28792, Hendersonville, North Carolina COPD Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 28792, Hendersonville, North Carolina is 60 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

71.45 percent of residents in 28792 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.67 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Margaret R Pardee Memorial Hospital with a distance of 4.47 miles from the area.

## COPD Score: Navigating Healthcare in 28792

Considering a move to Hendersonville, North Carolina, specifically ZIP code 28792? For individuals managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), **healthcare access** is paramount. This write-up provides a detailed assessment of **transportation** options available, calculating a "COPD Score" based on the ease and efficiency of reaching essential healthcare facilities. This score reflects the potential challenges and advantages of navigating the area with COPD, aiming to provide a realistic picture for informed decision-making.

The COPD Score considers factors like drive times, public transit availability, ride-share services, and specialized medical transport. Each category receives a sub-score, ultimately contributing to an overall score reflecting the accessibility of healthcare in 28792. This analysis focuses on the most critical healthcare providers for COPD patients: primary care physicians, pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, and pharmacies.

**Drive Time Assessment:**

The primary mode of **transportation** in Hendersonville is by car. The area's layout and limited public transit options necessitate a reliance on personal vehicles. Assessing drive times is therefore crucial. The primary roads in 28792 include US-64, US-25, and I-26. These arteries are vital for connecting residents to healthcare facilities.

For a hypothetical resident living in the heart of 28792, a drive to Pardee UNC Health Care, the primary hospital in the area, via US-64 West, typically takes around 10-15 minutes, assuming moderate traffic. However, during peak hours, especially weekdays, this can extend to 20-25 minutes. This is a significant consideration for COPD patients who may experience shortness of breath and require immediate medical attention.

Reaching the Hendersonville Medical Center, a smaller facility offering outpatient services and some specialized care, also via US-64, takes approximately 5-10 minutes, making it a more accessible option for routine appointments. Accessing specialized pulmonologists, often located in medical office buildings near the hospital or the medical center, adds another layer of travel time. The drive to these offices typically falls within the 10-20-minute range, depending on the specific location and traffic conditions.

Furthermore, the location of pharmacies is another factor. Most pharmacies are conveniently located along US-64 and US-25, making them easily accessible. Drive times to pharmacies are generally short, ranging from 5-10 minutes, ensuring convenient access to medications. This proximity is critical for COPD patients who rely on regular medication refills.

**Drive Time Sub-Score:** Based on these drive times, the drive time sub-score is moderately favorable. While the primary hospital is reasonably accessible, traffic congestion can impact travel times, especially during peak hours.

**Public Transit Assessment:**

Public **transportation** options in Hendersonville are limited. The Henderson County Transit System (HCTS) offers fixed-route bus services, but these routes are infrequent and primarily serve the town center and surrounding areas. The routes are not designed to specifically cater to the needs of individuals with COPD.

The HCTS operates a few routes that could be relevant, but their frequency and coverage are limited. For example, Route 1, which runs along US-64, could potentially provide access to Pardee UNC Health Care, but the schedule is infrequent, with buses running every hour or two. Route 2, which travels along US-25, might offer access to medical offices, but again, the schedule is limited.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a critical consideration. The HCTS is required to provide accessible buses, but the overall system is not designed to be a primary mode of **transportation** for healthcare access. The limited route coverage and infrequent schedules make it challenging for COPD patients who may have difficulty walking long distances or waiting for extended periods.

**Public Transit Sub-Score:** The public transit sub-score is unfavorable. The limited route coverage, infrequent schedules, and reliance on walking make public transit a challenging option for COPD patients.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport Assessment:**

Ride-share services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Hendersonville. However, their availability can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in areas outside the town center. This unreliability poses a challenge for COPD patients who require predictable and timely **transportation** to healthcare appointments.

Medical **transportation** services are also available, but they often come with higher costs. These services, such as Care Ride and First Medical Transport, specialize in transporting individuals with medical needs. They offer door-to-door service and can accommodate mobility limitations. However, the cost of these services can be a significant financial burden, especially for frequent appointments.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport Sub-Score:** The ride-share and medical transport sub-score is moderate. While these services offer potential solutions, their availability, cost, and reliability can vary, impacting their suitability for regular healthcare access.

**COPD Score Calculation and Conclusion:**

The COPD Score is calculated by combining the sub-scores for drive time, public transit, and ride-share/medical transport. The weighting of each sub-score reflects its relative importance. Drive time is weighted at 40%, public transit at 20%, and ride-share/medical transport at 40%.

Based on this analysis, the overall COPD Score for **healthcare access** in 28792 is moderate. The primary challenge is the limited public transit options and the potential for traffic delays. While drive times to essential healthcare facilities are generally reasonable, the reliance on personal vehicles and the potential for traffic congestion can create difficulties for COPD patients. Ride-share and medical transport services offer alternative solutions, but their cost and availability must be carefully considered.

**Moving to Hendersonville** with COPD requires careful planning and consideration of **transportation** options. While the area offers a pleasant environment and access to healthcare facilities, the limitations in public transit and the potential for traffic delays necessitate a proactive approach to **healthcare access**. Individuals should assess their personal needs, consider the availability of support networks, and factor in the costs of alternative **transportation** methods. This detailed assessment provides a foundation for making informed decisions about **moving to Hendersonville** and ensuring access to quality healthcare.