12847, Long Lake, New York Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 12847, Long Lake, New York is 14 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

89.40 percent of residents in 12847 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 38.55 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Clifton Fine Hospital with a distance of 32.04 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Long Lake, NY (ZIP Code 12847)**

The Adirondack Park's serene beauty, encompassing Long Lake, New York (ZIP Code 12847), presents a unique challenge when it comes to healthcare access, particularly for those facing a breast cancer diagnosis. The vastness of the region and the limited availability of specialized medical facilities necessitate a thorough understanding of the transportation landscape. This "Breast Cancer Score" aims to provide a comprehensive overview of transportation options, considering drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services, all crucial elements in determining healthcare access for residents and those considering moving to Long Lake.

The primary concern for anyone facing breast cancer is timely access to diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. This means considering the distance and the time it takes to reach medical facilities. The nearest hospitals equipped to handle breast cancer care are located outside of Long Lake. This means a journey is inevitable.

**Driving the Distance: Navigating the Roads**

Driving is the most common mode of transportation in Long Lake, necessitating a reliance on personal vehicles. The primary route to access healthcare facilities involves navigating the Adirondack terrain. The main thoroughfare is New York State Route 30, a scenic yet winding road that connects Long Lake to the broader region. Heading south, Route 30 provides access to the Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake, approximately a 1-hour and 30-minute drive. This hospital offers a range of medical services, including some cancer care.

Alternatively, traveling east on Route 28 and then south on Interstate 87 (the Northway) can lead to larger hospitals in Glens Falls, such as Glens Falls Hospital, a journey of approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. This route, while involving a highway, may be subject to traffic, especially during peak travel seasons and weekends. The Northway can be a blessing for those with a need to travel quickly.

The drive times are estimates and can vary depending on weather conditions, particularly during the winter months when snow and ice can significantly impact travel times. The roads are generally well-maintained, but drivers must be prepared for potential delays. The drive is scenic, but the journey can be emotionally taxing for those battling cancer.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Long Lake are limited, which significantly impacts healthcare access. The Adirondack Transit Authority (ATA) provides some bus service in the region, but its routes and schedules are infrequent, especially for direct routes to medical facilities. The ATA primarily serves the larger towns and cities within the Adirondack Park, and the services are not designed to address the specific needs of patients requiring frequent medical appointments.

Accessibility for individuals with disabilities, including those undergoing breast cancer treatment, is a critical consideration. While the ATA strives to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the long distances and limited frequency of services may present challenges. Individuals needing ADA-compliant transportation should contact the ATA directly to confirm the availability and suitability of their services for their specific needs.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are not readily available in Long Lake. This leaves a significant gap in transportation options for those without personal vehicles or who are unable to drive due to their condition or treatment side effects. This lack of ride-sharing services highlights the importance of alternative transportation solutions.

Medical transport services are crucial for patients who cannot drive themselves. Several companies specialize in providing non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) in the region. These services typically offer door-to-door transportation to and from medical appointments. However, availability and cost can vary.

**Medical Transport Brands:**

* **Adirondack Medical Transport:** This company is a regional provider of NEMT services.
* **American Medical Response (AMR):** AMR provides emergency and non-emergency medical transportation services.
* **Local Ambulance Services:** Local ambulance services may also provide NEMT services.

Patients should research and contact these providers in advance to understand their services, coverage areas, and pricing. Booking transportation in advance is highly recommended, especially for regular appointments.

**Healthcare Access: A Multifaceted Challenge**

Healthcare access in Long Lake is a multifaceted challenge, influenced by the limited transportation options and the distance to specialized medical facilities. The "Breast Cancer Score" highlights the need for careful planning and consideration of all available transportation options. The lack of readily available ride-sharing services and the limited public transit options underscore the importance of personal vehicles and pre-arranged medical transport services.

**Moving to Long Lake: A Consideration for Healthcare**

For those considering moving to Long Lake, the availability of healthcare access should be a significant factor in their decision. Individuals with a history of breast cancer or those at high risk should carefully assess the transportation options and the potential impact on their healthcare needs. This assessment should include a review of the available medical facilities, the distance to those facilities, and the availability of transportation services.

**Conclusion: A Call for Enhanced Healthcare Access**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Long Lake reveals the challenges in healthcare access, particularly for those facing breast cancer. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-pronged approach, including promoting awareness of available medical transport services, advocating for improved public transit options, and exploring the potential for ride-sharing services. Improving transportation options is essential to ensure that all residents of Long Lake have timely access to the care they need.