14224, Buffalo, New York Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 14224, Buffalo, New York is 80 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

78.85 percent of residents in 14224 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 3.69 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Western Ny Childrens Psychiatric Center with a distance of 0.45 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare in 14224

The quest for optimal healthcare access, particularly for individuals managing chronic conditions like asthma, is a multifaceted challenge. This write-up, crafted for those considering moving to Buffalo, New York, and specifically residing in ZIP Code 14224, aims to provide an "Asthma Score" assessment. It evaluates the ease of transportation to healthcare facilities, crucial for managing asthma effectively. This score considers drive times, public transit options, and alternative transportation modalities, offering a comprehensive picture of healthcare access within this specific geographic area.

ZIP Code 14224, primarily encompassing the town of Amherst, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and proximity to the vibrant city of Buffalo. This duality influences transportation options and, consequently, healthcare accessibility. The "Asthma Score" considers these factors, recognizing that consistent access to medical care, including routine check-ups, emergency visits, and medication refills, is paramount for asthma management.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The cornerstone of healthcare access in 14224 is often the personal vehicle. Drive times to healthcare facilities vary depending on location within the zip code and the destination. Access to major roadways significantly impacts these times.

For instance, accessing the Buffalo General Medical Center, a major healthcare provider, typically involves navigating the Kensington Expressway (Route 33) or utilizing the New York State Thruway (I-90). Driving south on the Kensington Expressway, during peak hours, can be a frustrating experience, with congestion often adding significant time to the commute. Alternatively, the Thruway provides a faster, albeit toll-dependent, route.

Other important healthcare destinations include the Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, which can be reached via Sheridan Drive (Route 324) and then utilizing Transit Road (Route 78). Driving times to these destinations can range from 10 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

The presence of numerous smaller clinics and urgent care facilities within 14224, such as those along Transit Road and Sheridan Drive, provides more localized options. These facilities often offer shorter drive times, making them convenient for routine care and urgent needs.

**Public Transit: A Vital Link:**

While personal vehicles dominate transportation in the area, the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) offers a public transit network, connecting 14224 to various healthcare destinations. Several bus routes serve the area, providing a valuable alternative for those without access to a car or who prefer to avoid driving.

The #40 bus, for example, traverses Sheridan Drive, providing access to numerous medical offices and clinics. The #50 bus offers access to the Buffalo General Medical Center. The #20 bus travels along Transit Road, connecting to healthcare facilities located along that corridor.

It is essential to note that the NFTA strives to provide accessible services. All NFTA buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts or ramps, and designated seating for individuals with disabilities. This commitment to accessibility is a crucial factor in the "Asthma Score," as it ensures that individuals with mobility limitations can utilize public transit.

However, public transit in the area can be subject to delays and less frequent service, especially during evenings and weekends. This can impact the reliability of transportation to healthcare appointments.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, have become increasingly prevalent in the Buffalo area, offering another transportation option. These services can provide convenient door-to-door transportation to healthcare facilities. However, ride-share costs can fluctuate, particularly during peak demand, potentially impacting the affordability of healthcare access.

Specialized medical transportation services, such as AMR (American Medical Response) and CareRide, are available for individuals requiring non-emergency medical transportation. These services often cater to patients with mobility limitations or those who require assistance getting to and from appointments. These services are often covered by insurance.

The availability of these services contributes to the "Asthma Score," providing alternative transportation options for individuals with specific needs.

**Healthcare Access and the "Asthma Score":**

The "Asthma Score" for 14224 is a complex calculation, considering drive times, public transit options, and alternative transportation services.

The proximity of healthcare facilities, the availability of multiple transportation options, and the accessibility of public transit all contribute to a higher score. Conversely, traffic congestion, limited public transit frequency, and the cost of ride-sharing services can negatively impact the score.

The "Asthma Score" is not a static number but a dynamic assessment that should be tailored to individual needs and circumstances. For individuals with severe asthma, the reliability and speed of transportation to emergency care are paramount. For those requiring routine care, the accessibility and affordability of transportation to primary care physicians and specialists are crucial.

**Moving to Buffalo: Considerations for Asthma Management:**

For individuals with asthma considering moving to Buffalo and residing in 14224, this assessment provides a valuable framework for evaluating healthcare access.

The availability of various transportation options, including personal vehicles, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation, offers a degree of flexibility. However, it is crucial to consider individual needs and preferences when making a decision.

Proximity to healthcare facilities, traffic patterns, and the reliability of public transit are key factors to consider. Researching specific healthcare providers, assessing the availability of specialized asthma care, and understanding insurance coverage are essential steps in ensuring effective asthma management.

**Conclusion:**

The "Asthma Score" for 14224 reflects a landscape of healthcare access that is both promising and challenging. The presence of major roadways, a public transit system, and alternative transportation services provides options. However, traffic congestion, the limitations of public transit, and the cost of ride-sharing services must be carefully considered.

By carefully evaluating these factors, individuals with asthma can make informed decisions about their healthcare access and ensure they receive the timely and appropriate care they need. This write-up provides a starting point for understanding the complexities of transportation and healthcare access in 14224, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about moving to Buffalo and managing their asthma effectively.