13693, Three Mile Bay, New York Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 13693, Three Mile Bay, New York is 14 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

67.05 percent of residents in 13693 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 25.72 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Samaritan Medical Center with a distance of 17.37 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Three Mile Bay (ZIP Code 13693)

The sun glints off the waters of Lake Ontario, a siren song luring those seeking solace and serenity to the charming hamlet of Three Mile Bay, New York (ZIP Code 13693). But beneath the idyllic surface lies a crucial consideration for anyone, particularly women, contemplating a move: access to quality healthcare, specifically for breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. This "Breast Cancer Score" analysis delves into the realities of accessing these vital services from Three Mile Bay, focusing on the available transportation options and their impact on healthcare access.

For residents of Three Mile Bay, the closest significant healthcare hub is Watertown, roughly 25 miles to the south. This distance, while seemingly manageable, presents challenges when factoring in weather, traffic, and the specific needs of individuals undergoing medical treatment. The score will evaluate the efficiency, reliability, and affordability of transportation options, ultimately painting a picture of the ease (or difficulty) of navigating the healthcare landscape.

The primary mode of transportation for most Three Mile Bay residents will be personal vehicles. The journey to Watertown typically involves navigating a combination of roads. Route 12, a major north-south artery, provides the most direct route. Depending on the specific destination within Watertown, drivers may then utilize Arsenal Street, a bustling commercial corridor, or other local roads to reach their appointments.

Drive times, of course, fluctuate. Under ideal conditions, with clear roads and minimal traffic, the drive to Watertown can be completed in approximately 35-45 minutes. However, winter weather, a frequent visitor to this region, can significantly extend travel times. Snow, ice, and reduced visibility can transform a routine drive into a perilous journey, potentially delaying or even preventing access to critical appointments. Furthermore, the absence of readily available public transportation options exacerbates these challenges.

Public transportation in this area is limited. The Jefferson County Transit Authority (JCTA) provides bus service within the city of Watertown, but its reach doesn't extend to Three Mile Bay. This absence of public transit presents a significant barrier for individuals without access to a personal vehicle, particularly those who are elderly, disabled, or financially constrained. The lack of a reliable public transportation system directly impacts healthcare access, potentially leading to delayed diagnoses or treatment.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Watertown, but their presence in Three Mile Bay is less certain. Availability can be sporadic, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Relying on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments is therefore not a guaranteed solution. The potential for surge pricing, especially during periods of high demand, can also create a financial burden, further hindering healthcare access.

Medical transportation services offer a specialized solution for individuals requiring assistance with their healthcare needs. Companies like AMR (American Medical Response) or local ambulance services provide non-emergency medical transportation, but these services often require pre-booking and can be expensive. They are typically reserved for those who cannot safely travel independently or utilize other transportation options.

Healthcare access, therefore, becomes a complex equation. The Breast Cancer Score must consider the interplay of these transportation factors and their impact on the ability of Three Mile Bay residents to receive timely and appropriate breast cancer care. The score will incorporate data on drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing reliability, and the affordability of medical transportation.

The journey from Three Mile Bay to Watertown for breast cancer screening or treatment is not merely a physical one. It is a journey fraught with potential obstacles. The absence of robust public transportation, the limitations of ride-sharing, and the potential for weather-related delays all contribute to a lower Breast Cancer Score. Individuals considering a move to Three Mile Bay must carefully weigh these factors when assessing their healthcare needs.

Furthermore, the Breast Cancer Score must consider the availability of breast cancer specialists and treatment facilities within Watertown. The presence of a comprehensive cancer center, offering services such as mammography, biopsies, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, is crucial. The proximity of these facilities to the transportation hubs also plays a role in the overall score.

The Breast Cancer Score will also take into account the availability of support services for breast cancer patients, such as support groups, counseling, and financial assistance programs. These resources can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals undergoing treatment and their families. Access to these services, often located within Watertown, is directly impacted by transportation limitations.

The score will also address the role of telehealth. While telehealth can provide convenient access to consultations and follow-up appointments, it cannot replace the need for in-person screenings and treatments. The quality of internet access in Three Mile Bay, which can vary depending on location, also impacts the effectiveness of telehealth options.

Ultimately, the Breast Cancer Score for Three Mile Bay will reflect the challenges and opportunities associated with accessing breast cancer care. It will serve as a valuable resource for prospective residents, providing a realistic assessment of the healthcare landscape. This information empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their health and well-being, ensuring that their move to Three Mile Bay is not only a move towards a beautiful environment but also a move towards accessible and comprehensive healthcare. The score will emphasize the importance of planning for transportation needs, exploring all available options, and understanding the potential impact of geographic limitations on healthcare access.