28421, Atkinson, North Carolina COPD Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 28421, Atkinson, North Carolina is 25 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

41.26 percent of residents in 28421 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 21.93 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Pender Memorial Hospital with a distance of 14.20 miles from the area.

## COPD Score: Navigating Healthcare in Atkinson, NC (ZIP Code 28421)

For individuals managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), access to timely and reliable healthcare is paramount. This write-up analyzes the transportation landscape in and around Atkinson, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28421), to assess the ease with which residents can access vital medical services, forming the basis of a COPD Score. This score considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and specialized medical transport, all crucial factors impacting healthcare access for those with breathing difficulties. Considering a move to Atkinson? Understanding these transportation realities is essential.

The primary determinant of healthcare access in Atkinson is, unsurprisingly, the automobile. Residents rely heavily on personal vehicles for navigating the region. Drive times to healthcare facilities are therefore a critical component of our COPD Score. The closest major medical center is New Hanover Regional Medical Center (NHRMC) in Wilmington, approximately 40 miles away. The journey typically involves traversing primarily US-117 South, then transitioning onto I-140 East or US-17 South, depending on the specific destination within Wilmington.

During off-peak hours, this drive can be completed in under an hour. However, traffic congestion, particularly around Wilmington during rush hour (typically 7:00-9:00 AM and 4:00-6:00 PM), can significantly extend travel times, potentially exceeding 90 minutes. This extended travel time can be particularly challenging for COPD patients experiencing exacerbations or requiring frequent check-ups. Additional healthcare options exist closer to Atkinson, including smaller clinics and urgent care facilities in Burgaw, approximately 10 miles away. These facilities, accessible via NC-210 East, offer more immediate care for less severe conditions, reducing the burden of longer drives.

Public transportation options in Atkinson are limited. Pender County does not have a comprehensive public transit system. The availability of public transportation significantly impacts the COPD Score, as it provides a lifeline for those unable to drive or who lack access to a personal vehicle. This lack of public transit significantly limits healthcare access, particularly for individuals with mobility limitations or those unable to drive due to their condition. This is a critical area for improvement to enhance the COPD Score for residents of 28421.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their reliability and availability are variable. While these services can provide a convenient alternative to driving, their presence is less consistent than in more urban areas. Wait times can be longer, and the cost can be a barrier for some individuals, especially for frequent appointments. The availability of ride-sharing services contributes to the COPD Score, offering a degree of flexibility, but their limitations must be acknowledged.

Medical transportation services are another crucial element. Several specialized medical transport companies operate in the region, providing non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) for individuals requiring assistance. These services typically cater to patients needing transportation to and from medical appointments, dialysis treatments, or other healthcare-related destinations. Companies like First Transit and LogistiCare offer NEMT services, providing transportation for individuals with disabilities or those who cannot drive themselves. These services often require pre-booking and may have eligibility requirements.

However, the availability of these services does not negate the need for reliable and accessible transportation options. The COPD Score must consider the overall transportation landscape, including the limitations of each option. The availability of medical transport services is a positive factor, but it does not fully compensate for the lack of public transit or the challenges associated with ride-sharing.

The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance of transportation options is a critical consideration. While ride-sharing services and medical transport providers typically offer accessible vehicles, the lack of a comprehensive public transit system with ADA-compliant buses poses a significant challenge for individuals with mobility impairments. This lack of accessible public transit directly impacts the COPD Score, as it limits the ability of individuals with disabilities to access healthcare independently.

The COPD Score for Atkinson, NC (28421) is therefore influenced by a complex interplay of factors. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, the variable availability of ride-sharing services, and the presence of medical transport providers all contribute to the overall assessment. While the availability of medical transport services and ride-sharing offers some flexibility, the lack of robust public transit and the distance to major medical facilities pose significant challenges.

The COPD Score, in this context, reflects the degree of difficulty individuals with COPD face in accessing healthcare. For those considering moving to Atkinson, understanding these transportation realities is essential. Prioritizing proximity to healthcare facilities, assessing personal transportation capabilities, and investigating the availability of medical transport services are crucial steps in ensuring adequate healthcare access.

Ultimately, the COPD Score for Atkinson, NC (28421) could be improved by advocating for the expansion of public transportation options, increasing the availability and reliability of ride-sharing services, and ensuring that all transportation providers are fully ADA-compliant. This would significantly enhance healthcare access for all residents, particularly those managing chronic conditions like COPD. The current landscape presents challenges, but with proactive planning and awareness, individuals can successfully navigate the transportation complexities and ensure access to the care they need.