45112, Chilo, Ohio COPD Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 45112, Chilo, Ohio is 21 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

16.67 percent of residents in 45112 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.01 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Mercy Health - Clermont Hospital with a distance of 19.99 miles from the area.

## COPD Score: Commuting to Healthcare in 45112

The air hangs heavy in Chilo, Ohio, a small village nestled in the rolling hills of Brown County, ZIP Code 45112. For residents battling Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), the journey to healthcare is more than a simple errand; it’s a critical test of endurance, a daily struggle against the limitations of their own bodies and the practical hurdles of **transportation**. This analysis provides a COPD Score, a comprehensive assessment of **healthcare access** in 45112, focusing on the challenges faced by individuals with COPD when **moving to Chilo**.

The COPD Score considers several factors: drive times to healthcare facilities, public transit options, the availability of ride-sharing services, and medical transport solutions. Each category is evaluated to determine the overall accessibility and the potential burden on COPD patients. This score aims to provide a realistic picture of the challenges and opportunities for those managing COPD in this rural setting.

The primary healthcare hub for 45112 residents is likely to be in Georgetown, the Brown County seat. Driving from Chilo to the Brown County General Hospital, located at 425 Home St, is the most common route. The journey typically involves navigating State Route 125, a winding two-lane road that follows the Ohio River. Depending on traffic, the drive can take between 15 to 25 minutes. This route offers a relatively straightforward commute, but the condition of the road, particularly during winter months, can be a significant concern for individuals with breathing difficulties.

Further healthcare options, including specialists and more advanced medical care, require travel to Cincinnati, approximately 45 miles away. This journey demands a significant time commitment, often involving the use of State Route 125 to US-52, then onto the major interstate, I-275. Drive times to Cincinnati facilities can range from 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic. This extended travel time poses a considerable challenge for COPD patients, who may experience increased shortness of breath and fatigue during long car rides.

Public transportation options in 45112 are extremely limited. The primary provider is the Brown County Transportation, a demand-response service. This service operates on a reservation basis, meaning patients must schedule their rides in advance. While the vehicles are advertised as ADA-accessible, featuring wheelchair lifts and other accommodations, the limited service hours and the need for pre-planning can create significant barriers to accessing timely healthcare. The wait times for pick-ups and drop-offs can also be lengthy, which can be difficult for those with COPD.

The lack of readily available public transportation significantly increases the reliance on personal vehicles or family and friends. For individuals without access to a car or a support network, healthcare access becomes severely restricted. This dependence on others can lead to missed appointments, delayed treatments, and a decline in overall health.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, have a limited presence in Brown County. Their availability is often unreliable, and the cost of rides can be prohibitive for many residents, especially those on fixed incomes. Even when available, the distance and travel times to healthcare facilities in Cincinnati can make ride-sharing an impractical and expensive option.

Medical transport services offer a dedicated solution for patients with mobility limitations or those requiring specialized care. Several providers operate in the Cincinnati area, including First Response Ambulance and Care Flight. However, the cost of these services can be substantial, and they are often reserved for emergency situations or patients with specific medical needs. While offering a crucial lifeline, they are not a readily accessible solution for routine appointments or preventative care.

The COPD Score for 45112 is negatively impacted by the limited public transportation, the reliance on personal vehicles, and the distance to specialized healthcare facilities. The lack of readily available ride-sharing services and the cost of medical transport further exacerbate the challenges. The overall score reflects a situation where **healthcare access** is significantly compromised for individuals with COPD.

For someone **moving to Chilo** with COPD, careful consideration of these **transportation** limitations is essential. The individual must assess their ability to drive, the availability of support from family or friends, and the financial resources to cover the costs of transportation. Proactive planning, including establishing relationships with local healthcare providers and exploring potential transportation assistance programs, is crucial.

The COPD Score is not just a number; it's a reflection of the daily reality faced by individuals with COPD in 45112. It highlights the need for improved **transportation** options, increased access to healthcare resources, and a stronger community support system. Addressing these challenges is essential to ensure that all residents of Chilo, regardless of their health conditions, have the opportunity to live healthy and fulfilling lives. The future of **healthcare access** for COPD patients in 45112 hinges on community collaboration, innovative solutions, and a commitment to improving the quality of life for all.