28383, Rowland, North Carolina COPD Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 28383, Rowland, North Carolina is 35 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

66.55 percent of residents in 28383 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.69 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Southeastern Regional Medical Center with a distance of 15.24 miles from the area.

## COPD Score: Navigating Healthcare in Rowland, NC (ZIP Code 28383)

The air hangs heavy in Rowland, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28383), a rural community nestled in Robeson County. For residents managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), the simple act of breathing can be a daily struggle, and accessing timely healthcare becomes a critical, life-or-death matter. This write-up examines the transportation landscape within and around Rowland, providing a "COPD Score" assessment of healthcare accessibility, specifically focusing on the challenges faced by individuals with limited mobility and respiratory distress. Understanding these complexities is crucial for anyone considering moving to Rowland, or for current residents seeking to optimize their healthcare journey.

The cornerstone of healthcare access in Rowland is the ability to get to appointments. For many, this means relying on personal vehicles. The primary arteries of transportation are Interstate 95, running north-south, and US Highway 301, a major thoroughfare slicing through the heart of Rowland. These highways offer relatively direct routes to larger medical facilities in Lumberton, approximately 15 minutes away by car, and Fayetteville, about an hour's drive. However, the drive-times are contingent on traffic conditions and weather, factors that can significantly impact a COPD patient's well-being, especially during exacerbations.

The roads themselves, while generally well-maintained, can present challenges. Rural roads, often lacking sidewalks and bike lanes, can make walking or cycling to appointments impractical, particularly for individuals with limited stamina. The lack of public transportation options further exacerbates the issue, isolating those without personal vehicles or the ability to drive.

Public transportation in Rowland is severely limited. The Robeson County Area Transportation System (RCATS) offers demand-response services, providing transportation within the county. However, the availability of these services is often restricted, requiring advance booking and potentially facing long wait times. Furthermore, the accessibility of RCATS vehicles for individuals with mobility impairments is a crucial consideration. Confirming the availability of wheelchair-accessible vehicles and the ease of boarding and alighting is vital for COPD patients.

The absence of a robust public transit system underscores the critical need for alternative transportation solutions. Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their reliability and affordability can be inconsistent, especially in rural settings. Surge pricing during peak hours or inclement weather can make these options cost-prohibitive, and the availability of drivers in Rowland may be limited, leading to extended wait times.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to cater to the needs of patients with medical conditions, offer a more specialized solution. Companies like First Medical Transportation and MedStar Transportation provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services, offering door-to-door assistance and specialized vehicles equipped to accommodate individuals with mobility challenges and oxygen requirements. However, the availability of these services, their coverage area, and their acceptance of various insurance plans should be carefully researched.

The distance to healthcare facilities is a significant factor in the COPD Score. While Lumberton's medical facilities are relatively close, the journey to Fayetteville, with its broader range of specialists and advanced care, presents a considerable challenge. The extended travel time, coupled with potential traffic delays, can be physically and emotionally taxing for COPD patients.

The availability of specialized medical care in Rowland is another crucial aspect. The presence of primary care physicians, pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, and other healthcare professionals within the community is essential for providing timely and ongoing care. The absence of these specialists necessitates travel to larger cities, further complicating access to healthcare.

The cost of transportation is a major barrier to healthcare access. The expense of gasoline, vehicle maintenance, ride-sharing fees, and medical transportation services can place a significant financial burden on COPD patients, particularly those with fixed incomes or limited financial resources. This financial strain can lead to delayed or missed appointments, ultimately impacting their health outcomes.

The availability of support services, such as home healthcare, oxygen delivery services, and community-based respiratory rehabilitation programs, can significantly improve the quality of life for COPD patients. Access to these services can reduce the need for frequent hospital visits and provide patients with the support they need to manage their condition effectively.

The COPD Score for Rowland, NC (28383) reflects a complex interplay of factors. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transportation options, the potential for transportation costs, and the distance to specialized medical care all contribute to a challenging healthcare access environment. The lack of readily available public transportation options and the reliance on personal vehicles, ride-sharing, or medical transport services make it difficult for individuals with limited mobility to access healthcare.

For individuals considering moving to Rowland, a thorough assessment of transportation options and healthcare resources is essential. Researching the availability of medical transportation services, confirming the accessibility of RCATS, and understanding the costs associated with transportation are crucial steps. Furthermore, establishing a relationship with a primary care physician in the area and understanding the availability of specialized medical care are vital for managing COPD effectively.

The COPD Score is not simply a number; it represents the lived experience of individuals struggling to breathe and navigate the complexities of healthcare access. By understanding the challenges and advocating for improved transportation options, healthcare providers, and community leaders can work together to create a more supportive and accessible healthcare environment for residents of Rowland, NC (28383). This includes advocating for expanded public transportation, promoting the use of telehealth services, and supporting community-based respiratory rehabilitation programs.

Ultimately, improving healthcare access in Rowland requires a multifaceted approach that addresses the transportation challenges, the availability of specialized medical care, and the financial burdens faced by COPD patients. This commitment to addressing these issues is crucial for ensuring that all residents of Rowland can live healthy, fulfilling lives.