12956, Mineville, New York Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 12956, Mineville, New York is 27 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

50.84 percent of residents in 12956 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.88 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Elizabethtown Community Hospital with a distance of 9.78 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Mineville, NY (ZIP Code 12956)

Moving to a new town, especially when managing a chronic condition like asthma, demands careful consideration of healthcare access. This assessment focuses on transportation options available in Mineville, NY (ZIP Code 12956), evaluating their impact on asthma management. We will delve into drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, ultimately providing an "Asthma Score" to help prospective residents understand the ease or difficulty of reaching vital healthcare services. This analysis considers the specific challenges faced by individuals with asthma, such as the need for quick access to medication, regular check-ups, and specialized care.

Mineville, nestled in the Adirondack Mountains, presents unique transportation challenges. The primary thoroughfare is **New York State Route 9N**, which snakes through the town, connecting it to larger population centers. **Route 9N** can be slow-going, especially during peak tourist seasons or inclement weather, potentially exacerbating asthma symptoms by delaying access to medical care. The secondary roads, such as **County Route 22**, offer alternative routes, but they are often winding and may add to travel time.

Driving is the most common mode of transportation in Mineville. The nearest hospital, **Elizabethtown Community Hospital**, is approximately a 15-20 minute drive via **Route 9N**. This drive time is generally manageable for routine appointments. However, during a severe asthma attack, every minute counts. The potential for traffic delays on **Route 9N** could prove critical. Specialist care, such as pulmonologists or allergists, may require travel to Plattsburgh, a city about an hour away via **Interstate 87 (the Northway)** and then **US Route 9**. This longer drive significantly impacts the Asthma Score, especially in emergencies.

Public transportation options are limited in Mineville. The **Clinton County Public Transit (CCPT)** provides bus service, but the routes and schedules are infrequent, especially on weekends and evenings. The CCPT does not directly serve Mineville; residents would need to travel to a connecting point, adding significant time and complexity to the journey. This scarcity of public transit severely restricts healthcare access for those without personal vehicles or the ability to drive.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility on the CCPT buses is a critical consideration for individuals with asthma. While the buses are equipped with ramps and other features to accommodate wheelchairs, the unpredictable schedules and limited routes may still pose difficulties. The CCPT website and customer service should be contacted to confirm specific accessibility features and schedule adherence.

Ride-sharing services, like Uber and Lyft, are not readily available in Mineville. Their presence is sporadic and dependent on driver availability, especially during off-peak hours or in remote areas. Relying on ride-sharing for healthcare access in Mineville is therefore unreliable. The unpredictable nature of ride-sharing makes it a less-than-ideal solution for managing asthma, where timely access to care is paramount.

Medical transport services are available in the region. **Adirondack Ambulance Service** provides emergency and non-emergency medical transport. However, the response time for non-emergency transport may vary depending on the availability of ambulances and the distance to the pick-up location. **LifeNet of New York**, an air ambulance service, offers rapid transport in critical situations. While air ambulance services can be life-saving, they are costly and not a viable option for routine healthcare needs.

The availability of pharmacies is another factor influencing the Asthma Score. **Mineville Pharmacy** is located in the town, providing convenient access to asthma medications and supplies. This local access to medication is a positive factor, mitigating some of the transportation challenges. However, the pharmacy's operating hours and the potential for medication shortages should be considered.

**Healthcare access** is significantly impacted by the available **transportation** options. Moving to Mineville, individuals with asthma must carefully evaluate their ability to reach healthcare providers promptly. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit, and the unreliable ride-sharing services create significant challenges. The remoteness of Mineville, while offering scenic beauty, poses a considerable hurdle to healthcare access.

**Asthma Score Calculation:**

To calculate the Asthma Score, we consider the following factors:

* **Drive Time to Nearest Hospital:** (15-20 minutes) – Moderate
* **Drive Time to Specialist Care:** (1 hour +) – High
* **Public Transit Availability:** (Limited, infrequent, and indirect) – Very Low
* **Ride-Sharing Availability:** (Unreliable) – Very Low
* **Medical Transport Availability:** (Emergency services available, non-emergency options limited) – Moderate
* **Pharmacy Access:** (Local pharmacy) – Moderate

Based on this assessment, the Asthma Score for Mineville, NY (ZIP Code 12956) is **Low to Moderate**. While the presence of a local pharmacy and the relatively short drive to the hospital are positive factors, the lack of reliable public transit and ride-sharing services, coupled with the longer travel times to specialist care, create significant challenges for individuals with asthma.

**Recommendations for Prospective Residents:**

1. **Assess Personal Transportation:** Owning a reliable vehicle is crucial.
2. **Plan for Emergencies:** Identify alternative routes and emergency contacts.
3. **Consider Proximity to Healthcare:** Choose housing locations closer to **Route 9N** for quicker access.
4. **Explore Telemedicine Options:** Utilize telehealth services for routine appointments and consultations.
5. **Establish a Relationship with the Local Pharmacy:** Ensure easy access to medications and refills.
6. **Communicate with Healthcare Providers:** Discuss emergency plans and transportation needs with your doctor.
7. **Advocate for Improved Public Transit:** Support efforts to expand public transportation options in the area.

Living with asthma in Mineville requires careful planning and proactive management. While the town offers a peaceful environment, the limitations in **transportation** options necessitate a comprehensive strategy to ensure timely and reliable **healthcare access**. Understanding these challenges is essential for anyone considering **moving to Mineville** and managing their asthma effectively.