13695, Wanakena, New York Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 13695, Wanakena, New York is 24 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

100.00 percent of residents in 13695 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 24.35 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Clifton Fine Hospital with a distance of 7.07 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Wanakena (ZIP Code 13695)**

The prospect of a breast cancer diagnosis casts a long shadow, demanding not only immediate medical attention but also a clear understanding of healthcare access. For residents of Wanakena, New York, nestled within the 13695 ZIP code, this understanding becomes paramount. This analysis, a "Breast Cancer Score" if you will, evaluates the accessibility of breast cancer-related healthcare services, focusing on transportation options, a critical factor in timely diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care.

Wanakena, a remote community, presents unique challenges. Its location within the Adirondack Park, while offering breathtaking natural beauty, significantly impacts healthcare access. The nearest comprehensive medical facilities equipped to handle breast cancer diagnosis and treatment are located in larger towns and cities, necessitating reliance on various transportation modes. Our score considers these factors, offering a realistic assessment of the journey to healthcare.

**Driving the Distance: Highways and Byways**

The primary mode of transportation for most Wanakena residents is personal vehicle. The drive to the nearest hospitals and cancer centers involves navigating a network of highways and local roads. The journey begins on the winding Route 3, the main artery connecting Wanakena to the outside world. This route, though scenic, can be challenging during inclement weather, particularly in winter.

Heading east, Route 3 leads to Tupper Lake, a town approximately 30 miles away. The drive, typically taking around 45 minutes to an hour, offers access to Adirondack Medical Center, a facility that provides some diagnostic services. However, for more specialized breast cancer care, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, patients often need to travel further.

Continuing east, Route 3 merges with Route 30, a major north-south highway. This intersection provides access to larger cities like Saranac Lake, about 50 miles away. The drive, roughly an hour and fifteen minutes, offers access to the Adirondack Health Medical Center, which may have more advanced diagnostic and treatment options.

For more comprehensive cancer care, the journey often extends to larger cities outside the immediate vicinity. Traveling south on Route 3, then connecting to Interstate 87 (the Northway), leads to Albany, a drive of approximately four hours. Albany offers access to major cancer centers like the Albany Medical Center, providing a full spectrum of breast cancer services. The drive, while lengthy, is generally straightforward, especially on the well-maintained interstate.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Wanakena and the surrounding areas are severely limited. The remoteness of the region and the sparse population density make establishing and maintaining a robust public transit system economically challenging. There is no dedicated bus service directly serving Wanakena.

The Adirondack Trailways bus line, while operating in the general region, does not offer direct routes to Wanakena. Residents would need to travel to a nearby town, such as Tupper Lake or Saranac Lake, to access the bus service. From there, they could potentially reach larger cities like Albany, but the journey would involve multiple transfers and extended travel times.

The lack of accessible public transportation poses a significant barrier to healthcare access for individuals who do not own a vehicle or are unable to drive. This is particularly concerning for elderly residents, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources. The absence of reliable public transit highlights the critical importance of other transportation alternatives.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in some of the larger towns and cities within reasonable driving distance of Wanakena. However, their availability is inconsistent in more rural areas. Securing a ride from Wanakena itself could prove difficult, especially during off-peak hours or in adverse weather conditions.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more specialized solution. These services often cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those who require assistance during travel. Several medical transportation companies operate in the Adirondack region, including local ambulance services and private transportation providers.

These services can be booked in advance, ensuring reliable transportation for medical appointments. However, they can be expensive, and the cost is often not fully covered by insurance. The availability of medical transport is a crucial factor in healthcare access, particularly for individuals who cannot drive or lack access to other transportation options.

**The Impact of Healthcare Access**

The challenges associated with transportation significantly impact healthcare access for Wanakena residents, especially those facing a breast cancer diagnosis. The distance to medical facilities, the limited public transit options, and the potential costs of ride-sharing or medical transport can create delays in diagnosis and treatment.

These delays can have serious consequences, as early detection and prompt treatment are crucial for successful breast cancer outcomes. The need to travel long distances for appointments can also add stress and financial burden to an already difficult situation.

**Moving to Wanakena: Considerations**

For individuals considering moving to Wanakena, particularly those with a history of breast cancer or a family history of the disease, healthcare access must be a primary consideration. The remoteness of the community and the limitations of transportation options necessitate careful planning.

Potential residents should research the availability of medical services in the area, including the proximity of hospitals and cancer centers. They should also investigate the availability and cost of medical transportation services.

Understanding the challenges associated with healthcare access is essential for making an informed decision about moving to Wanakena. Careful planning and proactive strategies can help mitigate the potential barriers to timely and effective breast cancer care.

**The Breast Cancer Score: A Summary**

The Breast Cancer Score for Wanakena, ZIP code 13695, is influenced by the following factors:

* **Drive Time:** The drive to the nearest facilities offering comprehensive breast cancer care is lengthy, ranging from 45 minutes to four hours, depending on the location and the services required.
* **Public Transit:** Public transportation options are extremely limited, with no direct bus service to Wanakena.
* **Ride-Sharing:** Ride-sharing services are inconsistent in the area.
* **Medical Transport:** Medical transport services are available but can be expensive.

This score reflects a challenging healthcare access landscape. Residents must rely heavily on personal vehicles and plan carefully for medical appointments. The lack of readily available public transit and the potential costs of medical transport highlight the need for proactive planning and support systems. The Breast Cancer Score underscores the importance of prioritizing transportation and healthcare access when considering the unique challenges of living in Wanakena.