12933, Ellenburg, New York Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 12933, Ellenburg, New York is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

68.75 percent of residents in 12933 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 27.31 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Alice Hyde Medical Center with a distance of 16.19 miles from the area.

**Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Ellenburg, NY (ZIP Code 12933)**

Moving to a new community involves countless considerations, from housing and employment to the availability of essential services. For individuals managing asthma, **healthcare access** becomes a paramount concern, intricately linked to **transportation** options. This write-up provides an "Asthma Score" assessment for residents of Ellenburg, NY (ZIP Code 12933), evaluating the accessibility of healthcare facilities, particularly for those with respiratory conditions.

Ellenburg, a rural community nestled in the Adirondack foothills, presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare accessibility. The Asthma Score considers the distance, travel time, and available transportation modalities to reach essential medical services. This assessment helps prospective residents understand the practical realities of accessing care, empowering informed decisions about their health and well-being.

**Driving to Healthcare: Navigating the Roads**

The primary mode of transportation in Ellenburg is personal vehicles. The Asthma Score considers the drive times to the nearest healthcare facilities, acknowledging that unpredictable weather conditions, common in the Adirondacks, can significantly impact travel.

The closest full-service hospital, CVPH Medical Center, located in Plattsburgh, is approximately 20 miles from Ellenburg. The journey typically involves driving south on **New York State Route 190**, then connecting to **U.S. Route 9**. Under normal conditions, the drive takes around 30 to 40 minutes. However, during winter months, with snow and ice, travel times can easily double. The Asthma Score reflects this potential delay, emphasizing the importance of planning and preparedness.

Smaller clinics and urgent care facilities are available closer to Ellenburg. The Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital Plattsburgh, located in Plattsburgh, offers a range of services. Driving to these facilities involves a similar route as to the hospital, utilizing **Route 190** and **Route 9**. Drive times are generally shorter, around 20 to 30 minutes, offering a more immediate option for less severe asthma exacerbations.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Ellenburg are limited. The Asthma Score acknowledges this constraint, understanding that individuals without personal vehicles face significant challenges. The primary public transit provider in the region is the Clinton County Public Transit System (CCPTS).

CCPTS offers a demand-response service, meaning riders must schedule their trips in advance. This service is available throughout Clinton County, including Ellenburg. However, the schedule and availability can be restrictive, especially for urgent medical needs.

The CCPTS operates a fleet of vehicles, including some with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility features. This is crucial for individuals with asthma who may experience mobility limitations during an exacerbation. However, the reliance on pre-booked rides and potential delays necessitates careful planning. The Asthma Score considers the limitations of this service, recognizing that it may not always be a reliable option for immediate healthcare access.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Alternative Solutions**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Plattsburgh area, but their presence in Ellenburg is less consistent. The Asthma Score considers the potential availability of these services, acknowledging that they may be an option, but their reliability cannot be guaranteed.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), provide specialized support for individuals with medical needs. These services are particularly important for asthma patients experiencing severe symptoms.

The Ellenburg Volunteer Fire Department provides emergency medical services, including ambulance transport. The Asthma Score emphasizes the importance of having emergency contacts readily available and knowing the location of the nearest emergency services.

NEMT providers, such as MedTrans and American Medical Response (AMR), offer transportation to medical appointments for individuals who cannot drive themselves. These services typically require pre-booking and may have specific eligibility requirements. The Asthma Score considers the availability of these services, recognizing that they can be a valuable resource for managing asthma.

**The Asthma Score: A Holistic Assessment**

The Asthma Score for Ellenburg, NY (12933) is not a single number but a holistic assessment considering multiple factors. It weighs the drive times to healthcare facilities, the limitations of public transit, the potential availability of ride-sharing services, and the presence of medical transport options.

The score reflects the challenges of accessing healthcare in a rural environment, emphasizing the importance of proactive planning, preparedness, and awareness of available resources. It acknowledges the potential for delays due to weather conditions and the limitations of public transportation.

For individuals with asthma considering **moving to Ellenburg**, the Asthma Score serves as a vital tool. It encourages them to assess their individual needs, evaluate their ability to drive or access transportation, and understand the practical realities of managing their condition in this community.

**Recommendations for Asthma Management in Ellenburg**

Based on the Asthma Score assessment, several recommendations can enhance healthcare access for asthma patients in Ellenburg:

* **Establish a strong relationship with a local primary care physician:** This ensures access to regular check-ups, medication refills, and personalized asthma management plans.
* **Develop a detailed asthma action plan:** This plan should outline steps to take during an exacerbation, including medication dosages and emergency contact information.
* **Maintain a readily available supply of rescue inhalers and other necessary medications:** This ensures immediate access to treatment during an asthma attack.
* **Familiarize yourself with the CCPTS schedule and booking procedures:** This allows for pre-planning transportation to medical appointments.
* **Identify and store emergency contact information, including the Ellenburg Volunteer Fire Department and local ambulance services:** This ensures quick access to emergency medical care.
* **Consider the purchase of a personal vehicle or explore carpooling options:** This provides greater flexibility and control over transportation.
* **Monitor weather forecasts and plan accordingly:** Anticipate potential delays due to inclement weather.
* **Explore the availability of telehealth services:** This offers convenient access to medical consultations and monitoring.

By considering these factors and implementing these recommendations, individuals with asthma can effectively manage their condition and thrive in the community of Ellenburg, NY (12933). The Asthma Score aims to empower informed decision-making, promoting **healthcare access** and enhancing the quality of life for residents.