12827, Fort Ann, New York Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 12827, Fort Ann, New York is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

76.27 percent of residents in 12827 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 21.46 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Glens Falls Hospital with a distance of 9.73 miles from the area.

**Asthma Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 12827 (Fort Ann, NY)**

The air hangs crisp and clean in Fort Ann, New York (ZIP code 12827), nestled amidst the Adirondack foothills. However, pristine air quality doesn't guarantee ease of access to healthcare, a crucial factor for residents, especially those managing asthma. This write-up assesses the "Asthma Score" for healthcare access in this community, focusing on transportation options and their impact on individuals with respiratory conditions. Considering the challenges of transportation, the score will reflect the practicality and efficiency of reaching medical facilities, impacting the quality of life for those moving to Fort Ann.

The Asthma Score considers various transportation modes, including private vehicles, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport, evaluating their accessibility, reliability, and suitability for asthma patients. We will analyze drive times, public transit routes, and the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport options. The ultimate goal is to provide a clear picture of the transportation landscape for healthcare access, specifically for residents managing asthma.

**Private Vehicle Transportation:**

Fort Ann's relative isolation means that private vehicles are the primary mode of transportation for most residents. The reliance on personal vehicles has both advantages and disadvantages for asthma patients. The primary route to Glens Falls Hospital, a significant healthcare provider, is via New York State Route 149, a relatively direct route that can take approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. This relatively short drive time is a positive aspect, allowing for prompt access to emergency care.

However, traffic congestion during peak hours, especially around the intersections of Route 149 and Route 9, can increase travel times and potentially expose individuals to elevated levels of vehicle exhaust. Furthermore, the need to maintain a vehicle, including costs for gas, maintenance, and insurance, can be a financial burden, potentially limiting access to healthcare for some residents. In addition, the winter months bring snow and ice, which can make driving hazardous, further complicating access to healthcare facilities.

The drive to other healthcare providers, such as primary care physicians or specialists located in Glens Falls or surrounding areas, also relies on personal vehicles. The routes typically involve travel on Route 4, Route 9, and local roads. Drive times vary depending on the destination and traffic conditions, but generally range from 15 minutes to an hour.

**Public Transportation:**

Public transportation options in Fort Ann are limited. The Greater Glens Falls Transit (GGFT) provides some service in the area, but its routes and schedules are not designed to serve Fort Ann directly. Individuals seeking to use public transit would likely need to drive to a GGFT bus stop in Glens Falls or Queensbury, adding to the total travel time and requiring a transfer. This lack of direct public transit access poses a significant challenge for asthma patients who may not own a vehicle or are unable to drive.

GGFT buses are equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, including ramps and priority seating, which is a positive consideration for individuals with mobility limitations. However, the infrequent service and the need for transfers make public transit a less convenient and less reliable option for healthcare access, particularly for urgent medical needs. The lack of public transportation, especially during off-peak hours or on weekends, severely restricts healthcare access for those without alternative transportation options.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Glens Falls area, but their presence in Fort Ann is less consistent. The availability of these services depends on driver availability, which can fluctuate. This unreliability makes ride-sharing a less dependable option for scheduled appointments or urgent medical needs. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier for some individuals, especially for frequent trips to healthcare providers.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance services, are available in Fort Ann for emergency situations. However, these services are typically reserved for critical medical needs. Non-emergency medical transport services, specifically designed for individuals needing assistance getting to and from medical appointments, may be limited in the area. The lack of readily available non-emergency medical transport options can create significant challenges for asthma patients who require regular medical care.

**Healthcare Access Assessment:**

The Asthma Score for healthcare access in Fort Ann (ZIP code 12827) is moderately low. While the drive to Glens Falls Hospital is relatively short, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited availability of alternative transportation options create significant challenges. The absence of direct public transit, the inconsistent presence of ride-sharing services, and the limited availability of non-emergency medical transport services restrict healthcare access for many residents, particularly those without personal vehicles or those with mobility limitations.

The challenges of transportation are a significant consideration for individuals with asthma. Exposure to vehicle exhaust during travel, the potential for delays due to traffic congestion, and the stress of navigating transportation can exacerbate asthma symptoms. The lack of readily available and reliable transportation options can also lead to missed appointments, delayed treatment, and poorer health outcomes.

**Recommendations for Improvement:**

To improve the Asthma Score for healthcare access in Fort Ann, several measures could be implemented. Enhancing public transit service, including extending routes to serve Fort Ann directly and increasing the frequency of service, would provide a more accessible and affordable transportation option. Partnering with ride-sharing services to ensure consistent availability and potentially subsidizing rides for medical appointments would also improve healthcare access.

Furthermore, promoting non-emergency medical transport services and ensuring their availability to residents would be particularly beneficial for asthma patients. Educational initiatives to raise awareness about transportation options and resources, as well as financial assistance programs to help residents afford transportation costs, could also improve healthcare access.

For those considering moving to Fort Ann, it is essential to assess the availability of transportation options and their suitability for managing asthma. The challenges of healthcare access in this area should be carefully considered, and individuals should plan accordingly to ensure they can receive timely and appropriate medical care.