The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 18818, Friendsville, Pennsylvania is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
55.04 percent of residents in 18818 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.
When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.04 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Barnes-Kasson County Hospital with a distance of 22.69 miles from the area.
Health Scores in 18818, Friendsville, Pennsylvania
COPD Score | 38 |
---|---|
People Score | 73 |
Provider Score | 12 |
Hospital Score | 41 |
Travel Score | 49 |
Housholds with Cars (%) | 18818 | Friendsville | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|---|
No Cars | 0.34 | 0.34 | 5.04 |
1 Car | 17.66 | 17.66 | 21.45 |
2 Cars | 37.35 | 37.35 | 41.29 |
3 or More Cars | 44.65 | 44.65 | 32.22 |
Vehicular Access in 18818, Friendsville, Pennsylvania
## COPD Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in 18818
Friendsville, Pennsylvania, nestled in the embrace of the Endless Mountains, offers a serene escape. Yet, for individuals managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), the tranquility can be shadowed by the complexities of accessing healthcare. This write-up, a "COPD Score" assessment, delves into the transportation landscape within and surrounding ZIP code 18818, focusing on its impact on healthcare access for COPD patients. We'll examine drive times, public transit options, and alternative transportation solutions, providing a comprehensive overview for those considering a move or already residing in Friendsville.
The very nature of COPD, a progressive lung disease, necessitates regular medical appointments. This includes check-ups, pulmonary rehabilitation, medication refills, and potential emergency visits. Therefore, efficient and reliable transportation is paramount. The COPD Score framework considers these factors, evaluating the accessibility of healthcare facilities based on transportation options and their suitability for individuals with breathing difficulties.
**Driving the Distance: Roads to Recovery**
For many residents of 18818, personal vehicles remain the primary mode of transportation. The availability of a car offers flexibility and control, crucial for managing COPD symptoms. However, drive times can significantly impact healthcare access, especially during exacerbations.
The primary arteries serving Friendsville are Route 220 and Route 4005. Route 220, a north-south thoroughfare, connects Friendsville to larger towns like Towanda and Sayre, where more comprehensive healthcare facilities are located. A trip to Guthrie Towanda Memorial Hospital, a key healthcare provider, typically takes approximately 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions. Route 4005, a more local road, provides access to smaller clinics and medical offices within the immediate vicinity.
The drive to Geisinger Sayre Hospital, another major healthcare destination, involves navigating Route 220 and potentially Route 6, increasing the travel time to roughly an hour. This extended travel time can pose a challenge for COPD patients, particularly during flare-ups when breathing becomes labored. The mountainous terrain, while beautiful, can also contribute to driver fatigue and increase travel times.
**Public Transit: A Breath of Fresh Air?**
Public transportation options in 18818 are limited, presenting a significant hurdle for individuals reliant on alternatives to driving. The lack of a robust public transit system restricts healthcare access, especially for those unable to drive or lacking access to a personal vehicle.
The lack of a dedicated public transit authority in Bradford County, where Friendsville is located, means that fixed-route bus services are virtually nonexistent. This leaves COPD patients with limited choices.
**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gap**
Recognizing the transportation challenges, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer a potential solution. However, their availability in rural areas like 18818 is often inconsistent. Ride-share services may be available, but response times can be lengthy, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. This unreliability can make scheduling medical appointments and managing COPD exacerbations difficult.
Medical transportation services, specifically designed to cater to patients with medical needs, offer a more specialized solution. These services, such as MedRide and First Transit, provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) and can be booked in advance. They often offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles, a critical feature for COPD patients with mobility limitations. However, these services typically require pre-booking and may have limited availability, especially for same-day appointments.
**The COPD Score: A Holistic Assessment**
The COPD Score for transportation and healthcare access in 18818 reflects the limitations of available options. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with the sparse public transit and the variable availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services, creates a challenging environment for COPD patients.
The distance to major healthcare facilities, while manageable for some, can be a significant barrier for those with severe symptoms or mobility issues. The lack of readily available public transit and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services further exacerbate these challenges.
**Moving to Friendsville: Considerations for COPD Patients**
For individuals with COPD considering a move to Friendsville, a thorough assessment of their transportation needs and healthcare access is essential. The following factors should be carefully considered:
* **Proximity to Healthcare:** Evaluate the distance to primary care physicians, pulmonologists, hospitals, and pharmacies.
* **Vehicle Dependency:** Assess the ability to drive or the availability of a reliable driver.
* **Financial Resources:** Factor in the cost of ride-sharing, medical transportation, and potential vehicle maintenance.
* **Support System:** Identify family, friends, or community resources that can provide transportation assistance.
* **Emergency Preparedness:** Develop a plan for accessing medical care during exacerbations or emergencies, including readily available transportation options.
**Conclusion: Navigating the Challenges**
Accessing healthcare in 18818 for COPD patients requires careful planning and proactive management. While the natural beauty of Friendsville offers a peaceful environment, the transportation landscape presents significant challenges.
Individuals with COPD considering a move to the area must carefully evaluate their transportation needs and develop a comprehensive plan for accessing healthcare. This may involve relying on personal vehicles, utilizing medical transportation services, or building a strong support network to ensure timely and reliable access to medical care. By understanding the limitations and proactively addressing the transportation challenges, COPD patients can successfully navigate the healthcare system and maintain their quality of life in the serene setting of Friendsville.
Reviews
No reviews yet.
You may also like