29162, Turbeville, South Carolina COPD Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 29162, Turbeville, South Carolina is 24 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

50.38 percent of residents in 29162 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.23 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Lake City Community Hospital with a distance of 14.80 miles from the area.

## COPD Score: Navigating Healthcare in Turbeville, SC (ZIP Code 29162)

Considering a move to Turbeville, South Carolina (ZIP Code 29162), and living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)? This write-up assesses the accessibility of healthcare within the context of transportation options, assigning a “COPD Score” to help you evaluate the feasibility of your move. The score considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport availability, all crucial elements impacting healthcare access for individuals with COPD.

Turbeville, a small town nestled in Clarendon County, presents unique transportation challenges. Unlike metropolitan areas, the availability of public transit and ride-sharing services is limited. The primary mode of transportation is by personal vehicle, which necessitates a thorough examination of drive times to healthcare facilities. For individuals with COPD, the ability to reach medical appointments promptly and with minimal exertion is paramount.

**Drive Times and Highway Accessibility:**

The cornerstone of transportation in Turbeville is the reliance on personal vehicles. The major thoroughfare is US-301, running north-south, offering a direct route to Florence to the north and Manning to the south. The drive to McLeod Health Clarendon in Manning, the nearest hospital, is approximately 20-25 minutes via US-301 South. This drive is generally straightforward, but traffic congestion can occur during peak hours, potentially impacting an individual's ability to reach medical care in a timely manner.

Heading north on US-301, the drive to McLeod Health Florence, a larger regional hospital, takes about 45-50 minutes. This longer drive presents a greater challenge for those with COPD, potentially exacerbating symptoms during the journey. The route involves navigating a slightly more complex road network, including SC-341, which can add to the stress and fatigue associated with the trip.

Smaller clinics and specialist offices are scattered throughout the surrounding areas. Accessing these facilities often involves navigating rural roads, such as SC-527 and SC-260, which can be poorly maintained and lack adequate lighting, especially at night. This adds another layer of complexity to transportation planning. The condition of the roads and the potential for delays due to unforeseen circumstances must be considered when assessing healthcare access.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public transportation options in Turbeville are severely limited. Clarendon County does not have a comprehensive public transit system. The primary means of public transportation is the Clarendon County Council on Aging, which provides transportation services primarily for seniors and individuals with disabilities. However, availability is limited, and scheduling appointments and securing rides requires advance planning.

The Council on Aging vehicles are equipped with ADA-compliant features, ensuring accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges. However, the service operates on a limited schedule, and the availability of transportation to specific healthcare facilities might be restricted. The reliance on this service requires careful coordination and flexibility to ensure timely access to medical appointments.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are not readily available in Turbeville. This significantly impacts healthcare access, particularly for those without personal vehicles. The lack of ride-sharing options necessitates reliance on family, friends, or medical transportation services.

Medical transportation services are available, but their availability and cost vary. Companies like First Choice Medical Transportation and Med-Trans provide non-emergency medical transportation. These services often require advance booking and can be expensive, adding a financial burden to healthcare access. The cost of these services, coupled with the potential for delays, must be carefully considered when planning for medical appointments.

**Healthcare Access and the COPD Score:**

The COPD Score for ZIP Code 29162 is moderately challenging. While the drive to McLeod Health Clarendon in Manning is relatively short, the lack of public transit and ride-sharing options significantly limits healthcare access. The longer drive to Florence, coupled with the potential for traffic delays, presents a greater challenge for individuals with COPD.

The limited availability of medical transportation services and their associated costs further complicate healthcare access. The reliance on personal vehicles or the need to arrange transportation through family or friends can add stress and logistical challenges.

**Recommendations for Individuals with COPD:**

For individuals with COPD considering a move to Turbeville, careful planning is crucial. Prioritize proximity to healthcare facilities and consider the following:

* **Proximity to Healthcare:** Evaluate the distance to medical facilities, including primary care physicians, pulmonologists, and hospitals.
* **Transportation Planning:** Develop a reliable transportation plan that includes personal vehicles, family assistance, or medical transportation services.
* **Appointment Scheduling:** Schedule appointments in advance and allow ample travel time to account for potential delays.
* **Emergency Preparedness:** Have a plan in place for emergencies, including readily available transportation options and contact information for medical transportation services.
* **Community Resources:** Explore local resources, such as the Clarendon County Council on Aging, for potential transportation assistance.

**Conclusion:**

Moving to Turbeville, SC, presents unique challenges for individuals with COPD regarding healthcare access. The reliance on personal vehicles, limited public transit, and the lack of ride-sharing services necessitate careful planning and consideration. While the drive to McLeod Health Clarendon is manageable, the longer drive to Florence and the limited transportation options require proactive strategies to ensure timely access to medical care. The COPD Score for ZIP Code 29162 reflects these challenges, highlighting the need for individuals with COPD to carefully evaluate their transportation needs and develop a comprehensive healthcare plan before relocating. Careful consideration of these factors will help ensure a smoother transition and facilitate continued access to vital healthcare services.