39423, Beaumont, Mississippi COPD Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 39423, Beaumont, Mississippi is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

62.49 percent of residents in 39423 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.31 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Greene County Hospital Cah with a distance of 20.47 miles from the area.

**COPD Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Beaumont, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39423)**

Breathing easy is paramount, especially for individuals managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Access to timely and reliable healthcare is a cornerstone of COPD management, and the ease with which a patient can reach medical appointments significantly impacts their quality of life. This analysis, a "COPD Score" for ZIP Code 39423 (Beaumont, Mississippi), examines the transportation landscape, evaluating the challenges and opportunities for individuals seeking healthcare access, particularly concerning their ability to reach specialized pulmonary care. This is crucial information for anyone moving to Beaumont.

Beaumont, nestled in the heart of Perry County, presents a unique set of transportation dynamics. The town's relative remoteness and limited public transportation options necessitate a deep dive into the available resources. The COPD Score will consider drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services, offering a comprehensive understanding of the transportation environment for COPD patients.

**Drive Times: The Road to Recovery**

For many residents, personal vehicles are the primary mode of transportation. The ability to drive to appointments independently is often a significant factor in maintaining a sense of autonomy and control. However, drive times in the area can vary considerably depending on the destination and the time of day.

The primary artery through Beaumont is Highway 98, a major east-west thoroughfare. Traveling east towards Hattiesburg, the nearest city with specialized pulmonary care, typically takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic. Highway 42, intersecting Highway 98, provides an alternate route, although it can be subject to more congestion, particularly during peak hours.

Navigating these roads requires careful consideration for COPD patients. The physical exertion of driving, especially during periods of heavy traffic, can exacerbate respiratory symptoms. Furthermore, the distance to specialized care facilities necessitates planning for potential delays and ensuring adequate oxygen supply, if needed. The COPD Score will factor in these considerations, assessing the accessibility of healthcare facilities based on drive times and road conditions.

**Public Transit: A Limited Lifeline**

Public transportation options in Beaumont are limited. The availability of buses and other public transit is a crucial factor for those unable to drive or who prefer not to. Unfortunately, ZIP Code 39423 has very limited public transit. This lack of options presents a significant challenge for individuals with COPD, who may find it difficult to manage the physical demands of waiting for and riding public transit.

The COPD Score will evaluate the existing public transit infrastructure, including route frequency, accessibility features (e.g., wheelchair ramps, priority seating), and the overall convenience for individuals with respiratory conditions. The absence of readily available public transportation may negatively impact the COPD Score.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gap**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, have emerged as a viable transportation alternative in many areas. However, their availability and reliability in Beaumont and the surrounding areas are crucial. The COPD Score will assess the presence and accessibility of ride-sharing services, considering factors such as wait times, cost, and driver availability.

Medical transport services, specifically designed to accommodate patients with medical needs, offer another avenue for accessing healthcare. These services often provide specialized vehicles equipped with medical equipment and trained personnel to assist patients during transport. The COPD Score will evaluate the availability of medical transport services in the area, including the range of services offered, the cost, and the ease of booking.

**Medical Transport Brands**

Several medical transport brands serve the broader area. These include:

* **American Medical Response (AMR):** A national provider with a presence in Mississippi, offering both emergency and non-emergency medical transport.
* **Priority Ambulance:** Another national company, offering a range of medical transport services.
* **Local Ambulance Services:** Several local ambulance services operate in the region, providing transport to medical facilities.

The COPD Score will assess the availability, cost, and reliability of these services, recognizing their importance for individuals with COPD who may require assistance with mobility or medical support during transport.

**Healthcare Access: The Final Score**

The COPD Score for ZIP Code 39423 will be a composite measure, reflecting the combined impact of drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services on healthcare access. The score will be based on a weighted system, with each factor contributing to the overall assessment.

A higher score will indicate better access to healthcare, characterized by shorter drive times, readily available public transit, reliable ride-sharing services, and accessible medical transport options. A lower score will reflect the opposite, highlighting challenges that may hinder individuals with COPD from receiving timely and appropriate medical care.

**Moving to Beaumont: Considerations for COPD Patients**

For individuals considering moving to Beaumont, Mississippi, understanding the transportation landscape is crucial. The COPD Score provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with healthcare access.

Before relocating, prospective residents with COPD should carefully assess their transportation needs and capabilities. They should research the availability of specialized pulmonary care in the area, considering the drive times and the accessibility of medical facilities. They should also explore the options for public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services, ensuring they have reliable means of reaching medical appointments.

The COPD Score serves as a valuable tool for informed decision-making, empowering individuals with COPD to make choices that support their health and well-being. It underscores the importance of considering transportation factors when planning a move to a new location, ensuring that healthcare access is a priority.