26767, Wiley Ford, West Virginia Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 26767, Wiley Ford, West Virginia is 65 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

86.24 percent of residents in 26767 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.87 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Potomac Valley Hospital with a distance of 19.41 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare in Wiley Ford, West Virginia (ZIP Code 26767)

Wiley Ford, West Virginia, nestled in the embrace of the Appalachian Mountains, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for residents managing asthma. The availability of healthcare, particularly specialized care for respiratory conditions, significantly impacts the quality of life for individuals with asthma. This write-up delves into the complexities of **transportation** options and **healthcare access** within and around ZIP Code 26767, aiming to provide a comprehensive "Asthma Score" assessment for anyone considering **moving to Wiley Ford** or currently residing in the area.

The Asthma Score, in this context, considers the ease and efficiency with which residents can access necessary medical care, factoring in travel times, available transportation modalities, and the overall accessibility of healthcare facilities. This assessment is crucial because consistent and timely access to healthcare, including routine check-ups, medication refills, and emergency care, is paramount for effective asthma management.

**Driving Times and Road Networks:**

The primary mode of **transportation** in Wiley Ford is undoubtedly the personal vehicle. The town's location, somewhat isolated within the panhandle of West Virginia, necessitates reliance on roadways for most journeys. Accessing specialist care often requires travel to nearby cities like Cumberland, Maryland, or Keyser, West Virginia.

From Wiley Ford, the most direct route to Cumberland, home to UPMC Western Maryland, a major healthcare provider, is via US Route 220. Expect a drive time of approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. This route, while relatively straightforward, can experience congestion during peak hours, particularly near the Maryland state line. The condition of US Route 220 is generally well-maintained, but the mountainous terrain can present challenges during inclement weather, potentially impacting travel times and safety.

Keyser, West Virginia, offers another healthcare option, with Potomac Valley Hospital. The journey to Keyser from Wiley Ford primarily involves traversing US Route 50. This drive typically takes around 20-25 minutes. US Route 50, a major east-west artery, is generally well-maintained, but can experience heavy truck traffic. The route's elevation changes can also be a factor, especially during winter months.

For those seeking specialized pulmonary care, a drive to larger metropolitan areas like Morgantown, West Virginia, or Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, may be necessary. These trips involve significantly longer travel times, ranging from 2-3 hours, primarily utilizing Interstate 68 and Interstate 79 for Morgantown, and Interstate 68 and Interstate 76 for Pittsburgh. These longer distances underscore the importance of reliable **transportation** and careful planning for individuals with asthma.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public **transportation** options in Wiley Ford are limited. The area lacks a robust public transit system, posing a significant challenge for individuals without access to a personal vehicle. The primary provider of public transit in the region is the Potomac Highlands Transit Authority (PHTA). However, PHTA's services are primarily focused on providing transportation within Mineral County, with limited routes extending into neighboring counties.

PHTA operates demand-response services, requiring advance booking. These services may be available for medical appointments, but availability and scheduling can be restrictive. Furthermore, the frequency of service and the potential for delays can make relying on public transit for time-sensitive medical needs challenging.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a critical consideration for individuals with asthma, particularly those with mobility limitations. PHTA is committed to providing ADA-compliant services, ensuring that vehicles are equipped with features such as ramps and lifts. However, the limited scope of service and the need for advance booking can still present barriers to **healthcare access** for some individuals.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the region, although their availability may be limited compared to larger metropolitan areas. Ride-share availability can be particularly scarce in rural areas like Wiley Ford, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Reliance on ride-sharing for medical appointments requires careful planning, including booking rides well in advance and factoring in potential delays.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed for patients requiring non-emergency medical **transportation**, offer an alternative. Companies specializing in medical **transportation** provide vehicles equipped with medical equipment and trained personnel to assist patients with mobility limitations or those requiring specialized care during transit. However, these services often come at a higher cost than other **transportation** options.

Several medical **transportation** providers serve the Wiley Ford area, including:

* **MedStar Mobile Healthcare:** Offers a range of services, including non-emergency medical **transportation**.
* **American Medical Response (AMR):** Provides ambulance and non-emergency medical **transportation** services.
* **Local Ambulance Services:** Several local ambulance services may offer non-emergency medical **transportation** options, depending on availability.

The cost of medical **transportation** can be a significant factor, particularly for individuals with limited financial resources. Insurance coverage for medical **transportation** varies, and patients should verify their coverage with their insurance provider before scheduling a ride.

**Healthcare Access and the Asthma Score:**

The Asthma Score for Wiley Ford, West Virginia, reflects a mixed picture. While the proximity to healthcare facilities in Cumberland and Keyser offers some advantages, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transit options present challenges. The availability of ride-sharing services and medical **transportation** provides alternative options, but these come with potential limitations in terms of cost and availability.

The key factors influencing the Asthma Score include:

* **Drive times:** Relatively short drives to nearby healthcare facilities are a positive factor.
* **Public transit limitations:** The lack of a robust public transit system is a significant negative factor.
* **Ride-share availability:** Limited availability, particularly during off-peak hours, presents a challenge.
* **Medical transportation costs:** The cost of medical **transportation** can be a barrier to **healthcare access**.
* **Specialist care access:** The need for travel to larger metropolitan areas for specialized pulmonary care adds complexity.

For individuals with asthma considering **moving to Wiley Ford**, a thorough assessment of their individual needs and circumstances is crucial. Factors to consider include their ability to drive, access to a reliable vehicle, financial resources, and the severity of their asthma.

**Recommendations:**

* **Prioritize access to a reliable vehicle:** This is the most critical factor for accessing healthcare in the area.
* **Explore medical transportation options:** Investigate the availability and cost of medical **transportation** services.
* **Plan ahead for medical appointments:** Schedule appointments well in advance and factor in potential travel delays.
* **Maintain open communication with healthcare providers:** Discuss **transportation** challenges and explore alternative solutions.
* **Advocate for improved public transit:** Support efforts to expand public **transportation** options in the region.

In conclusion, while Wiley Ford offers a scenic and tranquil environment, the Asthma Score reflects the need for careful consideration of **transportation** and **healthcare access** challenges. By understanding these complexities and proactively planning for their healthcare needs, individuals with asthma can successfully navigate the healthcare landscape in this unique Appalachian community. The challenges are real, but with informed planning and proactive engagement, residents can effectively manage their condition and maintain a good quality of life.