13640, Wellesley Island, New York Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 13640, Wellesley Island, New York is 14 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

80.00 percent of residents in 13640 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.70 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is River Hospital Clinics with a distance of 3.24 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in ZIP Code 13640

The tranquil beauty of Wellesley Island, nestled within the Thousand Islands region and encompassed by ZIP Code 13640, offers a unique blend of natural splendor and a close-knit community. However, when considering healthcare access, particularly for a critical condition like breast cancer, the idyllic setting presents a complex equation. This analysis aims to provide a "Breast Cancer Score" for residents of 13640, evaluating the transportation landscape and its impact on accessing timely and comprehensive breast cancer care. Understanding these factors is crucial for anyone contemplating a move to this area, or for existing residents seeking to optimize their healthcare journey.

The primary challenge for residents of 13640 lies in its geographical isolation. The island community is connected to the mainland primarily via the **Thousand Islands Bridge**, a majestic structure that offers stunning views but also dictates the primary route for accessing healthcare facilities. This reliance on a single bridge, while visually appealing, introduces a vulnerability to weather-related closures or unforeseen traffic incidents, potentially delaying critical medical appointments.

Drive times are a significant factor. The nearest comprehensive cancer care centers are located in Watertown, New York, approximately 30 to 45 minutes away under ideal conditions. This journey necessitates navigating the **Thousand Islands Bridge** and then utilizing **NY-12**, a major artery connecting the region. The drive time is dependent on traffic flow, which can be affected by seasonal tourism, school schedules, and construction.

For those seeking specialized care, such as advanced radiation therapy or complex surgical procedures, the journey might extend to Syracuse, New York, a drive of roughly two hours. This longer trip involves navigating **NY-12** to **I-81 South**. The extended travel time, coupled with potential traffic congestion, can be a significant burden on patients undergoing treatment, adding to the physical and emotional toll of battling breast cancer.

Public transportation options are limited. The region lacks a robust public transit system, particularly within the island itself. While some local bus services may operate within Watertown, they are not designed to cater specifically to the needs of patients requiring frequent medical appointments. The lack of readily available public transportation presents a significant barrier to healthcare access for individuals who are unable to drive or who lack access to a personal vehicle.

ADA accessibility is a critical consideration for public transportation options. The absence of widespread accessible transit options further exacerbates the challenges faced by individuals with mobility limitations. Patients undergoing breast cancer treatment may experience physical side effects, such as fatigue or difficulty walking, making accessible transportation essential. The lack of such options in 13640 and the surrounding areas underscores the need for alternative transportation solutions.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, may be available in the Watertown area, but their presence and reliability in 13640 are uncertain. The availability of these services is dependent on driver density and demand, which may be limited in a rural area. Furthermore, the cost of ride-sharing services can quickly accumulate, especially for frequent medical appointments, placing a financial strain on patients.

Medical transportation services offer a more specialized solution. Companies such as AMR (American Medical Response) and local ambulance services provide non-emergency medical transportation. These services are designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offering a potentially reliable option for those unable to drive. However, these services often require prior arrangements and may be subject to availability and cost considerations.

The availability of medical transportation services is a critical factor in assessing healthcare access. The reliability and affordability of these services directly impact a patient's ability to attend appointments, receive timely treatment, and adhere to their prescribed care plan. It is essential to research the availability and cost of medical transportation services in advance of any healthcare needs.

The Breast Cancer Score for 13640 is therefore a complex calculation. While the area offers a serene and supportive community, the limitations in transportation present significant challenges. The score is influenced by the drive times to cancer care centers, the absence of reliable public transportation, the limited availability of ride-sharing services, and the need to rely on medical transportation.

The score must also consider the potential for weather-related disruptions, which can impact travel times and access to care. The reliance on the **Thousand Islands Bridge** makes the community vulnerable to closures due to ice, snow, or high winds. These closures can isolate residents and delay access to essential medical services.

For individuals considering a move to Wellesley Island, or for existing residents seeking to improve their healthcare access, careful planning is essential. This includes researching the location of cancer care centers, understanding drive times under various conditions, and exploring the availability and cost of transportation options.

Proactive measures can mitigate the challenges. This includes establishing relationships with local medical providers, identifying reliable transportation resources, and exploring the possibility of telehealth appointments for certain types of care.

Healthcare access is a multifaceted issue, and the Breast Cancer Score is a reflection of the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the transportation landscape in 13640. Understanding these factors is crucial for ensuring that residents have access to the timely and comprehensive care they need.

The score emphasizes the importance of proactive planning, community support, and the need for continued efforts to improve transportation options and healthcare access for all residents of Wellesley Island. The goal is to ensure that the beauty and tranquility of the island are not overshadowed by the challenges of accessing essential medical care. The future of healthcare in 13640 depends on addressing these transportation barriers and creating a system that prioritizes patient needs.