12957, Moira, New York Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 12957, Moira, New York is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

77.94 percent of residents in 12957 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.32 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Alice Hyde Medical Center with a distance of 13.34 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Moira, NY (ZIP Code 12957)**

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a diagnosis as significant as breast cancer, is a complex one. It involves not only the emotional weight of the illness itself, but also the practicalities of accessing treatment. This assessment, a "Breast Cancer Score," examines the transportation landscape in Moira, New York (ZIP code 12957), to determine the ease with which residents can reach essential medical services. It considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and specialized medical transportation, painting a picture of healthcare access for those living in or considering moving to this rural community.

Moira, nestled in the heart of Franklin County, presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding transportation. The area’s relative remoteness and limited public transit infrastructure necessitate a reliance on personal vehicles. The nearest comprehensive cancer care facilities are located in larger towns and cities, making the commute a critical factor in the patient experience. This analysis aims to highlight these considerations, offering insights into the realities of healthcare access for residents of Moira.

**Drive Time Dynamics**

The primary artery connecting Moira to the wider world is New York State Route 122. This road serves as a crucial link to larger towns like Malone, approximately 18 miles away. Driving to Malone, where the Alice Hyde Medical Center offers some cancer care services, typically takes around 25 to 35 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions. The drive is relatively straightforward, but winter weather can significantly impact travel times and safety, especially along Route 122.

For more specialized care, including radiation therapy and advanced surgical procedures, patients often need to travel further afield. The city of Plattsburgh, about 60 miles from Moira, is home to the University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH). The journey to Plattsburgh involves navigating Route 122 to Route 11, and then onto Interstate 87 (the Northway). This drive can take upwards of an hour and a half, potentially longer during peak travel times or adverse weather.

Syracuse, New York, a major medical hub, is even further, approximately 200 miles away. This necessitates a drive of around three and a half hours, involving the use of Interstate 81. Such lengthy travel times can be incredibly taxing on patients undergoing treatment, adding another layer of stress to an already difficult situation. The reliance on personal vehicles underscores the importance of reliable transportation and the potential challenges for those without access to a car.

**Public Transit: A Limited Landscape**

Public transit options in Moira are extremely limited. Franklin County, like many rural areas, lacks a comprehensive public transportation network. The primary mode of public transportation is the Franklin County Public TransportationPublic Transportation System (FCPTS), which offers demand-response services. This means that riders must call in advance to schedule a ride.

The FCPTS operates a small fleet of buses and vans, providing transportation within Franklin County and limited connections to neighboring counties. However, the availability of services to access cancer care facilities is constrained by the limited operational hours and the need for advance booking. It is crucial for individuals to plan their trips well in advance and to be aware of the potential for delays.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant vehicles are available within the FCPTS fleet, ensuring that individuals with mobility impairments can access transportation. However, the limited frequency and route options still pose a challenge for those seeking timely and reliable access to healthcare. The lack of regular bus routes to key cancer care facilities significantly impacts healthcare access for those without alternative transportation.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in some parts of Franklin County, but their presence in Moira is sporadic. Availability is often dependent on driver availability and the time of day. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant barrier, especially for frequent trips to medical appointments.

Medical transportation services, such as ambulance and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), offer another option for patients. These services are specifically designed to transport individuals with medical needs to and from appointments. While these services can provide reliable transportation, they can be costly and may require prior authorization from insurance providers.

Companies like AMR (American Medical Response) and LifeNet are prominent providers of ambulance services in the region. For non-emergency transportation, individuals may explore options like local medical transport companies or specialized services that cater to patients with specific needs. The availability of these services, however, varies, and patients need to research and plan their transportation well in advance.

**The Impact on Healthcare Access**

The transportation challenges in Moira significantly impact healthcare access, particularly for breast cancer patients. The long drive times to specialized care facilities, the limited public transit options, and the variable availability of ride-sharing services can create significant barriers to timely diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care.

These transportation hurdles can lead to delayed appointments, missed treatments, and increased stress for patients. The financial burden of transportation costs, including gas, vehicle maintenance, and parking fees, can also add to the strain. The Breast Cancer Score for Moira reflects these realities, highlighting the need for improved transportation infrastructure and services to support the healthcare needs of the community.

**Moving to Moira: A Consideration**

For individuals considering moving to Moira, the transportation landscape should be a key consideration. Prospective residents, particularly those with pre-existing health conditions or a family history of cancer, should carefully evaluate their ability to access healthcare services. This includes assessing the reliability of their personal transportation, the availability of ride-sharing or medical transport options, and the potential for financial burdens associated with transportation costs.

The Breast Cancer Score serves as a valuable tool for potential residents, providing insights into the practical challenges of accessing healthcare in Moira. It underscores the importance of careful planning and preparation to ensure that individuals can receive the care they need, when they need it. The community's commitment to improving transportation infrastructure and healthcare access will be crucial for attracting and retaining residents, especially those seeking a supportive and accessible healthcare environment.

**Conclusion: A Call for Improvement**

The Breast Cancer Score for Moira, NY (ZIP code 12957) reveals a complex picture of healthcare access. While the community offers a sense of rural tranquility, the limitations in transportation pose significant challenges for individuals seeking breast cancer care. The reliance on personal vehicles, the scarcity of public transit, and the variable availability of ride-sharing services highlight the need for improvements.

Investing in public transportation, exploring partnerships with ride-sharing companies, and expanding medical transportation services are essential steps to enhance healthcare access in Moira. Addressing these transportation challenges will not only improve the lives of breast cancer patients but also contribute to the overall well-being of the community, making Moira a more accessible and supportive place to live.