28462, Supply, North Carolina COPD Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 28462, Supply, North Carolina is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

67.60 percent of residents in 28462 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.55 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center with a distance of 5.46 miles from the area.

## COPD Score: Navigating Healthcare in Supply, NC (ZIP Code 28462)

The air hangs thick with the promise of salt and sea in Supply, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28462), a community nestled between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic. For residents managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), the journey to healthcare isn't just a matter of distance, but a complex equation of accessibility, time, and available transportation options. This analysis, designed to assess the ease of healthcare access for COPD patients, considers the unique transportation landscape of Supply, offering a "COPD Score" informed by drive times, public transit, ride-share availability, and medical transport services. It's a crucial consideration for anyone moving to Supply, especially those with respiratory conditions.

The primary artery for accessing healthcare from Supply is **Highway 17**, a bustling thoroughfare that snakes north and south, connecting the town to larger medical centers. Heading north on Highway 17 offers the quickest route to **Brunswick Novant Medical Center** in Bolivia, approximately a 20-minute drive. This facility provides a range of services, including pulmonology, essential for COPD management. However, traffic, particularly during peak hours, can significantly impact drive times, potentially extending the journey and increasing stress for patients with breathing difficulties.

Alternatively, traveling south on Highway 17 leads to **New Hanover Regional Medical Center** in Wilmington, a more comprehensive facility with specialized pulmonary care. The drive, however, stretches to approximately 45 minutes, making it a less ideal option for routine appointments or emergency situations. This longer commute necessitates careful planning, considering potential exacerbations and the patient's physical limitations.

Beyond Highway 17, other roads offer alternative routes, though with their own limitations. **Highway 211**, running east-west, provides access to Shallotte, a town with some medical facilities. However, these facilities may not offer the specialized pulmonary care required for advanced COPD management. Local roads, like **Holden Beach Road** and **Stone Chimney Road**, offer scenic routes but are less direct and may be poorly maintained, potentially impacting the comfort and safety of patients.

Public transportation options in Supply are limited. The **Brunswick County Transportation System** provides demand-response service, requiring advance booking. While this service offers door-to-door transportation, it's essential to consider the booking lead time, which can range from a few days to a week, depending on demand. The system's ADA-compliant vehicles are equipped with ramps and lifts, ensuring accessibility for individuals with mobility limitations. However, the reliance on pre-scheduled trips and the potential for delays can present significant challenges for COPD patients, especially during acute respiratory episodes.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, operate in the area, but their availability is not guaranteed, particularly during off-peak hours or in remote locations. The unpredictable nature of ride-sharing, coupled with potential surge pricing, can pose a financial burden and logistical challenges for patients requiring frequent medical appointments. The wait times for a ride-share, especially in an emergency, could be critical for a COPD patient.

Medical transport services, including ambulance and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), offer dedicated transportation for patients with medical needs. Ambulance services are readily available for emergencies, but the cost can be substantial. NEMT providers, such as **Care Ride** and **Coastal Transport**, offer scheduled transportation to medical appointments, often utilizing wheelchair-accessible vehicles. While these services provide a valuable resource, they require prior arrangements and can be subject to scheduling constraints.

The "COPD Score" for Supply, NC (28462) considers these factors. The score reflects the availability of transportation options, the drive times to healthcare facilities, and the accessibility of services for individuals with mobility limitations. The score is not a static number but a dynamic assessment, influenced by factors such as the patient's individual needs, the severity of their COPD, and the availability of support networks.

For individuals with mild to moderate COPD, the proximity to Brunswick Novant Medical Center and the availability of the Brunswick County Transportation System might suffice. However, those with more severe conditions or requiring specialized care may find the longer drive times to Wilmington and the limitations of public transportation challenging.

The lack of readily available public transit and the dependence on personal vehicles or pre-booked services highlight a critical need for enhanced transportation infrastructure in Supply. This includes exploring options such as expanding the Brunswick County Transportation System, partnering with ride-sharing companies to provide subsidized transportation for medical appointments, and increasing the availability of NEMT services.

Moreover, promoting telehealth services and home healthcare options can significantly improve healthcare access for COPD patients in Supply. Telehealth allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for frequent travel. Home healthcare provides in-home medical services, including respiratory therapy, medication management, and patient education.

Moving to Supply requires careful consideration of these transportation and healthcare access factors. Potential residents with COPD should proactively research available medical services, assess their transportation needs, and explore options for managing their condition. This includes consulting with their healthcare providers, contacting the Brunswick County Transportation System, and researching NEMT providers.

Ultimately, the "COPD Score" is a tool for informed decision-making. It underscores the importance of comprehensive planning and proactive engagement to ensure that individuals with COPD can access the healthcare they need while residing in the beautiful, yet geographically isolated, community of Supply, NC. The ability to navigate the transportation landscape effectively is paramount to maintaining quality of life and managing the complexities of this chronic respiratory disease.