26075, Windsor Heights, West Virginia COPD Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 26075, Windsor Heights, West Virginia is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

54.73 percent of residents in 26075 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.16 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wheeling Hospital, Inc with a distance of 8.80 miles from the area.

## COPD Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 26075

The air hangs heavy in the Ohio Valley, a reality often exacerbated by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). For residents of Windsor Heights, ZIP Code 26075, the ability to access timely and effective healthcare is paramount. This analysis delves into the transportation landscape, assessing the ease with which individuals with COPD can navigate the challenges of commuting to medical appointments, ultimately informing a COPD Score. The score reflects the practicalities of **transportation** options and their impact on **healthcare access**, crucial considerations for anyone **moving to Windsor Heights**.

The primary artery for travel in and out of Windsor Heights is U.S. Route 250. This highway, while offering relatively direct access to Wheeling, the regional hub for specialized medical care, can become congested during peak hours. The winding nature of the road, coupled with potential weather-related delays, particularly during winter months, adds to the stress of travel, a significant concern for individuals with COPD. The drive to Wheeling Hospital, a major provider, typically takes around 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

Smaller roads, such as County Road 42 and County Road 44, provide alternative routes, but these are often narrower and less well-maintained, potentially impacting the comfort and safety of patients with respiratory issues. These roads are often subject to seasonal closures due to flooding or landslides, further complicating **healthcare access**. The condition of these secondary routes can be a significant factor in determining the overall COPD Score, reflecting the reliability and accessibility of alternative travel options.

Public transit, while present, offers limited options within ZIP Code 26075. The Ohio Valley Regional Transportation AuthorityRegional Transportation Authority (OVRTA) operates a bus route that services the area, but the frequency of service is limited, with buses running primarily during weekday business hours. This severely restricts **healthcare access** for appointments scheduled outside of these times. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-compliant buses, crucial for individuals with mobility limitations often associated with COPD, needs verification. The OVRTA route number and schedule information, including ADA features, should be readily available to residents.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Wheeling area, providing a more flexible option for **transportation**. However, their availability and cost can vary significantly, particularly during off-peak hours or in areas with limited demand. The reliability of these services, especially in inclement weather, is also a concern. The cost of ride-sharing can be a significant financial burden for individuals managing chronic conditions, potentially impacting their ability to consistently attend medical appointments.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for patients with medical needs, offer a specialized solution. Companies like MedTrans and First Response Medical Transportation provide transportation services, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. These services are often more expensive than ride-sharing or public transit, but they offer a higher level of care and support, crucial for individuals with COPD who may require assistance during their commute. The availability and cost of these services are essential factors in assessing the overall COPD Score.

The availability of pharmacies and other healthcare providers within Windsor Heights itself significantly impacts the need for long-distance travel. The presence of a local pharmacy offering prescription refills and over-the-counter medications reduces the frequency of trips to Wheeling. The availability of primary care physicians and pulmonologists in the immediate vicinity is also crucial. Access to these services minimizes the travel burden and reduces the potential for exacerbations of COPD symptoms due to the stress and exertion of travel.

The COPD Score for ZIP Code 26075 is a multifaceted assessment. It considers the primary factors: drive times on U.S. Route 250, the reliability and condition of secondary roads, the frequency and ADA-compliance of OVRTA bus routes, the availability and cost of ride-sharing services, the availability and cost of medical transport services, and the proximity of healthcare providers and pharmacies.

The score should also factor in the specific needs of individuals with COPD. This includes the ability to easily access oxygen and other medical equipment during **transportation**. The availability of parking at medical facilities, and the ease of navigating those facilities, are also important considerations. The overall COPD Score should reflect the ease or difficulty with which individuals with COPD can access the care they need.

For individuals **moving to Windsor Heights**, understanding the transportation landscape is crucial. The COPD Score can help prospective residents assess the practicality of accessing healthcare, enabling informed decisions about their well-being. The score should be readily available, transparent, and updated regularly to reflect changes in **transportation** options and healthcare services.

The ultimate goal of the COPD Score is to provide a clear and concise assessment of the challenges and opportunities related to **healthcare access** for individuals with COPD in ZIP Code 26075. By considering the various aspects of **transportation**, from highways to ride-sharing services, the score can empower residents to make informed choices and advocate for improvements in their community. The score must be a living document, reflecting the ongoing efforts to improve the quality of life for individuals living with COPD in Windsor Heights.