13672, Parishville, New York Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 13672, Parishville, New York is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

72.92 percent of residents in 13672 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 23.84 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Canton-Potsdam Hospital with a distance of 13.55 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Commute to Healthcare in Parishville, NY (ZIP Code 13672)

The specter of breast cancer casts a long shadow, demanding timely and accessible healthcare. This analysis delves into the transportation landscape surrounding Parishville, New York (ZIP Code 13672), to assess the ease with which residents can access essential breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Our aim is to provide a "Breast Cancer Score" that reflects the challenges and opportunities in this crucial area of healthcare access, particularly for those considering moving to Parishville.

The foundation of our assessment lies in understanding the geographical realities of the region. Parishville is a rural community, nestled within the vast expanse of St. Lawrence County. This remoteness significantly impacts transportation options, shaping the healthcare journey for residents. The closest comprehensive healthcare facilities are located in Potsdam, Canton, and Ogdensburg, necessitating travel for most medical needs.

**Drive-Time Dynamics:**

The primary mode of transportation for healthcare access in Parishville is undoubtedly the personal vehicle. The roads, however, are often the limiting factor. The journey to Potsdam, home to Canton-Potsdam Hospital, typically involves navigating **New York State Route 72** and **New York State Route 56**. Expect a drive of approximately 25 to 35 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions.

Further afield, reaching Canton-Potsdam Hospital from Parishville necessitates a longer journey. The route generally involves **New York State Route 72** to **New York State Route 56**, and then onto **U.S. Route 11**. This trip can take upwards of 45 minutes to an hour, potentially longer during winter months when snow and ice can severely impact travel times.

Ogdensburg, home to Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center, presents a similar challenge. The drive typically involves **New York State Route 72** to **New York State Route 37**. The journey, covering a greater distance, can easily consume an hour or more, particularly during peak travel times. The condition of these roads, particularly during the winter, becomes a critical consideration, adding to the stress and time required for essential healthcare appointments.

**Public Transit: A Limited Reality:**

Public transportation options in Parishville and the surrounding areas are extremely limited, posing a significant barrier to healthcare access for those without personal vehicles. St. Lawrence County operates a public transit system, but the routes and schedules are infrequent, often serving primarily the larger towns and cities.

Specific route numbers and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility are difficult to ascertain without detailed route maps and schedules, which are not readily available. However, the lack of widespread public transit underscores the dependence on personal vehicles for medical appointments. This limited access highlights the challenges faced by individuals who are elderly, disabled, or lack the financial means to own and maintain a car.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transportation: A Patchwork Solution:**

Ride-share services, such as Uber and Lyft, are not consistently available in the Parishville area. Their presence is sporadic, and relying on them for scheduled medical appointments is generally not feasible. This leaves residents with limited options for transportation, particularly for those who cannot drive themselves.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a potential solution, but their availability and cost can be significant barriers. Several companies operate in the region, including private ambulance services, but their services are often expensive and may require advance booking. The cost of these services can be a substantial burden, especially for individuals with limited financial resources.

**The Breast Cancer Score and Considerations for Moving to Parishville:**

Considering the transportation landscape, the Breast Cancer Score for Parishville is relatively low. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the challenges associated with ride-share and medical transportation services create significant hurdles for accessing timely and convenient healthcare.

For individuals considering moving to Parishville, this assessment should be a crucial consideration. Those with a history of breast cancer, or who are at high risk, need to carefully evaluate their ability to access regular screenings, diagnostic tests, and treatment. The distance to healthcare facilities, the potential for long travel times, and the lack of readily available transportation options can significantly impact the quality of care and the overall well-being of residents.

**Specific Considerations for Healthcare Access:**

* **Screening:** Regular mammograms are crucial for early detection. The drive times to facilities offering these services must be factored into the decision to move to Parishville.
* **Diagnosis:** If a suspicious finding is detected, prompt access to diagnostic testing, such as biopsies, is essential. Delays in this process can have serious consequences.
* **Treatment:** Should a breast cancer diagnosis be confirmed, access to chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical services becomes paramount. The distance to these facilities and the availability of transportation become critical factors.
* **Support Services:** Access to support groups, counseling, and other resources for breast cancer patients is also important. These services may be available at facilities further afield, adding to the transportation burden.

**Recommendations for Improving Healthcare Access:**

Addressing the transportation challenges in Parishville requires a multi-faceted approach.

* **Expand Public Transit:** Increased investment in public transportation, including more frequent routes and improved accessibility, is essential.
* **Partner with Ride-Share Services:** Exploring partnerships with ride-share companies to provide discounted or subsidized transportation for medical appointments could be beneficial.
* **Support Medical Transportation:** Providing financial assistance or subsidies for medical transportation services can help alleviate the cost burden for patients.
* **Telemedicine Initiatives:** Promoting telemedicine services, where possible, can reduce the need for travel.
* **Community Outreach:** Educating residents about available resources and transportation options is crucial.

**Conclusion:**

The Breast Cancer Score for Parishville, NY (ZIP Code 13672) reflects the challenges in accessing healthcare due to limited transportation options. While the community offers a peaceful and rural setting, individuals considering moving to Parishville, especially those with a history of breast cancer or other health concerns, must carefully evaluate the implications of the transportation landscape on their healthcare access. Addressing these challenges through expanded public transit, ride-share partnerships, medical transportation support, and telemedicine initiatives is crucial to ensure that all residents can receive the timely and convenient healthcare they deserve.