10984, Thiells, New York Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 10984, Thiells, New York is 70 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

56.35 percent of residents in 10984 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 8.87 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Hudson Valley Hospital Center with a distance of 8.82 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Thiells, NY (ZIP Code 10984)

The journey to healthcare, particularly for something as critical as breast cancer screening and treatment, is a multifaceted equation. It's not just about the quality of care, but also about the accessibility of that care. This assessment, a "Breast Cancer Score," analyzes the transportation landscape within and surrounding Thiells, New York (ZIP Code 10984), to illuminate the ease or difficulty of accessing vital healthcare services. For those contemplating moving to Thiells, this provides a crucial insight into the practical realities of healthcare access.

Thiells, a Hudson Valley hamlet, presents a unique set of transportation challenges and opportunities. The area's relative remoteness, while contributing to its charm, directly impacts healthcare access. The score considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, all crucial components in a patient's ability to receive timely and consistent care.

Drive times form the bedrock of this analysis. From Thiells, the primary arteries for accessing healthcare are the Palisades Interstate Parkway and Route 202. These roads, while offering scenic drives, can be subject to traffic, especially during peak commuting hours. The closest major hospitals and specialized cancer centers are located in Suffern, Nyack, and New York City, each requiring varying drive times.

Reaching Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern, a facility offering comprehensive cancer services, typically requires a 15-20 minute drive via Route 202. The Palisades Interstate Parkway provides a slightly longer route, but can be faster depending on traffic conditions. New York-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital in Cortlandt Manor is approximately a 30-40 minute drive, again influenced by traffic on the Palisades Interstate Parkway.

For more specialized care, including advanced treatments and clinical trials, patients may need to travel to New York City. This journey, however, significantly increases travel time. Reaching major cancer centers like Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center or Mount Sinai Hospital can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours, depending on traffic on the Palisades Interstate Parkway, the New York State Thruway (I-87), and the city's notoriously congested streets.

Public transportation offers an alternative, albeit with limitations. The Transport of Rockland (TOR) bus system provides service within Rockland County. The TOR 91 and 92 routes offer connections to Suffern and Nyack, where patients can transfer to other routes or access medical facilities. However, bus schedules can be infrequent, especially during evenings and weekends, potentially impacting healthcare access.

ADA accessibility on TOR buses is a crucial factor. All TOR buses are equipped with ramps and other features to accommodate passengers with disabilities. This is particularly important for individuals undergoing cancer treatment who may experience mobility challenges. However, relying solely on public transit for medical appointments can be stressful and time-consuming.

The Metro-North Railroad, with stations in nearby towns like Suffern and Tarrytown, offers a more direct route to New York City. However, reaching these stations from Thiells requires a drive or a connection via the TOR bus system. The train journey to Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour, providing a relatively efficient option for accessing major medical centers.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Thiells area. However, their availability and cost can fluctuate, especially during off-peak hours or in areas with limited demand. Relying on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments can be expensive and unreliable.

Medical transport services provide a specialized solution for patients who require assistance with transportation. Companies like CareRide and MedTrans offer non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and stretcher services. These services can be invaluable for patients who are unable to drive or use public transit. However, these services often require advance booking and can be costly.

The Breast Cancer Score for Thiells, NY (ZIP Code 10984) reflects a mixed picture. While the proximity to Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern offers convenient access to basic cancer services, accessing specialized care in New York City presents significant transportation challenges. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limitations of public transit, and the fluctuating availability of ride-sharing services contribute to a moderate score.

For individuals considering moving to Thiells, this score highlights the importance of careful planning. Those without reliable access to a car may face significant difficulties in attending regular medical appointments. Considering the availability of transportation options, especially medical transport, is essential.

The Breast Cancer Score is not a static metric. It is influenced by various factors, including traffic conditions, public transit schedules, and the availability of ride-sharing services. Therefore, it is crucial to continuously assess and adapt to the evolving transportation landscape.

The Breast Cancer Score for Thiells, NY, underscores the complex relationship between transportation and healthcare access. While the area offers access to some local services, the journey to more specialized care in New York City can be time-consuming and challenging. For those contemplating moving to Thiells, understanding these transportation realities is essential for making informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

The score serves as a reminder that healthcare access is not simply about the availability of medical facilities, but also about the ability to reach them. It emphasizes the importance of planning, resourcefulness, and the potential need for support from family, friends, or medical transport services to ensure timely and consistent access to vital healthcare.