13650, Henderson, New York Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 13650, Henderson, New York is 16 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

55.75 percent of residents in 13650 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 26.86 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Samaritan Medical Center with a distance of 17.96 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Henderson, NY (ZIP Code 13650)**

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a diagnosis as life-altering as breast cancer, is a complex one. It's not just about the medical expertise available, but also the practicalities of getting there. This analysis, a "Breast Cancer Score" if you will, examines the accessibility of breast cancer-related healthcare within and around Henderson, NY (ZIP Code 13650), focusing on transportation options and their impact on a patient's ability to receive timely and comprehensive care. This information is crucial for anyone considering moving to Henderson, seeking a second opinion, or already residing in the area.

The first, and often most straightforward, mode of transportation is the personal vehicle. Henderson, a rural community, relies heavily on cars for daily commutes. The primary arteries for accessing healthcare are the Interstate 81 (I-81) and the New York State Route 3 (NY-3).

Driving to the closest comprehensive cancer center, the Upstate Cancer Center in Syracuse, is a significant undertaking. The drive, primarily on I-81 South, covers approximately 70 miles and can take anywhere from 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions. This journey, while manageable for routine appointments, presents a challenge for frequent treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

For those seeking care closer to home, the Samaritan Medical Center in Watertown, NY, offers some oncology services. The drive is shorter, around 20 miles, and primarily utilizes NY-3 West. The commute typically takes about 30 to 40 minutes. This option provides a more accessible alternative, especially for initial consultations and follow-up appointments. However, the scope of services might be limited compared to larger cancer centers, potentially requiring referrals to Syracuse for specialized treatments.

Public transportation options in Henderson are limited. The Jefferson County Transit (JCT) provides some bus services, but routes within Henderson and to neighboring towns are infrequent and primarily focused on essential services. There are no direct public transit routes to Syracuse or Watertown. This makes public transportation an impractical option for most breast cancer patients, especially those undergoing treatment that requires consistent and timely access to medical facilities. The lack of readily available public transportation significantly impacts healthcare access, particularly for individuals without personal vehicles or those unable to drive due to treatment side effects.

ADA accessibility on the JCT buses is a crucial consideration. All JCT buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and other features to accommodate passengers with disabilities. However, the limited route coverage and infrequent schedules still pose a barrier to access for many. The lack of a robust public transportation system underscores the dependence on personal vehicles or alternative transportation solutions.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, operate in the Watertown and Syracuse areas. However, their availability in Henderson itself is often unreliable. The cost of ride-sharing for long distances, such as the trip to Syracuse, can be prohibitive for many patients, adding a financial burden to an already challenging situation. The unpredictable nature of ride-sharing availability further complicates the planning of medical appointments.

Medical transportation services offer a specialized solution for patients requiring assistance. These services, such as MedTrans or similar regional providers, provide non-emergency medical transportation, often including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. While these services can be a lifeline for patients unable to drive, they come with associated costs and require pre-booking, which may not always align with the immediate needs of a patient. The availability of medical transportation is a critical factor in healthcare access, particularly for individuals with mobility limitations or those undergoing treatment that affects their ability to drive.

The Breast Cancer Score for Henderson (ZIP Code 13650) reflects a mixed picture. While the proximity to Watertown offers some level of healthcare access, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transportation options create significant challenges. The long drive to Syracuse, the primary center for comprehensive cancer care, adds to the burden.

The availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services offers some solutions, but their cost and reliability remain concerns. The overall score is negatively impacted by the lack of readily available and affordable transportation options. This situation can create significant stress for patients, impacting their ability to adhere to treatment plans and potentially affecting their health outcomes.

For individuals considering moving to Henderson, the Breast Cancer Score highlights the importance of carefully evaluating transportation needs and access to healthcare. It is essential to assess the availability of personal vehicles, the potential costs of ride-sharing or medical transportation, and the support systems available to assist with transportation to and from medical appointments.

The Breast Cancer Score is not just a number; it is a reflection of the realities faced by breast cancer patients in Henderson. It underscores the need for improved transportation infrastructure, expanded public transit options, and increased access to affordable medical transportation services. These improvements are essential to ensure that all residents of Henderson have equitable access to the care they need, when they need it.

Further research should explore the possibility of community-based transportation programs, partnerships with volunteer driver networks, and initiatives to subsidize the cost of medical transportation for low-income patients. Addressing these transportation barriers is crucial to improving healthcare access and outcomes for breast cancer patients in Henderson and similar rural communities.