13694, Waddington, New York Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 13694, Waddington, New York is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

73.95 percent of residents in 13694 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.66 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Massena Hospital Inc with a distance of 14.82 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Waddington, NY (ZIP Code 13694)**

The quaint village of Waddington, nestled along the St. Lawrence River, offers a serene lifestyle. However, for residents facing a breast cancer diagnosis, the tranquility can be shattered by the complexities of healthcare access. This analysis, a "Breast Cancer Score," examines the transportation landscape in and around ZIP code 13694, focusing on the practicalities of getting to essential medical appointments. It considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, offering a comprehensive view of the challenges and opportunities for those seeking breast cancer care. This information is crucial for anyone considering moving to Waddington, NY, or for current residents needing to understand their healthcare access.

The primary concern is the distance to specialized breast cancer care. The closest comprehensive facilities are located in larger towns and cities, demanding significant travel time. Driving is the most common mode of transportation, but the routes present their own set of variables. From Waddington, the most direct route often involves traveling on **New York State Route 37**, a major artery that connects the village to larger regional hubs. Depending on traffic, a trip to Canton-Potsdam Hospital in Potsdam, NY, could take approximately 30 to 45 minutes. This drive, though manageable, requires careful planning, especially for post-treatment fatigue or during inclement weather.

Further afield, the journey to the larger healthcare centers in Watertown, NY, presents a more significant undertaking. This trip would likely involve merging onto **New York State Route 56** and then connecting to **Interstate 81 South**. The drive to Watertown can easily exceed an hour and a half, especially during peak travel times or in winter conditions. This extended travel time can be a significant burden, particularly for patients undergoing frequent treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Public transportation options in Waddington are limited. The St. Lawrence County Public Transit (SLCPT) provides some service, but its routes are often infrequent and may not directly serve the major healthcare facilities. While SLCPT offers some ADA-accessible buses, the routes and schedules must be carefully scrutinized to determine their suitability for individuals with mobility limitations or those undergoing treatment. The lack of robust public transit significantly impacts healthcare access, particularly for those who do not drive or cannot drive due to their medical condition.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, have a presence in the region, but their availability in Waddington and the surrounding areas is not guaranteed. The demand for these services is lower in rural areas, which can lead to longer wait times and potentially higher fares. Relying on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments is therefore unreliable, especially given the unpredictable nature of treatment schedules and the potential for unexpected delays.

Medical transport services offer a more specialized solution for patients requiring assistance with transportation. Several companies operate in the region, providing non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) to and from medical appointments. These services often include door-to-door assistance and may be covered by insurance, depending on the policy and medical necessity. However, availability and scheduling can be a challenge, and it is crucial to book these services well in advance.

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Waddington, NY, is therefore affected by several factors. The drive times to specialized care are substantial, the public transit options are limited, and the reliability of ride-sharing services is uncertain. While medical transport services provide a viable alternative, their availability and scheduling constraints must be considered. This landscape poses significant challenges for patients navigating breast cancer treatment.

For individuals considering moving to Waddington, NY, or for current residents seeking to understand their healthcare access, this analysis highlights the importance of careful planning. It is essential to factor in the travel time to medical appointments, the availability of transportation options, and the potential costs associated with each mode of transportation. Understanding these factors is crucial for making informed decisions about healthcare and ensuring that patients receive the timely and comprehensive care they need.

The Breast Cancer Score for Waddington, NY, is not a simple numerical value but a complex assessment of the transportation challenges and opportunities. It underscores the need for proactive planning, resourcefulness, and a strong support network to navigate the complexities of healthcare access. It also emphasizes the importance of advocating for improved public transportation and increased access to medical transport services in the region. This is not just about getting to appointments; it is about ensuring that patients have the support they need to focus on their health and well-being.

The journey through breast cancer is challenging enough without the added burden of transportation difficulties. By understanding the transportation landscape and proactively planning for medical appointments, residents of Waddington, NY, can improve their healthcare access and enhance their quality of life. This analysis serves as a starting point for a more informed approach to healthcare, encouraging patients to advocate for their needs and seek out the resources that will help them on their journey. The goal is to ensure that the tranquility of Waddington is not overshadowed by the difficulties of accessing the care needed to fight breast cancer.