13147, Scipio Center, New York Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 13147, Scipio Center, New York is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

69.44 percent of residents in 13147 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.34 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Auburn Community Hospital with a distance of 11.50 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare in Scipio Center (ZIP Code 13147)

The crisp air of Scipio Center, New York, in ZIP code 13147, offers a bucolic charm. But for individuals managing asthma, the idyllic landscape presents a unique challenge: healthcare access. This assessment, the "Asthma Score," analyzes the transportation landscape, crucial for timely medical attention. It considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing services, and medical transport availability, painting a picture of the accessibility of healthcare facilities for residents with respiratory sensitivities.

The primary concern for asthma sufferers is rapid access to medical care during an exacerbation. Delays in reaching a doctor or hospital can be life-threatening. Therefore, this analysis focuses on the practicalities of getting to vital medical resources, including emergency rooms, pulmonologists, and pharmacies, from various points within the Scipio Center area.

**Drive Times: The Asphalt Arteries**

The dominant mode of transportation in Scipio Center is the personal vehicle. The convenience of a car is paramount, especially when dealing with an asthma attack. Key roads dictate the accessibility of healthcare. Route 34B, a north-south artery, provides a direct link to Auburn, the nearest city with comprehensive medical facilities. A drive to Auburn Community Hospital, the closest full-service hospital, typically takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. This is a critical factor.

Route 34, running parallel to 34B, offers an alternative route, though it might add a few minutes to the journey due to its winding nature and potential for slower speeds. Local roads, such as Scipio Road and Owasco Road, provide access to pharmacies and smaller medical practices within the immediate vicinity, often reducing drive times to under 10 minutes.

However, the rural setting means that inclement weather, particularly snow and ice during the winter months, can significantly impact drive times. The Asthma Score must account for these seasonal variations, recognizing that a 20-minute drive could easily double during a severe snowstorm, potentially jeopardizing access to life-saving care.

**Public Transit: The Limited Lifeline**

Public transportation options in Scipio Center are limited. The absence of a robust public transit system presents a significant challenge for individuals without personal vehicles or those unable to drive. The Cayuga County Transit system (CCT) offers some service, but routes and schedules are infrequent, primarily designed to connect residents to Auburn.

The CCT route that services Scipio Center (route number to be confirmed) may have limited stops within the ZIP code. The frequency of these buses is typically hourly or less frequent, and the operating hours are restricted, often ending service in the early evening. This severely limits the availability of public transit for medical appointments or emergency situations.

Furthermore, the ADA accessibility of the CCT buses is crucial. All CCT buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and other features to accommodate individuals with disabilities, including those who might be experiencing an asthma flare-up. However, the limited service frequency and route coverage still pose a significant barrier to reliable healthcare access.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Gaps in the Grid**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Auburn area, but their presence in Scipio Center is less certain. Availability can be inconsistent, and wait times can be substantial, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Relying on ride-sharing during an asthma emergency is risky, as delays could be critical.

Medical transport services, such as ambulances and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) providers, are crucial for individuals with mobility limitations or during severe asthma attacks. The availability of these services in Scipio Center is vital. Ambulance services are readily available through 911, but the response time is influenced by the distance to the nearest emergency medical services (EMS) station.

NEMT providers, such as local ambulance companies or specialized medical transportation services, offer transportation to medical appointments. These services require advance booking, making them unsuitable for sudden asthma emergencies. The cost of NEMT can also be a barrier for some residents. The specific NEMT providers serving the area need to be identified, and their service area and pricing structure assessed.

**Pharmacy Access: The Medication Mile**

Access to pharmacies is another critical component of the Asthma Score. The nearest pharmacies are likely located in Auburn. The drive time to these pharmacies, along Route 34B or Route 34, is a significant factor. The availability of 24-hour pharmacies is also important, as asthma attacks can occur at any time.

The ability to refill prescriptions quickly and easily is essential for asthma management. The Asthma Score must consider the proximity of pharmacies, their operating hours, and the availability of home delivery services.

**Moving to Scipio Center: A Calculated Choice**

For individuals considering moving to Scipio Center with asthma, a thorough assessment of the transportation infrastructure is paramount. The Asthma Score should be a key factor in the decision-making process. The score should highlight the potential challenges of healthcare access, including the reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the potential delays in accessing medical care during emergencies.

Prospective residents should carefully evaluate their ability to drive, the reliability of their vehicle, and the availability of family or friends who can provide transportation. They should also investigate the availability and cost of NEMT services and the proximity of pharmacies.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Respiratory Road**

The Asthma Score for ZIP code 13147 reveals a mixed picture. While the scenic beauty and rural charm of Scipio Center are appealing, the limited transportation options pose a significant challenge for individuals with asthma. The reliance on personal vehicles, the infrequent public transit, and the potential delays in ride-sharing services create a complex landscape for healthcare access.

The Asthma Score underscores the importance of proactive asthma management strategies for residents of Scipio Center. This includes having a well-defined asthma action plan, carrying rescue medication at all times, and knowing the location of the nearest emergency medical facilities.

Furthermore, the score highlights the need for ongoing advocacy for improved healthcare access in the area. This could include advocating for expanded public transit options, increased availability of ride-sharing services, and improved coordination between medical transport providers.

For individuals with asthma, living in Scipio Center requires careful planning and a proactive approach to healthcare access. While the beauty of the area is undeniable, the challenges of transportation must be carefully considered to ensure timely and effective medical care. The Asthma Score serves as a critical tool for assessing and mitigating these challenges, empowering residents to navigate the respiratory road with confidence.