13676, Potsdam, New York Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 13676, Potsdam, New York is 25 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

80.13 percent of residents in 13676 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.85 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Canton-Potsdam Hospital with a distance of 1.59 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Potsdam, NY (ZIP Code 13676)

The quest for timely and accessible healthcare, particularly concerning a diagnosis as formidable as breast cancer, demands a comprehensive understanding of transportation options. This write-up dissects the landscape of healthcare access within ZIP Code 13676 (Potsdam, NY), evaluating the "Breast Cancer Score" based on the availability and efficiency of transportation to vital medical facilities. This analysis is crucial for residents, those considering moving to Potsdam, and anyone seeking to understand the practical realities of healthcare access in this rural setting.

The primary focus is on accessing facilities equipped to diagnose and treat breast cancer. This includes locations offering mammography, surgical oncology, radiation therapy, and medical oncology services. The proximity to these facilities, coupled with the efficiency of available transportation, directly impacts the Breast Cancer Score.

**The Geography of Healthcare in Potsdam**

Potsdam, nestled in the St. Lawrence River Valley, presents a unique challenge: a blend of rural charm and relative isolation. The nearest comprehensive cancer care centers are located in larger cities, necessitating travel. The primary routes for accessing these facilities are defined by the region's road network.

**Driving Directions and Time Considerations**

The most common mode of transportation for accessing specialized healthcare is personal vehicle. The primary arteries for travel are Route 11 and Route 56. Route 11, a major north-south thoroughfare, provides access to Watertown, approximately a 90-mile drive south, where Samaritan Medical Center offers comprehensive cancer care. The drive time, under optimal conditions, can range from 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, factoring in potential traffic and weather delays.

Route 56, heading east, connects Potsdam to Massena and further to larger cities like Syracuse. While Massena offers some local medical services, Syracuse, roughly 130 miles away, is home to Upstate Medical University, a major cancer center. The drive to Syracuse via Route 56, and then connecting to the I-81 South, typically takes between 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

These drive times are significant, particularly for patients undergoing frequent treatments or facing urgent medical needs. The distance and potential for inclement weather, common during the harsh winters of Northern New York, can severely impact the Breast Cancer Score.

**Public Transportation: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Potsdam are limited. St. Lawrence County operates a public transit system, but its routes are primarily designed for local travel and may not directly serve the major cancer centers in Watertown or Syracuse. The availability of ADA-accessible buses is a critical factor, ensuring that individuals with mobility limitations can access available services.

The specific route numbers and schedules should be verified with St. Lawrence County Public Transit. However, the frequency of service, particularly on weekends and evenings, is often limited, making it a less-than-ideal option for patients requiring timely medical appointments. The lack of direct routes to cancer centers significantly diminishes the Breast Cancer Score for those relying on public transportation.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Potsdam, but their reliability and availability can be inconsistent, particularly in rural areas. The cost of ride-sharing for long-distance travel to cancer centers can be prohibitive for many patients.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for patients with medical needs, offer a more specialized solution. Companies like AmbuBus and other regional providers may operate in the area. These services often provide door-to-door transportation, including assistance with mobility and medical equipment. However, the cost of medical transport is often higher than other options, and prior booking is essential. The availability of these services and their accessibility for individuals with financial constraints are key factors impacting the Breast Cancer Score.

**Factors Influencing the Breast Cancer Score**

The Breast Cancer Score in Potsdam is influenced by several key factors:

* **Distance to Comprehensive Cancer Centers:** The long distances to Watertown and Syracuse significantly impact the score.
* **Transportation Reliability:** Reliance on personal vehicles, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, each with varying degrees of reliability.
* **Cost of Transportation:** The financial burden of travel, including fuel, vehicle maintenance, ride-sharing fees, and medical transport costs.
* **Accessibility for Individuals with Disabilities:** The availability of ADA-accessible transportation options.
* **Weather Conditions:** The impact of harsh winters on travel times and safety.
* **Frequency of Treatment:** The impact of frequent appointments on the practicality of different transportation options.

**Moving to Potsdam: A Healthcare Consideration**

For those considering moving to Potsdam, the availability of healthcare access, specifically for cancer care, should be a critical consideration. While Potsdam offers a tranquil lifestyle, the relative isolation and limited transportation options can present challenges for individuals requiring specialized medical services. Potential residents should carefully evaluate their healthcare needs and the practicality of accessing cancer care centers in neighboring cities.

**Improving the Breast Cancer Score**

Improving the Breast Cancer Score requires a multi-pronged approach:

* **Advocacy for Enhanced Public Transportation:** Increasing the frequency and reach of public transit routes, including direct routes to cancer centers.
* **Support for Ride-Sharing Initiatives:** Encouraging the expansion and reliability of ride-sharing services.
* **Expanding Medical Transport Options:** Ensuring the availability and affordability of medical transport services.
* **Telemedicine Initiatives:** Promoting the use of telemedicine to reduce the need for travel for certain appointments.
* **Community Support Programs:** Developing community-based programs to assist patients with transportation costs and logistical challenges.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Healthcare Landscape**

The Breast Cancer Score for Potsdam, NY (ZIP Code 13676) reflects the challenges of accessing specialized healthcare in a rural setting. While personal vehicles offer the most direct route, the long distances and potential for weather-related delays are significant. Public transportation is limited, and ride-sharing can be unreliable and expensive. Medical transport provides a specialized option, but its cost can be a barrier.

For residents and those considering moving to Potsdam, a thorough understanding of these transportation options is crucial. Careful planning, utilizing available resources, and advocating for improved healthcare access are essential to navigating the healthcare landscape and ensuring timely and effective breast cancer care. The Breast Cancer Score can be improved through a collective effort, ensuring that residents of Potsdam have the best possible access to the care they need.