33613, Tampa, Florida COPD Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 33613, Tampa, Florida is 68 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

57.19 percent of residents in 33613 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 2.89 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Adventhealth Tampa with a distance of 1.45 miles from the area.

**COPD Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 33613**

This analysis assesses healthcare access for individuals with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) residing in ZIP Code 33613, a Tampa, Florida community. The score considers the multifaceted challenges of transportation, a critical factor influencing healthcare access, especially for those managing COPD. We examine drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing/medical transport services, providing a comprehensive view of the commute to healthcare facilities. This information is particularly relevant for those considering moving to Tampa, as it directly impacts their ability to receive timely and consistent medical care.

The primary healthcare facilities serving 33613 include AdventHealth Carrollwood, Tampa General Hospital, and several smaller clinics and specialist offices. Drive times to these facilities are heavily influenced by traffic patterns. During peak hours, navigating the major thoroughfares like the Veterans Expressway (SR 589) and I-275 can be arduous. A trip to AdventHealth Carrollwood, typically a 15-20 minute drive in off-peak hours, can easily stretch to 30-45 minutes during rush hour, particularly southbound on the Veterans Expressway.

Similarly, accessing Tampa General Hospital, located near downtown, necessitates navigating I-275, a highway notorious for congestion. The journey, normally a 20-30 minute drive, can double during peak periods. The commute also involves local roads like Dale Mabry Highway and Hillsborough Avenue, which can be heavily congested, especially near intersections. These delays significantly impact COPD patients, who may experience breathing difficulties during extended periods of exertion or stress, like sitting in traffic.

Public transportation offers an alternative, but its effectiveness varies. Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) provides bus services within the area. Several routes, including the 15, 16, and 36, serve 33613, connecting it to healthcare facilities. However, bus travel times are often longer than driving, and transfers may be required, adding to the overall travel duration.

Accessibility for individuals with disabilities is a crucial consideration. HART strives to provide ADA-compliant buses, equipped with ramps or lifts. However, navigating bus stops and waiting for buses, especially during inclement weather, can pose challenges for COPD patients. The availability of accessible routes and the reliability of the service are critical factors in evaluating its suitability for healthcare access.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer another transportation option. These services provide door-to-door transportation, eliminating the need to navigate public transit or drive and park. However, ride-sharing costs can be a significant barrier, especially for frequent medical appointments. Moreover, ride availability can fluctuate, particularly during peak hours or in areas with limited driver density.

Medical transportation services cater specifically to individuals with healthcare needs. Companies like Access Mobility and Firstat Nursing Services offer specialized transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained staff. These services provide a higher level of care and assistance, but they are often more expensive than ride-sharing or public transit. Their availability and coverage areas within 33613 should be carefully assessed.

The COPD score for 33613 reflects the combined impact of these transportation factors. It considers drive times, public transit efficiency and accessibility, ride-sharing costs and availability, and the availability of medical transportation services. The score takes into account the potential for delays due to traffic congestion, the challenges of using public transit, and the financial burden of ride-sharing and medical transportation.

For a COPD patient, the ideal scenario involves a short and reliable commute to healthcare facilities. This minimizes physical exertion and stress, contributing to better health outcomes. However, the reality in 33613 presents several challenges. Traffic congestion, especially on the Veterans Expressway and I-275, can significantly extend drive times. Public transit, while offering an alternative, is often slow and may require transfers. Ride-sharing and medical transportation services offer convenience but can be costly.

The availability of healthcare facilities within the community is also a factor. While 33613 has access to a variety of healthcare providers, the distance to the nearest specialist or emergency room can still be a concern. This underscores the importance of considering the location of healthcare facilities when evaluating transportation options.

The overall COPD score for 33613 is moderate. While the area offers a range of transportation options, each presents its own set of challenges. Individuals with COPD must carefully weigh these factors when planning their healthcare commute. The score highlights the importance of proactive planning, including considering the timing of appointments to avoid peak traffic, exploring public transit routes, and budgeting for ride-sharing or medical transportation services.

For those considering moving to Tampa and residing in 33613, the COPD score serves as a crucial piece of information. It underscores the importance of understanding the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access. Potential residents should research the proximity of healthcare facilities, assess their ability to navigate traffic or use public transit, and factor in the costs of ride-sharing or medical transportation.

The score also highlights the need for community initiatives to improve healthcare access for COPD patients. This could include advocating for expanded public transit routes, promoting ride-sharing programs, or supporting the development of medical transportation services. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that individuals with COPD can access the healthcare they need, regardless of their transportation limitations.

In conclusion, the COPD score for 33613 reflects the complex interplay of transportation factors that influence healthcare access. While the area offers a range of options, challenges remain. Individuals with COPD must carefully consider these factors when planning their healthcare commute. The score serves as a valuable tool for residents and those considering moving to Tampa, emphasizing the importance of proactive planning and community initiatives to improve healthcare access for this vulnerable population. The ability to readily access healthcare is paramount to successful COPD management, making transportation a critical component of overall well-being.