition of the roads, particularly during winter months, can further complicate matters. Snow and ice can significantly increase travel times and pose safety risks.

The reliance on personal vehicles underscores the importance of vehicle maintenance and the financial burden of car ownership, including fuel, insurance, and repairs. For individuals with limited mobility or financial resources, this dependence can be a significant barrier to healthcare access.

**Public Transit: A Limited Network**

Public transportation options in and around Macfarlan are extremely limited. The primary provider of public transit in the area is the **Mid-Ohio Valley Transit Authority (MOVTA)**, which operates primarily in Wood County, including Parkersburg. However, MOVTA's services rarely extend to the rural areas surrounding Macfarlan. There are no fixed bus routes that directly serve the town.

This lack of public transit creates a significant challenge for individuals who cannot drive, or who are unable to maintain a vehicle. The absence of reliable public transportation further exacerbates the challenges faced by individuals with asthma, potentially delaying access to essential medical care.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Parkersburg area, but their presence in Macfarlan is inconsistent. The availability of these services is often dependent on driver availability, which can be particularly limited in rural areas. Relying on ride-sharing for medical appointments can be unreliable, especially during off-peak hours or in emergency situations.

Medical transportation services offer a specialized solution for individuals with mobility limitations or those who require assistance getting to and from medical appointments. Several providers operate in the region, including **Medicaid-approved transportation services**. These services may offer door-to-door transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. However, availability and scheduling can vary, and pre-booking is often required.

**Medical Transportation Brands:**

* **First Transit:** Provides non-emergency medical transportation.
* **LogistiCare:** A managed care organization specializing in transportation.
* **Medical Transportation Management (MTM):** Another provider of non-emergency medical transportation.

The availability of these services offers a lifeline for some individuals with asthma, but they may not be readily accessible or affordable for everyone.

**Asthma Score: A Composite Assessment**

Based on the available information, the Asthma Score for Macfarlan (ZIP Code 26148) reflects a challenging transportation landscape for individuals with asthma. The score is weighted heavily by the following factors:

* **Drive Times:** The significant drive times to the nearest hospital and specialized medical facilities pose a major concern.
* **Public Transit:** The complete lack of public transit options severely limits healthcare access for those without personal vehicles.
* **Ride-Sharing:** The inconsistent availability of ride-sharing services adds to the uncertainty of healthcare access.
* **Medical Transportation:** While medical transportation services are available, their accessibility and affordability can be barriers.

**Moving to Macfarlan with Asthma: Considerations**

For individuals with asthma considering a move to Macfarlan, a thorough assessment of their transportation needs is essential. This includes evaluating their ability to drive, access to reliable transportation, and the financial resources to cover transportation costs.

**Recommendations:**

* **Pre-existing Healthcare Relationships:** Establish a relationship with a primary care physician and a pulmonologist in the Parkersburg area before moving.
* **Emergency Planning:** Develop a detailed emergency plan that includes transportation options in case of an asthma exacerbation.
* **Financial Planning:** Factor in the costs of transportation, including vehicle maintenance, fuel, and potential ride-sharing or medical transportation fees.
* **Community Resources:** Explore local community resources and support networks that may offer assistance with transportation or healthcare access.

The "Asthma Score" for Macfarlan highlights the importance of proactive planning and a realistic assessment of healthcare access. While the beauty of the West Virginia landscape may be appealing, the transportation challenges can significantly impact the quality of life for individuals with asthma. Careful consideration of these factors is crucial for making an informed decision about moving to this rural community. The journey to healthcare access in Macfarlan requires careful navigation of roads, a reliance on personal vehicles, and a reliance on potentially limited support systems.