33635, Tampa, Florida COPD Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 33635, Tampa, Florida is 66 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

53.92 percent of residents in 33635 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 6.58 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Florida Hospital Carrollwood with a distance of 5.79 miles from the area.

## COPD Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in ZIP Code 33635

For individuals managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), the ability to access timely and reliable healthcare is paramount. This write-up analyzes the transportation landscape within ZIP Code 33635, a critical factor in determining the COPD Score for residents. The score reflects the ease with which individuals can reach essential medical appointments, considering drive times, public transit options, and alternative transportation services. Considering a move to Tampa? Understanding these intricacies is vital.

The geographic layout of 33635, encompassing a significant portion of Tampa, influences healthcare access. The primary arteries for vehicular traffic include the **Veterans Expressway**, the **Suncoast Parkway**, and **Hillsborough Avenue**. These roadways, while offering direct routes to various medical facilities, can be subject to congestion, particularly during peak hours. The Veterans Expressway, in particular, provides a swift north-south connection, but the toll can be a consideration for frequent appointments.

Drive times to healthcare providers vary depending on the location within 33635 and the destination. For example, a resident in the northern part of the zip code might find the drive to AdventHealth Carrollwood, located south on **Dale Mabry Highway**, to be a longer journey compared to someone residing closer to the hospital. Similarly, access to the Tampa General Hospital, a major healthcare hub, involves navigating the **Howard Frankland Bridge**, which can experience significant delays.

Public transportation, offered by the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART), presents another avenue for healthcare access. HART operates several bus routes that traverse 33635, including routes 1, 15, 16, and 39. These routes connect to various healthcare facilities, such as the University of South Florida (USF) Health Morsani College of Medicine and the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital. The accessibility of these routes is a key component of the COPD Score.

The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance of HART's services is crucial for individuals with COPD. All HART buses are equipped with ramps or lifts to accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility devices. However, the frequency of service on certain routes, particularly during off-peak hours, may pose a challenge. Furthermore, the walking distance from bus stops to medical facilities can be a factor, especially for individuals with limited mobility or respiratory distress.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative to both driving and public transit. These services provide on-demand transportation, potentially reducing travel times and eliminating the need to navigate traffic or manage bus schedules. The availability and cost of ride-sharing services are essential considerations for the COPD Score. Surge pricing during peak hours or periods of high demand can significantly impact affordability.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for individuals with medical needs, offer another layer of support. Companies like American Medical Response (AMR) and First Response Medical Transportation provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services. These services often include door-to-door assistance and specialized vehicles equipped to transport individuals with mobility limitations or requiring medical equipment. The availability and cost of these services are factored into the COPD Score.

The selection of a healthcare provider is another critical element. The proximity of specialists and the availability of specialized COPD care within a reasonable distance are essential. The COPD Score takes into account the location of pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, and other healthcare professionals who provide care for individuals with COPD. Access to these specialists is a critical component of the COPD Score.

The overall COPD Score for 33635 considers the interplay of all these factors. A higher score indicates greater ease of access to healthcare, while a lower score reflects challenges in transportation and healthcare access. The score is not static and can fluctuate based on traffic conditions, public transit schedules, and the availability of ride-sharing services.

For individuals considering moving to Tampa and managing COPD, the COPD Score serves as a valuable tool. It provides a comprehensive assessment of the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access. Careful consideration of these factors is essential for making an informed decision about where to live and how to best manage COPD.

The COPD Score for 33635, therefore, is a dynamic measure, reflecting the ever-changing landscape of transportation and healthcare access. It is a critical tool for individuals seeking to optimize their healthcare journey within this vibrant Tampa community.