43736, Fairview, Ohio COPD Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 43736, Fairview, Ohio is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

60.00 percent of residents in 43736 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.22 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Barnesville Hospital Association, Inc with a distance of 5.19 miles from the area.

## COPD Score: Navigating Healthcare in ZIP Code 43736

Fairview, Ohio, nestled within the embrace of ZIP Code 43736, presents a unique landscape for individuals managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This assessment delves into the complexities of transportation and healthcare access, crucial factors influencing the quality of life for COPD patients. The goal is to provide a comprehensive "COPD Score" reflecting the ease or difficulty of accessing necessary medical care, a vital consideration for anyone contemplating moving to Fairview.

The cornerstone of this analysis is **transportation**. The ability to reach medical appointments, pharmacies, and support services is paramount for individuals with COPD. This score will evaluate the available options, from personal vehicles to public transit, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transport. Each mode will be assessed based on its accessibility, reliability, and the potential challenges faced by individuals with limited mobility or respiratory distress.

The primary arteries of travel in and around Fairview are State Route 26 and State Route 145. These highways, while offering relatively direct routes, are often winding and can be affected by inclement weather, potentially impacting drive times. The drive to the nearest hospital, Barnesville Hospital, via SR-145, typically takes around 20-30 minutes under ideal conditions. However, this can fluctuate depending on traffic, especially during peak hours.

Further afield, Wheeling Hospital in West Virginia, approximately an hour’s drive via SR-26 and I-70, offers specialized pulmonary care. The journey to larger medical centers in Columbus, Ohio, or Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, requires significantly longer travel times, making them less practical for routine appointments or urgent care needs. The reliance on personal vehicles underscores the importance of vehicle reliability and the potential burden of car maintenance for individuals managing COPD.

Public transit options in 43736 are limited. The Belmont County Transportation System (BCTS) provides demand-response transportation, meaning rides must be scheduled in advance. While BCTS offers ADA-compliant vehicles, the scheduling process and potential for delays can pose challenges for individuals with COPD who may experience unpredictable exacerbations of their symptoms. The lack of fixed-route bus service further restricts **healthcare access**, particularly for those without access to a personal vehicle or the ability to navigate the complexities of demand-response scheduling.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the region, though their availability may be inconsistent, especially in rural areas like Fairview. The cost of these services can also be a significant factor, particularly for frequent medical appointments. While ride-sharing offers a potential alternative to personal vehicles, the reliability and affordability of these services are crucial considerations for individuals with COPD.

Specialized medical transport services, such as MedStar and First Call Ambulance, provide non-emergency medical transportation. These services offer a higher level of care and are equipped to handle individuals with respiratory needs. However, these services often come at a higher cost and may require pre-authorization from insurance providers. The availability and cost of these specialized services are vital considerations for ensuring timely access to medical care.

The "COPD Score" will also factor in the proximity of essential healthcare facilities, including primary care physicians, pulmonologists, pharmacies, and respiratory therapists. The availability of these resources within a reasonable distance directly impacts the ease of managing COPD. Longer travel times to access these services can lead to delays in treatment, increased stress, and a diminished quality of life.

Pharmacies play a crucial role in managing COPD, providing access to medications and respiratory supplies. The availability of local pharmacies, and their ability to provide home delivery services, is a significant advantage. The ability to refill prescriptions quickly and easily is essential for individuals managing COPD.

The **healthcare access** landscape in Fairview necessitates a comprehensive understanding of available resources and potential challenges. The geographical isolation and limited public transportation options require careful consideration for individuals with COPD. The ability to navigate the transportation network, whether through personal vehicles, ride-sharing services, or specialized medical transport, directly impacts the ability to receive timely and appropriate medical care.

For those considering **moving to Fairview**, a thorough assessment of their transportation needs and healthcare requirements is essential. The "COPD Score" will provide a framework for evaluating the feasibility of living in this area, considering the challenges and opportunities related to healthcare access. The availability of support services, such as home healthcare and respiratory therapy, also plays a crucial role in managing COPD and maintaining a high quality of life.

The "COPD Score" will not only reflect the availability of transportation options but also the overall healthcare infrastructure in 43736. The presence of specialized pulmonary care, respiratory therapists, and support groups can significantly improve the management of COPD. The ability to access these resources quickly and easily is essential for individuals with this chronic condition.

The final "COPD Score" will be a composite metric, taking into account drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing options, medical transport services, and the proximity of healthcare facilities. This score will provide a valuable tool for individuals with COPD, enabling them to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs and the suitability of Fairview as a place to live. The goal is to provide a clear and concise assessment of the challenges and opportunities associated with managing COPD in this unique rural environment.