13614, Brier Hill, New York Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 13614, Brier Hill, New York is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

61.84 percent of residents in 13614 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.62 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center with a distance of 13.63 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Brier Hill (ZIP Code 13614)

The quest for comprehensive healthcare, particularly in the face of a breast cancer diagnosis, demands more than just medical expertise. It necessitates a complex dance with **transportation**, a crucial element that significantly impacts **healthcare access**. This analysis, tailored for residents of Brier Hill (ZIP Code 13614), meticulously examines the available options, crafting a "Breast Cancer Score" to illuminate the ease and challenges of reaching essential cancer care. This information is particularly relevant for those **moving to Brier Hill**, ensuring informed decisions about their future health and well-being.

Brier Hill, a charming community nestled in the heart of the North Country, presents a unique set of circumstances. Its relative remoteness, while offering tranquility, introduces complexities in navigating the healthcare landscape. The "Breast Cancer Score" considers factors like drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing options, and specialized medical transport, all crucial for patients undergoing treatment.

**Drive Times: The Arteries of Care**

For those with the means and ability to drive, the primary arteries of **transportation** in and out of Brier Hill are key. The most direct route to major healthcare facilities often involves utilizing New York State Route 37. This road provides a reasonably smooth passage to the nearest hospitals and cancer centers. However, the drive can be subject to seasonal variations, with winter conditions potentially adding significant travel time.

A typical drive to Canton-Potsdam Hospital, a crucial regional healthcare provider, via NY-37, usually takes around 25-30 minutes under ideal conditions. This relatively short commute is a significant advantage for residents of Brier Hill. However, the journey to larger, specialized cancer centers, such as those in Syracuse or Rochester, can be a considerable undertaking. This extended travel time necessitates careful planning, especially for frequent appointments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

The drive to Syracuse, utilizing NY-37 and then connecting to Interstate 81, can easily exceed two hours. This long journey underscores the importance of considering factors beyond just the availability of medical services, including the burden of travel on patients already grappling with the physical and emotional toll of cancer treatment.

**Public Transit: A Limited Network**

Public **transportation** options in Brier Hill and the surrounding areas are limited, posing a significant challenge for those without personal vehicles. The St. Lawrence County Public Transit system offers bus routes, but their frequency and coverage are restricted, particularly for areas outside of major towns.

While the system strives to provide ADA-accessible vehicles, ensuring equal access for individuals with disabilities, the limited routes and schedules may not align with the often-demanding schedules of cancer treatment. Patients may find themselves reliant on family, friends, or potentially expensive alternatives. The lack of robust public **transportation** significantly impacts the "Breast Cancer Score," highlighting a critical need for improved access.

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

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the region, but their availability and reliability can be inconsistent, particularly in rural areas like Brier Hill. Surge pricing during peak hours or inclement weather can further strain already limited financial resources.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance, offer a more specialized solution. Companies like Care Ride and First Transit provide non-emergency medical transport, offering door-to-door service. These services are particularly beneficial for patients unable to drive or utilize public **transportation**. However, the cost of these services can be substantial, and prior arrangements are often required, adding another layer of complexity to healthcare access.

**Assessing the "Breast Cancer Score"**

The "Breast Cancer Score" considers the following:

* **Drive Time to Cancer Centers:** Proximity to specialized care is paramount. The score reflects the time required to reach hospitals and cancer treatment facilities.
* **Public Transit Accessibility:** The availability, frequency, and ADA-compliance of public **transportation** are assessed.
* **Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport Availability:** The reliability, cost, and ease of access to ride-sharing and medical transport services are evaluated.
* **Financial Burden:** The overall cost of **transportation**, including fuel, ride-sharing fares, and medical transport fees, is considered.

Based on these factors, the "Breast Cancer Score" for Brier Hill (13614) presents a mixed picture. The relatively short drive to Canton-Potsdam Hospital offers a significant advantage. However, the limited public **transportation** options and the potential for long travel times to specialized cancer centers in larger cities pose significant challenges. The reliance on personal vehicles, ride-sharing, or potentially costly medical transport services further impacts the score.

**Recommendations for Improvement**

To enhance **healthcare access** for breast cancer patients in Brier Hill, several improvements are essential. Expanding the frequency and coverage of public **transportation** services, particularly to connect with major healthcare facilities, would be a significant step. Encouraging partnerships between local healthcare providers and ride-sharing companies could also help reduce the financial burden of **transportation**.

Furthermore, increasing awareness of available medical transport services and exploring options for financial assistance to offset the costs would be beneficial. Community-based initiatives, such as volunteer driver programs, could provide valuable support.

**Conclusion: A Call to Action**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Brier Hill highlights the complexities of navigating **healthcare access** in a rural environment. While the community offers certain advantages, the limitations in **transportation** options present significant challenges for breast cancer patients. This analysis serves as a call to action, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to improve **transportation** infrastructure, expand public transit, and support patients in their journey towards health and recovery. For those **moving to Brier Hill**, understanding these nuances is crucial for making informed decisions about their healthcare needs.