13637, Evans Mills, New York Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 13637, Evans Mills, New York is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

88.84 percent of residents in 13637 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.46 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Samaritan Medical Center with a distance of 7.90 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Evans Mills (ZIP Code 13637)

Moving to a new community, especially when considering healthcare access, demands careful planning. This analysis, focusing on ZIP code 13637 (Evans Mills, New York), examines the transportation landscape for breast cancer care, offering a "Breast Cancer Score" to help potential residents understand the realities of their commute to crucial medical appointments. The score considers drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing availability, providing a comprehensive view of healthcare access.

Evans Mills, a charming town in Jefferson County, offers a rural setting. This idyllic lifestyle, however, presents unique challenges regarding healthcare access. The nearest comprehensive breast cancer care facilities are located in Watertown, a drive that becomes a critical factor when dealing with appointments, treatments, and potential emergencies. The "Breast Cancer Score" will reflect the ease, or difficulty, of this journey.

**Drive Time Analysis:**

The primary route from Evans Mills to Watertown for breast cancer care typically involves traversing the well-maintained network of roads. The journey usually begins on **NY-342**, a crucial artery connecting Evans Mills to Watertown. This road, generally in good condition, offers a direct path, though traffic can fluctuate during peak hours and school pick-up/drop-off times.

The drive continues onto **US-11**, a major north-south thoroughfare in the region. US-11, though generally reliable, can experience delays due to seasonal weather conditions, particularly during winter months. The final leg of the journey often involves navigating local roads within Watertown to reach the specific healthcare facility.

Under normal traffic conditions, the drive from Evans Mills to Watertown, encompassing the above-mentioned routes, is approximately 15-20 minutes. This relatively short commute time contributes positively to the "Breast Cancer Score." However, this timeframe is susceptible to change. Unexpected delays, such as accidents or inclement weather, can significantly extend travel times, impacting the overall accessibility of healthcare.

**Public Transportation Challenges:**

Public transportation options in the Evans Mills area are limited. The Jefferson County Transit System (JCTS) provides some bus services, but the routes and schedules may not directly serve the specific healthcare facilities in Watertown. Investigating the JCTS routes is crucial.

The JCTS operates several routes, but the frequency of service and the availability of routes directly connecting Evans Mills to Watertown's medical centers can be a concern. Potential residents need to carefully examine the current JCTS schedule and route maps. They should specifically look for routes that offer ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility features, such as wheelchair lifts and accessible seating.

The lack of readily available and direct public transportation options significantly impacts the "Breast Cancer Score." Reliance on public transit, especially for regular appointments, can add considerable time and complexity to the healthcare journey.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Watertown area. However, their reliability and availability in Evans Mills can vary. During off-peak hours or inclement weather, securing a ride may prove challenging. The cost of ride-sharing can also accumulate, especially for frequent appointments.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance, are another option. These services often provide door-to-door transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. Several medical transport companies operate in the region, including (but not limited to) private ambulance companies. Researching these companies, their service areas, and their insurance coverage is essential.

The availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services offers some flexibility, but their cost and reliability must be carefully considered. These options can enhance the "Breast Cancer Score" by providing alternatives to driving or relying on limited public transit.

**Breast Cancer Score Calculation:**

The "Breast Cancer Score" is a subjective assessment based on the factors discussed above. It considers the ease of transportation to healthcare facilities, weighing the pros and cons of each mode.

* **Drive Time:** A short drive time (15-20 minutes) receives a positive score. However, potential for delays due to traffic or weather is a negative factor.
* **Public Transit:** The limited public transit options in Evans Mills result in a low score. The lack of direct routes and the potential for long travel times are significant drawbacks.
* **Ride-Sharing/Medical Transport:** The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services provides a moderate score boost. The cost and reliability factors are carefully considered.

**Overall Assessment:**

Based on the analysis, the "Breast Cancer Score" for Evans Mills (ZIP code 13637) is moderate. The relatively short drive time to Watertown is a positive factor. However, the limited public transit options and the potential reliance on ride-sharing or medical transportation add complexity and cost.

**Recommendations for Potential Residents:**

Before moving to Evans Mills, potential residents should:

* **Confirm Insurance Coverage:** Ensure their health insurance covers transportation costs, including ride-sharing or medical transport.
* **Explore Healthcare Options:** Research the specific breast cancer care facilities in Watertown, including their appointment scheduling processes and patient support services.
* **Assess Personal Transportation Needs:** Consider their ability to drive, and the availability of family or friends to provide transportation.
* **Investigate Public Transit:** Thoroughly examine the JCTS routes and schedules, paying close attention to ADA accessibility features.
* **Research Ride-Sharing Availability:** Check the reliability of Uber and Lyft in Evans Mills, especially during off-peak hours.
* **Contact Medical Transport Companies:** Obtain quotes and assess the services offered by medical transportation providers.

**Conclusion:**

Moving to Evans Mills offers a tranquil lifestyle. However, when considering healthcare access, particularly for breast cancer care, careful planning is essential. Understanding the transportation landscape, including drive times, public transit limitations, and ride-sharing options, allows potential residents to make informed decisions. The "Breast Cancer Score" provides a framework for evaluating these factors, helping individuals prioritize their healthcare needs and ensure they can access the care they deserve. This comprehensive assessment of transportation options provides a realistic picture of healthcare access in Evans Mills, facilitating a smoother transition for those seeking a new home.