13730, Afton, New York Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 13730, Afton, New York is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

62.83 percent of residents in 13730 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 20.15 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Greater Binghamton Health Center with a distance of 19.10 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Afton, NY (ZIP Code 13730)**

The journey to healthcare, particularly for breast cancer screening and treatment, is a critical aspect of well-being. This assessment, designed for those residing in or considering a move to Afton, NY (ZIP code 13730), explores the landscape of transportation options and healthcare access, assigning a "Breast Cancer Score" based on these factors. This score, encompassing drive times, public transit availability, and ride-sharing services, aims to provide a clear picture of the ease with which individuals can access vital breast cancer-related care.

The score considers the distance and accessibility to key healthcare providers specializing in breast cancer care. This includes facilities offering mammograms, diagnostic imaging, surgical oncology, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The availability and efficiency of transportation options are central to this evaluation, ensuring that residents can receive timely and appropriate care.

**Drive Times and Roadways**

Afton's location in rural Delaware County presents a unique challenge regarding transportation. The primary roadways influencing healthcare access are NY-41 and NY-7. Traveling to the nearest hospitals and cancer centers requires careful planning. The drive to UHS Wilson Medical Center in Johnson City, NY, a regional hub for comprehensive cancer care, is approximately 45-60 minutes via NY-41 and I-88. This drive time is subject to traffic conditions, particularly during peak hours.

Further afield, the drive to Bassett Healthcare Network in Cooperstown, NY, offering specialized cancer services, is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes via NY-7. While the roads are generally well-maintained, winter weather can significantly impact travel times and safety. This necessitates careful consideration of seasonal conditions when planning appointments and treatments.

The drive to larger metropolitan areas, such as Syracuse or Albany, offering a broader range of specialized cancer centers, can extend to 2-3 hours. These longer drives necessitate careful planning and may require overnight stays, adding to the burden of treatment.

**Public Transit: Limited Options**

Public transportation in Afton is extremely limited. Delaware County Public Transit offers some bus services, but these are primarily geared towards local routes and may not directly serve the major healthcare facilities outside of Afton. The schedules are often infrequent, and the routes may not align with the needs of patients requiring regular appointments.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility on these buses should be confirmed prior to use. Riders with mobility issues or other disabilities should verify that the routes and vehicles are equipped to meet their needs. The lack of robust public transit options significantly impacts healthcare access, especially for those without personal vehicles.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Afton area, but their availability is not guaranteed, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of these services can also be a significant barrier, especially for frequent appointments.

Medical transportation services, such as CareRide and First Transit, offer specialized transportation for medical appointments. These services often provide door-to-door service and are equipped to handle patients with mobility challenges. However, availability may be limited, and scheduling requires advance planning. The cost of these services can vary depending on the distance and the level of care required.

**Healthcare Access: Facilities and Services**

The closest facilities offering breast cancer screening and treatment include:

* **UHS Wilson Medical Center (Johnson City, NY):** Offers comprehensive cancer care, including mammograms, diagnostic imaging, surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
* **Bassett Healthcare Network (Cooperstown, NY):** Provides specialized cancer services and a range of treatment options.
* **Local Physician Offices:** Many primary care physicians in the area offer referrals for mammograms and other breast cancer screenings.

It is crucial to confirm the availability of appointments, insurance coverage, and specific services offered at each facility. Proactive communication with healthcare providers is essential to ensure timely access to care.

**Breast Cancer Score and Recommendations**

Based on the factors discussed, Afton, NY (13730) receives a moderate Breast Cancer Score. While the area offers access to essential healthcare facilities, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transit options present challenges. The drive times to major cancer centers can be significant, and the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services is not always guaranteed.

**Recommendations for residents and those considering a move to Afton:**

* **Establish a strong relationship with a primary care physician:** This is the first step in navigating the healthcare system and obtaining referrals for screenings and treatment.
* **Plan transportation in advance:** Factor in drive times, traffic conditions, and potential weather delays when scheduling appointments.
* **Explore ride-sharing and medical transport options:** Research the availability and cost of these services and establish accounts if necessary.
* **Consider the impact of weather:** Winter weather can significantly impact travel times and safety.
* **Advocate for improved public transit:** Support efforts to expand public transportation options in the area.
* **Explore telehealth options:** Utilize telehealth services for follow-up appointments and consultations when appropriate.
* **Join a local support group:** Connect with other individuals affected by breast cancer for emotional support and practical advice.

**Conclusion**

Navigating healthcare access in Afton, NY, requires careful planning and consideration of transportation challenges. While the area offers access to essential healthcare services, the reliance on personal vehicles and limited public transit options pose significant barriers. By proactively addressing these challenges and utilizing available resources, residents can increase their chances of receiving timely and appropriate breast cancer care. Moving to Afton requires a thoughtful assessment of transportation needs and healthcare access, particularly for individuals with pre-existing health conditions.