12958, Mooers, New York Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 12958, Mooers, New York is 31 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

60.98 percent of residents in 12958 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 27.06 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Alice Hyde Medical Center with a distance of 35.65 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Mooers, NY (ZIP Code 12958)**

The diagnosis of breast cancer can trigger a cascade of emotions, from fear to determination. But the journey doesn't end with diagnosis; it's a marathon requiring unwavering support and, critically, timely access to quality healthcare. This report, a "Breast Cancer Score," analyzes the transportation landscape for residents of Mooers, NY (ZIP Code 12958), focusing on how easily they can access essential breast cancer care. It's a crucial consideration for anyone considering moving to Mooers, or already residing there, and facing this challenging health battle.

Mooers, a rural community nestled in the northeastern corner of New York State, presents unique transportation challenges. While offering a tranquil lifestyle, its remoteness impacts healthcare access. The ability to reach specialists, undergo treatments, and attend follow-up appointments is paramount. This score, therefore, assesses the availability and efficiency of various transportation options, from personal vehicles to public transit, in ensuring timely healthcare access.

**The Road to Recovery: Driving and Distance**

For many Mooers residents, the primary mode of transportation is their personal vehicle. The drive times to medical facilities specializing in breast cancer care are a critical factor. Plattsburgh, the nearest city with comprehensive medical services, lies approximately 25 miles south. The primary route involves navigating Route 11, a major thoroughfare connecting Mooers to Plattsburgh.

Expect a drive time of roughly 35-45 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions. During peak hours, especially weekdays, congestion near Plattsburgh can extend travel times. From Mooers, a drive to the University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) is the most common destination for specialized care. This facility offers comprehensive breast cancer services, including diagnostic imaging, surgical oncology, medical oncology, and radiation oncology.

The drive to Burlington, Vermont, a larger city with more specialized facilities, is a more significant undertaking. This journey involves crossing the US-Canadian border, adding complexity and potential delays. The most direct route involves taking Route 11 south to Interstate 87 (the Northway) and then heading east towards Vermont. Expect a drive time of approximately 2-2.5 hours, excluding border crossing wait times.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Mooers are severely limited. There is no established public bus system directly serving the area. This lack of public transit significantly impacts those without personal vehicles, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities. Reliance on family, friends, or alternative transportation is often the only recourse.

For residents seeking public transit, the options involve traveling to Plattsburgh and utilizing the Clinton County Public Transit System (CCPTS). This system offers limited routes, primarily within the Plattsburgh area. While CCPTS strives to provide ADA-compliant services, including accessible vehicles, the lack of direct routes from Mooers poses a significant hurdle. The availability of these services is not always guaranteed, and advance booking is often required.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Plattsburgh area, but their presence in Mooers is less consistent. Availability depends on driver density and demand. Relying on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments in Plattsburgh is not always a dependable solution, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather.

Medical transportation services provide a crucial lifeline for individuals unable to drive themselves. Several companies specialize in transporting patients to and from medical appointments. These services often cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring assistance. However, these services can be expensive and require advance booking. The availability of medical transportation services in Mooers is limited, and residents may need to rely on companies based in Plattsburgh or further afield.

**The Score and Its Implications**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Mooers, NY (ZIP Code 12958), reflects the challenges and opportunities in healthcare access. The score considers factors such as drive times, public transit limitations, ride-sharing availability, and the presence of medical transportation services. The score will be lower than a score in a more urban area with greater access to transportation and healthcare.

For individuals diagnosed with breast cancer, this score translates into potential difficulties in attending appointments, accessing treatments, and receiving timely care. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the inconsistent availability of ride-sharing services create barriers to healthcare access.

**Recommendations for Improvement**

Improving healthcare access in Mooers requires a multi-pronged approach. Strengthening public transit options is paramount. This could involve expanding the CCPTS routes to include more frequent service to Mooers or partnering with local organizations to provide transportation assistance.

Encouraging the expansion of ride-sharing services in the area would also be beneficial. Furthermore, promoting the availability of medical transportation services and increasing awareness of these options is crucial.

**Moving to Mooers: A Consideration**

For individuals considering moving to Mooers, this "Breast Cancer Score" underscores the importance of carefully evaluating their healthcare access needs. While Mooers offers a peaceful environment, the distance to specialized medical care and the limited transportation options require careful planning. Prospective residents with a history of breast cancer or those at high risk should factor these considerations into their decision.

**Conclusion**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Mooers highlights the complex interplay between transportation and healthcare access. While the community offers a serene lifestyle, the limitations in transportation pose challenges for individuals navigating the complexities of breast cancer care. Improving public transit, bolstering ride-sharing availability, and enhancing medical transportation services are crucial steps towards ensuring that all Mooers residents have timely and equitable access to the healthcare they need. It is a consideration for those who are moving to Mooers and those who already call it home.