12942, Keene, New York Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 12942, Keene, New York is 22 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

57.61 percent of residents in 12942 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 20.60 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Elizabethtown Community Hospital with a distance of 9.75 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Keene, NY (ZIP Code 12942)

The diagnosis hangs heavy, a shadow across the sun. For residents of Keene, New York (ZIP code 12942), the journey to breast cancer care adds another layer of complexity to an already challenging experience. This write-up aims to illuminate the landscape of transportation options, a crucial element in **healthcare access**, and provide a framework to assess the **Breast Cancer Score** for this rural community. For those **moving to Keene**, understanding these logistics is paramount.

The vast Adirondack Park envelops Keene, a tapestry of mountains and forests that dictates the flow of life. The primary artery is NY-73, a winding two-lane highway that snakes its way through the heart of the region. This road, beautiful as it is, presents a significant transportation hurdle. The nearest comprehensive breast cancer centers lie outside the immediate vicinity, demanding significant travel time and careful planning.

Driving, the default option for many, becomes a significant factor. The drive to Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake, approximately 40 miles away, typically takes around an hour, depending on traffic and weather conditions. This drive utilizes NY-73 and NY-86, the latter offering a slightly faster route but still subject to seasonal delays. The drive to larger facilities in Burlington, Vermont, or Albany, New York, balloons to two to three hours, demanding even more time and energy. This geographical reality immediately impacts the **Breast Cancer Score**, placing a strain on patients and their families.

Public transportation, a potential lifeline, presents its own set of challenges. The primary public transit option is the Essex County Public Transportation (ECPT) system. While ECPT offers limited routes within the county, the service is infrequent and primarily caters to essential needs, not specialized medical appointments. The ECPT does not have a route specifically serving the Adirondack Medical Center. The availability of ADA-accessible vehicles is crucial, and this information needs to be verified with ECPT directly for each route. This limited public transit options severely impacts the **Breast Cancer Score**, making it more difficult for those without personal vehicles to access care.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are present in the region but their availability is inconsistent. While they may be available, their presence is not guaranteed, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of these services can also be prohibitive, particularly for frequent appointments. The reliance on ride-sharing adds another layer of uncertainty to the **Breast Cancer Score**, especially for those with limited financial resources.

Medical transportation services, designed to bridge the gap in healthcare access, offer a glimmer of hope. Companies specializing in non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) may serve the Keene area, but their availability and scope of service must be carefully investigated. These services often require advance booking and can be expensive, adding to the financial burden of treatment. Researching specific providers, their coverage area, and their ability to accommodate specific needs, like wheelchair accessibility, is essential. The availability and affordability of NEMT services significantly influence the **Breast Cancer Score**.

The **Breast Cancer Score** for Keene, NY (12942) must consider several factors. The distance to specialized care centers, the reliability of transportation options, the availability of public transit, and the financial burden of travel all contribute to the overall score. The remoteness of the area, the limited public transit options, and the reliance on personal vehicles or potentially unreliable ride-sharing services all negatively impact the score.

To improve the **Breast Cancer Score**, several strategies can be considered. Increased investment in public transportation, including more frequent routes and dedicated medical transport services, is crucial. Partnerships between healthcare providers and local transportation companies could facilitate easier access to appointments. Exploring the feasibility of telehealth services, allowing patients to receive consultations and some treatments remotely, could also mitigate the challenges of travel.

For individuals **moving to Keene**, understanding the transportation landscape is essential. Researching healthcare providers, exploring available transportation options, and planning for potential travel challenges are crucial steps. Connecting with local support groups and patient advocates can provide valuable insights and resources.

The **Breast Cancer Score** for Keene, NY (12942) reflects the realities of rural healthcare access. The journey to care is not merely a physical one; it's a complex equation of distance, resources, and support. By acknowledging these challenges and actively seeking solutions, we can work towards improving the **Breast Cancer Score** and ensuring that residents of Keene have access to the care they deserve. The goal is to alleviate the burden of transportation and empower individuals to focus on their health and well-being. This is especially critical for those facing the daunting prospect of breast cancer.