45353, Pemberton, Ohio COPD Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 45353, Pemberton, Ohio is 60 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

87.74 percent of residents in 45353 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.32 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wilson Memorial Hospital with a distance of 7.11 miles from the area.

**COPD Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Pemberton, Ohio (ZIP Code 45353)**

For individuals managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), the ability to reliably access healthcare is paramount. Factors like distance, available transportation options, and the overall accessibility of medical facilities directly impact quality of life and disease management. This write-up provides a COPD Score assessment for residents of Pemberton, Ohio (ZIP Code 45353), focusing on the critical aspect of transportation to healthcare. It assesses the ease of moving to Pemberton, considering the challenges COPD patients face.

Pemberton, a small community in Shelby County, presents unique transportation considerations. The nearest comprehensive healthcare facilities are located in Sidney, Ohio, and surrounding areas. The primary mode of transportation for residents is typically personal vehicles. However, the COPD Score also considers public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport options.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The journey from Pemberton to Sidney, home to Wilson Health, the primary healthcare provider, is relatively straightforward. The most direct route involves traveling east on State Route 47. This is a well-maintained two-lane road that generally offers a smooth ride, though traffic can increase during peak hours. The drive is approximately 10 miles, typically taking 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions.

Alternatively, residents can utilize County Road 25A, which runs parallel to State Route 47, offering a slightly longer but often less congested option. The drive time via County Road 25A is approximately 20-25 minutes. While these routes are generally accessible, individuals with COPD may experience challenges due to the physical demands of driving, especially during exacerbations.

Accessing healthcare in other cities, like Dayton, Ohio, requires longer travel times. This journey necessitates using Interstate 75 (I-75), a major north-south highway. Driving from Pemberton to Dayton, where numerous specialized medical facilities are located, is approximately 40-50 miles, translating to a 50-60 minute drive. This longer commute presents greater challenges for COPD patients, particularly those with limited endurance or who require frequent medical attention.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transportation options in the Pemberton area are limited. The Shelby County Transit System (SCTS) provides demand-response services, offering door-to-door transportation within Shelby County. However, service availability and frequency may be limited, especially for trips outside the county. SCTS does offer ADA-accessible vehicles, which are crucial for individuals with mobility limitations.

The effectiveness of public transit for healthcare access hinges on several factors. The availability of routes, the frequency of service, and the proximity of bus stops to both residences and medical facilities are crucial. In Pemberton, the limited public transit options may pose a significant barrier to healthcare access for individuals with COPD who cannot drive or lack access to a personal vehicle.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Sidney and Dayton areas. However, their availability in Pemberton itself may be less reliable, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. This can create significant challenges for COPD patients who require urgent or scheduled medical appointments.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for patients with medical needs, offer a more specialized solution. These services often provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel to assist patients during transport. Several medical transport providers operate in the region, including CareRide and Medical Transport Services, Inc. However, the cost of these services can be a significant financial burden for some individuals.

**Healthcare Access and COPD Management:**

The COPD Score for Pemberton, Ohio, reflects the challenges faced by residents in accessing healthcare. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the variable availability of ride-sharing services create potential barriers to timely and consistent medical care. These challenges can negatively impact COPD management, leading to increased hospitalizations, reduced quality of life, and a higher risk of disease progression.

For individuals considering moving to Pemberton with COPD, careful consideration of transportation needs is essential. Proximity to healthcare facilities, the availability of reliable transportation options, and the ability to navigate the healthcare system are crucial factors.

**Accessibility Considerations:**

The physical accessibility of medical facilities is another critical element. COPD patients often require specialized equipment, such as oxygen tanks or wheelchairs, which can make navigating buildings and waiting areas challenging. Healthcare providers in the area should ensure their facilities are fully accessible, including ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, and adequate waiting areas.

**Recommendations:**

To improve healthcare access for COPD patients in Pemberton, several recommendations are warranted. Expanding public transit services, including increasing route frequency and extending service hours, would significantly benefit residents. Promoting ride-sharing services and ensuring their availability in Pemberton would also be beneficial.

Furthermore, increasing the affordability of medical transport services through subsidies or partnerships with healthcare providers would alleviate financial burdens. Finally, healthcare providers should actively promote telehealth services, allowing patients to receive consultations and monitoring remotely, reducing the need for frequent travel.

**Conclusion:**

The COPD Score for Pemberton, Ohio, highlights the transportation challenges faced by individuals managing COPD. While the community offers a peaceful environment, the limitations in transportation options can hinder access to timely and consistent medical care. By addressing these challenges through strategic investments in transportation infrastructure, promoting accessible healthcare facilities, and supporting patient-centered care, the quality of life for COPD patients in Pemberton can be significantly improved. The ease of moving to Pemberton for COPD patients should include a thorough assessment of transportation options.