The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 24251, Gate City, Virginia is 60 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
57.06 percent of residents in 24251 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.
When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.57 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Lonesome Pine Hospital with a distance of 19.72 miles from the area.
Health Scores in 24251, Gate City, Virginia
COPD Score | 28 |
---|---|
People Score | 12 |
Provider Score | 54 |
Hospital Score | 34 |
Travel Score | 60 |
Housholds with Cars (%) | 24251 | Gate City | Virginia |
---|---|---|---|
No Cars | 0.61 | 0.61 | 2.76 |
1 Car | 8.02 | 8.02 | 18.70 |
2 Cars | 43.94 | 43.94 | 40.01 |
3 or More Cars | 47.43 | 47.43 | 38.53 |
Vehicular Access in 24251, Gate City, Virginia
**COPD Score: Navigating Healthcare in Gate City, Virginia (ZIP Code 24251)**
For individuals managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), reliable and accessible transportation to healthcare appointments is paramount. This write-up examines the transportation landscape within and around Gate City, Virginia (ZIP Code 24251), offering a "COPD Score" assessment to aid in understanding healthcare access. This score considers drive times, public transit options, and alternative transportation modalities, providing a comprehensive overview for residents and those contemplating moving to Gate City.
Gate City, nestled in Scott County, presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. The town's rural setting and limited public transportation infrastructure require careful consideration for individuals with COPD, who often experience shortness of breath and fatigue, making travel more difficult. The "COPD Score" aims to evaluate the practicality of accessing essential medical services, considering the specific needs of COPD patients.
**Drive Times and Road Networks:**
The primary routes for accessing healthcare in and around Gate City involve driving. Scott County Community Hospital, the nearest full-service hospital, is located within Gate City itself. However, specialized care may necessitate travel to larger medical centers in Kingsport, Tennessee, or Bristol, Virginia.
Traveling within Gate City is generally straightforward. Most destinations are accessible within a 10-15 minute drive. Primary roadways include U.S. Route 23, which runs north-south through the town, and Virginia Route 614, offering east-west connectivity. Traffic congestion is typically minimal, even during peak hours, which is a significant advantage for COPD patients.
Accessing healthcare in Kingsport, Tennessee, requires navigating approximately 20-30 miles. The most direct route is via U.S. Route 23 South, a well-maintained highway. Drive times can vary depending on traffic, but typically range from 30 to 45 minutes. Holston Valley Medical Center, a major healthcare provider in Kingsport, offers a wide array of specialized services.
Bristol, Virginia, is another potential healthcare destination, approximately 25-30 miles from Gate City. The most common route involves U.S. Route 58 East, followed by a merge onto I-81 North. Drive times to Bristol Regional Medical Center or Bristol Memorial Hospital can range from 40 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic conditions. The I-81 corridor can experience periods of heavy congestion, particularly during rush hour.
The "COPD Score" for drive times reflects the relative ease of accessing local healthcare but acknowledges the potential challenges of longer trips to Kingsport and Bristol. The score considers the importance of minimizing travel time and the potential for fatigue and shortness of breath experienced by COPD patients.
**Public Transit:**
Public transportation options in Gate City and Scott County are extremely limited. There is no formal public bus system operating within the town or county. This lack of public transit presents a significant challenge for individuals with COPD who may not be able to drive or have limited access to personal vehicles.
The absence of public transportation severely impacts the "COPD Score." The inability to rely on a public transit system necessitates dependence on personal vehicles, ride-sharing services, or medical transportation, all of which can have limitations.
**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**
Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Gate City area, but their availability can be sporadic, especially during off-peak hours or in more remote locations. The reliability of these services should be assessed before relying on them for scheduled medical appointments.
Medical transportation services are an important consideration for COPD patients. Several companies specialize in providing non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) to and from medical appointments. These services often offer door-to-door transportation and can accommodate individuals with mobility limitations.
The "COPD Score" acknowledges the importance of ride-sharing and medical transportation services. The score considers the potential cost, availability, and reliability of these options.
**Healthcare Access and the "COPD Score":**
The "COPD Score" for Gate City, Virginia (ZIP Code 24251) reflects a mixed picture of healthcare access. While the town itself offers immediate access to Scott County Community Hospital, the lack of robust public transportation and the potential need for travel to Kingsport or Bristol for specialized care present significant challenges.
The score is influenced by the following factors:
* **Proximity to Local Healthcare:** The presence of Scott County Community Hospital within Gate City is a positive factor, providing convenient access to essential medical services.
* **Drive Times to Specialized Care:** The drive times to Kingsport and Bristol can be manageable, but the distance and potential for traffic congestion must be considered.
* **Absence of Public Transportation:** The lack of public transit significantly hinders healthcare access for individuals who cannot drive or lack access to personal vehicles.
* **Availability of Ride-Sharing:** Ride-sharing services offer a potential alternative, but their reliability and cost can be a concern.
* **Medical Transportation Options:** Medical transportation services provide a crucial resource for individuals with COPD, but their availability and cost must be evaluated.
**Conclusion:**
The "COPD Score" for Gate City, Virginia, highlights the need for careful planning and consideration for individuals with COPD. While the town offers local healthcare options, the limitations in public transportation necessitate reliance on personal vehicles, ride-sharing, or medical transportation.
For individuals considering moving to Gate City, it is essential to assess their transportation needs and ensure access to reliable transportation for all medical appointments. Exploring medical transportation services and establishing relationships with local healthcare providers is crucial.
The "COPD Score" serves as a starting point for understanding the challenges and opportunities related to healthcare access in Gate City. By considering the factors outlined in this write-up, individuals with COPD can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs and ensure they receive the care they require.
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