48120, Dearborn, Michigan COPD Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 48120, Dearborn, Michigan is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

71.67 percent of residents in 48120 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 3.46 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Beaumont Hospital - Dearborn with a distance of 1.11 miles from the area.

## COPD Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Dearborn (ZIP Code 48120)

The air hangs heavy in Dearborn, a city steeped in automotive history, a vibrant tapestry woven with diverse communities. For residents battling Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), the very act of breathing can be a daily struggle. The ability to reach healthcare, to access the specialized care necessary to manage this debilitating illness, becomes paramount. This write-up, a "COPD Score" assessment, delves into the transportation landscape of ZIP code 48120, evaluating the ease of access to healthcare facilities for individuals with COPD, considering drive times, public transit options, and alternative transportation solutions.

The foundation of any COPD Score lies in understanding the geographical context. Dearborn, nestled in Wayne County, Michigan, is a sprawling urban landscape. Within 48120, the primary arteries of movement are the iconic **Southfield Freeway (M-39)**, a bustling north-south corridor, and **Michigan Avenue (US-12)**, a historic east-west thoroughfare. These highways, along with a network of local roads like **Ford Road**, **Outer Drive**, and **Warren Avenue**, form the circulatory system of the city, connecting residents to essential services.

For individuals with COPD, the efficiency and reliability of this transportation network are critical. The time spent traveling to and from medical appointments directly impacts their well-being. Prolonged exposure to exhaust fumes, the stress of navigating traffic, and the physical exertion of driving can exacerbate respiratory symptoms. Therefore, the COPD Score must meticulously assess drive times to key healthcare providers.

Several hospitals and clinics within and near 48120 provide specialized pulmonary care. **Henry Ford Hospital – Dearborn** located on **Telegraph Road**, is a primary destination. Reaching this facility from various points within the ZIP code, particularly during peak traffic hours, can be a significant challenge. Drive times can vary widely. A journey from the western edge of 48120, near the **Southfield Freeway**, might take approximately 15-20 minutes in moderate traffic, but easily doubles during rush hour.

**Oakwood Hospital – Dearborn**, another critical healthcare provider, is also located in the area. Accessing this hospital from other parts of the city will take a similar amount of time. The COPD Score must account for these fluctuations, recognizing that traffic congestion can significantly impact healthcare access.

Public transportation offers an alternative, yet it presents its own set of hurdles. The **Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT)** operates several bus routes that serve 48120. However, the frequency of these routes, especially during off-peak hours, can be limited. The **SMART (Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation)** bus system provides additional coverage, connecting Dearborn to neighboring communities.

The COPD Score must evaluate the accessibility of these routes. Do the buses have wheelchair lifts or ramps, ensuring ADA compliance? Are the bus stops conveniently located and accessible to individuals with mobility limitations? The availability of real-time tracking information, crucial for planning appointments and minimizing waiting times, also needs consideration.

Route **25 (Woodward)**, **54 (Michigan)**, and **1 (Woodward)** are some of the main routes that run through the area. The COPD Score must consider the average time to wait for a bus, the distance to the nearest bus stop, and the overall travel time to healthcare facilities.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, have emerged as another transportation option. These services offer on-demand transportation, potentially providing a more convenient and accessible alternative to driving or public transit. The COPD Score must evaluate the availability of ride-sharing services in 48120, considering the average wait times, the cost of rides, and the accessibility features offered.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for individuals with medical needs, represent another critical component of the COPD Score. These services often provide door-to-door transportation, including assistance with mobility and medical equipment. The COPD Score must identify the medical transportation providers operating in 48120, assessing their service areas, the types of vehicles they offer, and the cost of their services.

The COPD Score must also consider the availability of specialized medical transportation vehicles equipped to accommodate individuals with respiratory needs, such as oxygen tanks and other medical equipment.

The overall COPD Score for 48120 will be a composite measure, considering drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transportation services. The score will reflect the ease or difficulty of accessing healthcare for individuals with COPD. The score will also serve as a valuable tool for individuals considering moving to Dearborn, informing their decisions about healthcare access.

The ideal scenario for someone with COPD is a healthcare system that prioritizes accessibility. This includes accessible transportation options, convenient clinic locations, and a supportive community. The COPD Score seeks to provide a snapshot of the current state of healthcare access within 48120, highlighting both strengths and weaknesses.

The COPD Score is not static; it is a dynamic assessment that must be continuously updated to reflect changes in the transportation landscape and healthcare services. As new transportation options emerge and healthcare providers expand their services, the COPD Score must adapt to provide the most accurate and relevant information for individuals with COPD.

The final COPD Score should offer a clear and concise assessment of healthcare access, empowering individuals with COPD to make informed decisions about their healthcare and their lives in Dearborn. The ultimate goal is to ensure that residents of 48120 with COPD can access the care they need, when they need it, without undue hardship or risk.