43731, Crooksville, Ohio COPD Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 43731, Crooksville, Ohio is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

53.70 percent of residents in 43731 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 21.97 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Genesis Hospital with a distance of 17.03 miles from the area.

## COPD Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Crooksville, Ohio (ZIP Code 43731)

The air hangs heavy with the scent of coal dust and the ghosts of industry in Crooksville, Ohio. For residents grappling with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), the very air they breathe can be a challenge. But the struggle extends beyond the lungs. Accessing vital healthcare, a lifeline for managing COPD, is a critical component of quality of life, and it’s significantly impacted by transportation options. This write-up delves into the complexities of healthcare access within ZIP code 43731, offering a COPD Score assessment based on available transportation modalities. Considering a move to Crooksville? This information is crucial.

The COPD Score, in this context, considers the ease and efficiency with which a resident can reach essential healthcare services. This includes pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, pharmacies, and emergency care facilities. The score is influenced by factors like drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing options, and the presence of specialized medical transport services. A higher score indicates better access, while a lower score signals potential barriers.

**Driving the Distance: Roadways and Realities**

The primary mode of transportation in Crooksville is, unsurprisingly, the personal vehicle. The geographical layout of the area necessitates a reliance on roadways. Residents must navigate the network of highways and local roads to reach healthcare providers. The primary thoroughfare connecting Crooksville to larger towns and cities is **State Route 93**, a two-lane highway that winds its way through the rolling hills of Perry County.

Traveling to Zanesville, the nearest city with a comprehensive medical center (Genesis Hospital), involves a drive of approximately 25 to 35 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific destination within Zanesville. This journey typically utilizes **State Route 93** north and then connects to **Interstate 70** east. The return trip, especially during peak hours, can be impacted by traffic congestion, potentially extending travel times.

For those needing specialized care, such as pulmonary rehabilitation programs or advanced diagnostic imaging, the drive to Columbus, Ohio, becomes a consideration. This journey, approximately 70 miles, requires navigating **State Route 93** north to **Interstate 70** east, then to **Interstate 270** and finally to the desired healthcare facility. This trip can take upwards of 1.5 to 2 hours, making it a significant commitment, particularly for individuals with breathing difficulties. The condition of the roads, especially during winter months, adds another layer of complexity, potentially delaying or hindering healthcare access.

**Public Transit: A Limited Lifeline**

Public transportation options in Crooksville are extremely limited, presenting a significant challenge for individuals with COPD. The primary provider is the **Perry County Transit**, a demand-response service. This means rides must be scheduled in advance, often requiring a day or two's notice. The availability of the service is also limited by operating hours, typically weekdays only, and a smaller service area than the entire county.

The Perry County Transit does offer door-to-door service, which is a critical feature for those with mobility limitations. However, the limited frequency of trips and the need for advance booking can make it difficult to access timely medical appointments. The availability of ADA-compliant vehicles is a crucial aspect of this service, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities. While the Perry County Transit strives to meet these needs, the overall limitations of the service significantly impact the COPD Score.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Gaps in the Grid**

The presence of ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft in Crooksville is sporadic at best. While availability might fluctuate, it is not a reliable option for consistent transportation to medical appointments. The limited driver pool and the potential for longer wait times can make ride-sharing impractical, especially for individuals experiencing respiratory distress.

Specialized medical transport services, such as Med-Transport, are another consideration. These services are specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, often with trained medical personnel onboard. However, the availability of such services in Crooksville and the surrounding area is limited, and they can be expensive. The cost of these services can be a significant barrier to healthcare access, particularly for individuals with fixed incomes or limited insurance coverage.

**The COPD Score: A Concluding Assessment**

Based on the assessment of transportation options, the COPD Score for Crooksville, Ohio (ZIP Code 43731) is relatively low. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with the limitations of public transit, the sporadic nature of ride-sharing, and the restricted availability of medical transport services, creates significant barriers to healthcare access for individuals with COPD.

The drive times to Zanesville and Columbus, while manageable for some, can be challenging for those with breathing difficulties. The limited public transit options, the lack of readily available ride-sharing services, and the cost of specialized medical transport further exacerbate the challenges.

For individuals considering a move to Crooksville, it is imperative to carefully evaluate their transportation needs and access to healthcare services. While the community offers a close-knit environment and a slower pace of life, the limitations in transportation options can significantly impact the quality of life for individuals managing COPD.

The COPD Score for Crooksville highlights the need for improved transportation infrastructure and services. This could include expanding public transit routes and frequency, incentivizing ride-sharing services, and increasing the availability of affordable medical transport options. Such improvements would significantly enhance healthcare access and improve the quality of life for residents living with COPD.