13625, Colton, New York Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 13625, Colton, New York is 34 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

66.97 percent of residents in 13625 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 21.36 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Canton-Potsdam Hospital with a distance of 9.89 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Colton, NY (ZIP Code 13625)

Considering a move to Colton, New York (ZIP Code 13625), and concerned about healthcare access, particularly for breast cancer screening and treatment? This write-up assesses the "Breast Cancer Score" for this area, focusing on transportation options to essential healthcare facilities. Understanding these options is crucial for making informed decisions about your health and well-being, especially when facing a potential diagnosis or treatment journey.

The Breast Cancer Score considers factors like drive times, public transit availability, and ride-sharing services to estimate the ease of reaching medical appointments. It's not a definitive medical assessment, but a practical guide to understanding the logistical challenges of accessing healthcare in Colton. This information is especially vital for those considering moving to Colton and evaluating its suitability for their healthcare needs.

The primary healthcare hubs serving Colton residents are located in Potsdam and Canton, NY. These towns offer a range of medical services, including those related to breast cancer screening and treatment. The most convenient transportation options heavily influence the Breast Cancer Score.

**Driving Times and Roadways**

The dominant mode of transportation in this rural area is the personal vehicle. From Colton, the journey to Potsdam, home to Canton-Potsdam Hospital, typically involves a drive along **State Route 56**. The drive is approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions. This relatively short drive contributes positively to the Breast Cancer Score, offering quick access to a comprehensive medical facility.

Reaching Canton, where St. Lawrence Health System Canton-Potsdam Hospital is located, requires a slightly longer drive. The route primarily follows **State Route 56** south, then connects to **State Route 68**. This journey is approximately 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic and weather. While manageable, the extended travel time slightly diminishes the Breast Cancer Score compared to Potsdam access.

For those needing specialized care, such as advanced imaging or surgical oncology, the journey to larger medical centers like those in Syracuse or Albany becomes necessary. This involves significantly longer drives, primarily utilizing **Interstate 81** and **Interstate 87**. These trips can take several hours, significantly impacting the Breast Cancer Score due to the increased time commitment and potential fatigue associated with long-distance travel.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Colton and the surrounding areas are limited. This severely impacts the Breast Cancer Score. The St. Lawrence County Public Transit system provides some bus routes, but service is infrequent and primarily focused on connecting larger towns.

The primary bus route that might serve Colton is the one connecting Potsdam and Canton. However, the frequency of these buses is limited, often running only a few times a day. The buses may not operate on weekends or holidays. This lack of consistent service creates a significant barrier to healthcare access, especially for those without personal vehicles.

Furthermore, the availability of ADA-compliant buses is crucial for individuals with mobility limitations. While the St. Lawrence County Public Transit system does offer ADA-accessible buses, their availability on specific routes and times should be confirmed. The reliability and accessibility of public transit significantly influence the Breast Cancer Score, and the limited options in this area lower the score.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Potsdam and Canton areas, but their availability in Colton itself is less certain. Ride availability can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. This unreliability negatively affects the Breast Cancer Score, as it cannot be relied upon as a consistent transportation option.

Medical transportation services are available in the region. These services specialize in transporting patients to and from medical appointments. However, these services often require advance booking and can be costly. The cost and scheduling requirements of medical transportation services impact the Breast Cancer Score, as it adds another layer of complexity to accessing healthcare.

**Breast Cancer Score Assessment and Considerations**

Based on the transportation options available, the Breast Cancer Score for Colton, NY (ZIP Code 13625) is moderate. The relatively short drive to Potsdam for basic healthcare services contributes positively to the score. However, the limited public transit, the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services, and the need for long-distance travel to access specialized care significantly detract from the score.

Individuals considering a move to Colton and with a history of breast cancer or at high risk should carefully evaluate their transportation needs. The availability of a personal vehicle is essential for easy access to healthcare. Exploring the availability and reliability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services is also crucial.

Furthermore, understanding the potential need for long-distance travel to access specialized care should be considered. This may involve significant time commitments and financial implications.

**Conclusion: Prioritizing Healthcare Access**

For those prioritizing convenient healthcare access, Colton presents some challenges. While the drive to Potsdam is relatively short, the limited public transit and the potential need for long-distance travel to access specialized care are significant considerations.

Before moving to Colton, potential residents should thoroughly assess their transportation needs and the availability of healthcare services. Contacting local healthcare providers and transportation services to understand their specific offerings is highly recommended. Making informed decisions about transportation and healthcare access is essential for ensuring the best possible health outcomes when moving to Colton. This is particularly important for those with pre-existing health conditions or those seeking to proactively manage their health. The Breast Cancer Score, while not a medical assessment, provides a valuable framework for understanding the logistical challenges of accessing healthcare in this area.