06114, Hartford, Connecticut COPD Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 06114, Hartford, Connecticut is 69 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

72.09 percent of residents in 06114 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 1.61 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Hartford Hospital with a distance of 1.04 miles from the area.

## COPD Score: Navigating Healthcare in 06114

Living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) demands meticulous healthcare management. This write-up assesses healthcare access within ZIP Code 06114, focusing on transportation options, a critical factor influencing the ability to receive timely and consistent medical care. We'll explore the challenges and opportunities for residents, particularly those considering moving to Hartford and managing their COPD.

The core of this analysis is understanding how easily individuals can reach essential healthcare services. This includes pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, pharmacies, and emergency care facilities. Transportation limitations can significantly impact a COPD patient's quality of life, potentially leading to exacerbations and hospitalizations.

**Driving the Landscape: Highways and Roadways**

Navigating 06114 by car presents a mixed bag. Interstate 84 (I-84), a major east-west artery, provides relatively quick access to healthcare facilities located in the city's core and surrounding areas. However, rush hour can transform this highway into a parking lot, extending drive times considerably.

The Merritt Parkway, also known as Route 15, offers an alternative route, especially for those living in the southern portions of the ZIP code. This scenic route, though often congested, provides access to healthcare facilities in the suburbs.

Local roads like Farmington Avenue, Asylum Avenue, and Albany Avenue serve as crucial connectors. These roads are generally less congested than the highways but can still experience delays, particularly during peak hours. Parking availability near healthcare facilities is another consideration, often requiring patients to factor in extra time for finding a spot.

**Public Transit: A Breath of Fresh Air?**

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) operates the primary public transit system in Hartford, offering bus routes throughout 06114. Several routes are particularly relevant for healthcare access.

The **91-Town Line** route runs along Albany Avenue, providing access to healthcare facilities like Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center. The **60-Albany Avenue** route also serves this area.

The **66-Farmington Avenue** route connects residents to various medical offices and hospitals along Farmington Avenue. The **61-Park Street** route, running through the heart of the city, provides access to several medical practices.

While public transit offers an affordable option, it’s essential to consider the limitations. Bus schedules might not always align with appointment times, and transfers can add significant travel time. ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a critical consideration. All CTDOT buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts, making them accessible to individuals with mobility impairments. However, the availability of accessible bus stops and the overall ease of navigating the system with respiratory equipment can be a challenge.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport: A Helping Hand**

Ride-share services like Uber and Lyft offer on-demand transportation options. These services can be particularly beneficial for those unable to drive or who need assistance with transportation. However, ride-share costs can accumulate, especially for frequent medical appointments.

Specialized medical transportation services cater specifically to individuals with healthcare needs. These services often provide door-to-door assistance, including help with getting in and out of vehicles and transporting medical equipment. Several medical transport companies operate in the Hartford area, including:

* **Care Ride:** This company offers non-emergency medical transportation, catering to individuals with mobility limitations.
* **Medicaid Transportation:** For eligible individuals, Medicaid may cover the cost of medical transportation.
* **American Medical Response (AMR):** AMR provides ambulance services and can be used for non-emergency transport in certain situations.

These specialized services can be invaluable for COPD patients, ensuring safe and comfortable transportation to and from medical appointments.

**Healthcare Access: A Closer Look**

Several healthcare facilities are located within or near 06114, offering comprehensive care for COPD patients.

* **Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center:** This hospital offers pulmonary services, including specialized care for COPD.
* **Hartford Hospital:** Another major hospital in the area, Hartford Hospital, provides a range of respiratory services.
* **Trinity Health Of New England Medical Group:** This group has multiple locations throughout the area, offering primary care and specialty services, including pulmonology.
* **Numerous private practices:** Numerous pulmonologists and respiratory therapists have offices in and around 06114.

The proximity of these facilities is a significant advantage for residents. However, healthcare access extends beyond simply having a facility nearby. It includes factors like appointment availability, insurance coverage, and the ability to navigate the healthcare system.

**The COPD Score: Assessing the Transportation Landscape**

A COPD Score for 06114 would consider the following factors:

* **Drive times:** Average drive times to the nearest pulmonologist, respiratory therapist, and emergency room during peak and off-peak hours.
* **Public transit accessibility:** Frequency of bus routes, travel times, and ADA accessibility features.
* **Ride-share availability:** Availability of ride-share services and estimated costs.
* **Medical transport options:** Availability of specialized medical transportation services and associated costs.
* **Proximity to pharmacies:** Distance to pharmacies and ease of prescription refills.

The score would be based on a weighted assessment of these factors, reflecting the overall ease and convenience of accessing healthcare for COPD patients.

**Moving to Hartford: A Transportation Perspective**

For individuals considering moving to Hartford with COPD, understanding the transportation landscape is crucial. 06114 offers a mix of transportation options, but each has its pros and cons.

* **Proximity to healthcare facilities:** The area’s proximity to hospitals and medical practices is a significant advantage.
* **Public transit accessibility:** The availability of public transit provides an affordable option for accessing healthcare.
* **Ride-share and medical transport:** The availability of ride-share and medical transport services can fill in gaps in transportation needs.

However, potential residents should also consider:

* **Traffic congestion:** Rush hour traffic can significantly impact drive times.
* **Public transit limitations:** Bus schedules and transfer times can be inconvenient.
* **Cost of transportation:** Ride-share and medical transport costs can be a financial burden.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Journey**

Living with COPD requires careful planning and consideration of transportation options. While 06114 offers a variety of choices, each has its own set of challenges. The COPD Score, once developed, will provide a valuable tool for assessing healthcare access, empowering residents to make informed decisions about their healthcare journey. By understanding the transportation landscape, COPD patients can proactively manage their healthcare needs and maintain a high quality of life, even when moving to Hartford.