31321, Pembroke, Georgia COPD Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 31321, Pembroke, Georgia is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

37.57 percent of residents in 31321 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.30 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Winn Ach (Ft Stewart) with a distance of 20.53 miles from the area.

## COPD Score: Navigating Healthcare in Pembroke, Georgia (ZIP Code 31321)

Considering a move to Pembroke, Georgia (ZIP Code 31321), and managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)? This analysis assesses the accessibility of healthcare, a critical factor in your quality of life. We'll examine transportation options, a crucial component of healthcare access, focusing on drive times, public transit, and alternative methods. Understanding these factors is essential for anyone considering moving to Pembroke, especially those with respiratory conditions like COPD.

The COPD Score evaluates the ease with which a resident can reach necessary medical appointments and services. It considers the availability, reliability, and convenience of transportation options, directly impacting healthcare access. This write-up provides a detailed overview of transportation possibilities within and around ZIP Code 31321, offering a comprehensive perspective for your decision-making process.

Pembroke, a charming city nestled in Bryan County, presents a unique set of transportation challenges and opportunities. Its relative remoteness from major metropolitan areas necessitates careful consideration of travel times and available modes of transport. The surrounding landscape, characterized by rural roads and limited public transit, shapes the COPD Score, reflecting the practical realities of accessing healthcare.

Driving remains the primary mode of transportation in Pembroke. Several major highways and roads serve the area, dictating drive times to healthcare facilities. The primary artery is **Highway 280**, which connects Pembroke to larger cities like Savannah and Statesboro. Depending on traffic, a drive to Savannah, where more specialized medical care is available, typically takes between 45 minutes and an hour.

**Highway 144** provides another crucial route, offering access to local medical providers and connecting Pembroke to neighboring towns. Travel times on Highway 144 are generally shorter, with appointments in nearby Richmond Hill or Ellabell taking approximately 15 to 30 minutes. **Highway 67** also plays a role, providing access to Statesboro and further healthcare options. These highways, while offering relatively efficient routes, are susceptible to traffic delays, particularly during peak hours.

The availability of public transit in Pembroke is limited. Bryan County, like many rural areas, lacks an extensive public transportation network. Currently, there is no dedicated bus service within Pembroke or connecting it directly to Savannah or other major healthcare hubs. This deficiency significantly impacts the COPD Score, particularly for individuals who cannot drive or prefer not to.

While a dedicated public transit system is lacking, there are some options for those who cannot drive. The Bryan County Senior Center offers transportation services for seniors and individuals with disabilities. These services often require advance booking and may have limitations on the distance and frequency of trips. Furthermore, the availability of these services can vary based on funding and demand, necessitating careful planning and coordination.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Pembroke, but their reliability and availability can be inconsistent. While these services can provide a convenient alternative to driving, they are often subject to surge pricing during peak hours or periods of high demand. Furthermore, the availability of ride-sharing drivers may be limited, particularly during off-peak hours or in more rural areas. This factor impacts the COPD Score, as it adds uncertainty to the ability to access healthcare.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients with mobility issues or medical needs, offer another avenue for accessing healthcare. Several companies specialize in providing non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) in the Savannah area, serving Pembroke. These services typically offer door-to-door transportation, including assistance with boarding and disembarking. However, these services often require prior scheduling and may be more expensive than other transportation options.

The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) mandates that public transportation and transportation services provided with federal funds must be accessible to individuals with disabilities. While the absence of a robust public transit system in Pembroke poses a challenge, the existing transportation options, including ride-sharing and medical transport, are subject to ADA guidelines. This means these services must provide accommodations for individuals with disabilities, such as wheelchair accessibility and assistance with boarding.

For those considering moving to Pembroke with COPD, the limited public transit options and reliance on personal vehicles or ride-sharing services present significant challenges. The COPD Score is affected by the need to rely on driving or potentially costly and less reliable ride-sharing options. The availability of medical transportation services provides a crucial lifeline, but the need for advance scheduling and potential costs must be factored into the overall assessment.

The location of healthcare facilities within and around Pembroke also influences the COPD Score. The presence of local clinics and physician offices within the city provides convenient access to primary care and routine medical appointments. However, specialized care, such as pulmonology or cardiology, may require travel to Savannah or other regional medical centers. This necessitates careful consideration of drive times, traffic conditions, and the availability of transportation options.

Moving to Pembroke with COPD requires careful planning regarding healthcare access. While the city offers a peaceful and welcoming environment, the limitations in public transit and the reliance on personal vehicles or alternative transportation methods necessitate proactive measures. The COPD Score reflects the need to plan for potential travel delays, consider the costs of ride-sharing or medical transportation, and establish a reliable transportation plan for all medical appointments.

In conclusion, the COPD Score for Pembroke, Georgia (ZIP Code 31321), reflects a mixed bag of opportunities and challenges. While the availability of driving routes and medical transport services provides some degree of healthcare access, the lack of a comprehensive public transit system and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services create hurdles. Prospective residents with COPD should carefully assess their transportation needs, research available medical transportation options, and factor in the potential costs and travel times when making their decision to move to Pembroke. Prioritizing a robust transportation plan is critical to ensuring consistent and reliable healthcare access, ultimately contributing to a higher quality of life.