12923, Churubusco, New York Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 12923, Churubusco, New York is 24 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

44.94 percent of residents in 12923 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 29.82 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Alice Hyde Medical Center with a distance of 17.51 miles from the area.

**Asthma Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 12923**

Nestled in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains, ZIP Code 12923, encompassing the charming town of Churubusco, presents a unique landscape for healthcare access. This region, known for its natural beauty and close-knit community, also faces challenges regarding transportation, particularly for residents managing chronic conditions like asthma. This write-up assesses the ease of reaching healthcare facilities from Churubusco, focusing on drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport options, ultimately assigning an "Asthma Score" to gauge the overall accessibility.

The primary determinant of the Asthma Score is the time and stress associated with reaching essential medical appointments. For individuals with asthma, timely access to care is paramount. Delays can exacerbate symptoms, potentially leading to emergency room visits. Therefore, the closer the healthcare facility, the better the score.

**Driving Distances and Roadways**

The most common mode of transportation in Churubusco is the personal vehicle. Driving to the nearest healthcare facilities requires navigating a network of roads. Plattsburgh, the nearest city offering comprehensive medical services, is approximately a 25-minute drive. The journey typically involves taking **State Route 195** east, which seamlessly merges onto **US Route 9**. This route is generally well-maintained, but seasonal weather conditions, particularly during winter, can significantly impact travel times.

Further afield, the University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) in Plattsburgh offers specialized care, including pulmonology and allergy services crucial for asthma management. Reaching CVPH necessitates a drive along **US Route 9**, adding another 10 minutes to the journey. This increases the total travel time to around 35 minutes.

The drive to larger hospitals in Burlington, Vermont, or Montreal, Canada, would be significantly longer, making them less practical for routine appointments. These trips would require navigating the **Adirondack Northway (I-87)**, adding to the time and stress, especially in the event of an asthma flare-up.

**Public Transportation Challenges**

Public transportation options in Churubusco are limited. The Clinton County Public Transportation (CCPT) offers a demand-response service, meaning rides must be scheduled in advance. This service is available within Clinton County, including Plattsburgh, but it may not be ideal for urgent medical needs. The CCPT operates with ADA-compliant vehicles, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities. However, the limited frequency and the need for pre-booking can be a significant barrier for those with unpredictable asthma symptoms.

The lack of fixed-route bus services directly connecting Churubusco to Plattsburgh further complicates healthcare access. Relying on public transit requires careful planning and potentially lengthy wait times, adding to the challenges faced by asthma sufferers.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport Options**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Plattsburgh area but may not always be readily accessible in Churubusco. The availability of these services can fluctuate depending on demand and driver availability, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Relying on ride-sharing for medical appointments requires careful planning and potentially increased costs.

Medical transportation services, such as ambulance or non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), are available for individuals requiring assistance. These services are typically reserved for those who cannot drive themselves or use public transportation. While essential for emergencies, they are not a practical solution for routine appointments.

**Evaluating the Asthma Score**

Considering the factors outlined above, the Asthma Score for Churubusco (ZIP Code 12923) reflects a moderate level of healthcare access. The primary challenge is the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited availability of alternative transportation options.

* **Drive Times:** The 25-35 minute drive to Plattsburgh for basic and specialized care is manageable but can be impacted by weather conditions.
* **Public Transportation:** The demand-response CCPT service offers a limited option, but it is not ideal for urgent needs.
* **Ride-Sharing:** Ride-sharing services are available but unreliable and may not always be accessible.
* **Medical Transport:** Medical transport is available but not a practical solution for routine appointments.

**Recommendations for Improving Healthcare Access**

To improve the Asthma Score for Churubusco, several measures could be implemented:

* **Enhance Public Transportation:** Advocate for increased CCPT service frequency and explore the feasibility of establishing a fixed-route bus service connecting Churubusco to Plattsburgh.
* **Promote Ride-Sharing Availability:** Encourage ride-sharing companies to expand their service areas and increase driver availability in the Churubusco area.
* **Expand Telehealth Services:** Promote telehealth options for asthma management, allowing patients to consult with healthcare providers remotely, reducing the need for travel.
* **Community Education:** Educate residents about available transportation options and the importance of proactive asthma management.
* **Collaboration:** Foster collaboration between healthcare providers, transportation providers, and community organizations to address transportation barriers.

**Conclusion: Moving to Churubusco and Asthma Management**

For individuals considering moving to Churubusco with asthma, careful planning is crucial. While the town offers a tranquil setting, the limited transportation options pose challenges. Prioritizing access to healthcare facilities, understanding the available transportation options, and proactively managing asthma symptoms are essential for ensuring a good quality of life. The Asthma Score serves as a valuable tool for assessing the accessibility of healthcare and identifying areas for improvement, ultimately promoting the well-being of residents.