13795, Kirkwood, New York Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 13795, Kirkwood, New York is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

69.64 percent of residents in 13795 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 6.47 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Greater Binghamton Health Center with a distance of 5.00 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating the Commute to Care in ZIP Code 13795

Understanding the realities of healthcare access is paramount, especially when considering the challenges faced by individuals battling breast cancer. This analysis focuses on ZIP Code 13795 (Kirkwood, NY), providing a comprehensive 'Breast Cancer Score' assessment, considering the crucial element of transportation. This score gauges the ease and efficiency of reaching essential medical appointments, treatment centers, and support services. It’s a critical factor for anyone contemplating moving to Kirkwood or currently residing there.

The journey to healthcare, particularly for those dealing with breast cancer, can be fraught with obstacles. Travel time, the availability of public transit, and the cost of transportation can significantly impact a patient's physical and emotional well-being. This assessment considers these factors, providing a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape in Kirkwood. The goal is to illuminate the pathways to care, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health and their location.

**Drive-Time Dynamics: The Road to Recovery**

The primary driver for healthcare access in Kirkwood is, unsurprisingly, personal vehicles. The region's landscape, characterized by rural stretches and limited public transit, necessitates reliance on cars for most residents. The drive times to key medical facilities are therefore central to our 'Breast Cancer Score'.

The closest major healthcare provider for comprehensive breast cancer care is United Health Services (UHS) Hospitals in Binghamton. The most direct route involves navigating **NY-17 West**, a major highway that connects Kirkwood to Binghamton. Under ideal traffic conditions, the drive takes approximately 20-25 minutes. However, during peak hours, particularly weekday mornings and afternoons, traffic congestion can extend this commute. Accidents, road closures, and inclement weather, common in the region, can further exacerbate delays.

Alternative routes exist, but they often add considerable travel time. **Old Route 17** and **Route 11** offer slower, more winding paths, typically adding 10-15 minutes to the journey. These routes may be preferable for those who find highway driving stressful or for those seeking a more scenic commute. However, they are generally less efficient.

For specialized services, such as radiation oncology or advanced surgical procedures, patients may need to travel further. Facilities in Syracuse or Albany, for example, could require drives of 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the specific location and traffic conditions. These longer commutes significantly impact the 'Breast Cancer Score', particularly for patients undergoing frequent treatments.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation in Kirkwood and the surrounding areas is limited. This significantly impacts the 'Breast Cancer Score'. The Broome County Transit (BCT) operates a bus system, but its routes and schedules are not designed to cater specifically to medical appointments.

BCT Route 12, which runs along Route 17C, offers a potential link to Binghamton. However, the frequency of this route is limited, with buses running primarily during weekday business hours. This makes it impractical for early morning appointments, late afternoon treatments, or weekend visits. Furthermore, the route does not directly serve UHS hospitals, requiring a transfer to another bus or a considerable walk.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a critical consideration for individuals with mobility limitations. BCT buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and ramps, but the limited route options and infrequent service still pose significant challenges. The lack of dedicated medical transport services further compounds these difficulties.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Binghamton area. However, their availability in Kirkwood itself can be less reliable, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant barrier for some patients, especially those with limited financial resources.

Medical transportation services offer a more specialized solution. These services are designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, often providing door-to-door service and assistance with mobility. Several medical transport companies operate in the Binghamton area, including CareRide and MedTrans. These services can be invaluable for patients who are unable to drive or who require assistance with mobility. However, the cost of these services can be substantial, and they may require advance booking.

**The 'Breast Cancer Score' in Context**

The 'Breast Cancer Score' for ZIP Code 13795, based on this transportation analysis, reveals a mixed picture. The relatively short drive time to UHS Hospitals in Binghamton provides a positive element. However, the limitations of public transit, the potential unreliability of ride-sharing, and the cost of medical transport services create significant challenges.

For individuals with breast cancer, these transportation challenges can translate into missed appointments, delayed treatments, and increased stress. The need for reliable and affordable transportation is crucial for ensuring timely access to care.

**Recommendations for Improvement**

Several steps could improve the 'Breast Cancer Score' for Kirkwood. Expanding the BCT bus service, including more frequent routes and direct connections to medical facilities, would be a significant improvement. Subsidizing ride-sharing or medical transport services for low-income patients would also enhance access.

Furthermore, promoting awareness of available transportation options and providing assistance with booking and scheduling could empower patients to navigate the healthcare system more effectively. Community-based initiatives, such as volunteer driver programs, could also play a valuable role.

**Conclusion: A Call to Action**

The 'Breast Cancer Score' is not just a numerical assessment; it's a reflection of the lived experiences of individuals facing a challenging health condition. The transportation landscape in Kirkwood, while offering some advantages, presents significant hurdles to accessing timely and comprehensive breast cancer care.

Moving to Kirkwood requires careful consideration of these factors. For those already residing in the area, advocating for improved transportation options and supporting community-based initiatives is crucial. Addressing the transportation barriers is an essential step in ensuring that all residents of 13795 have equal access to the healthcare they need. This is a call to action, a reminder that improving healthcare access is a collective responsibility, and that every journey to care should be as smooth and stress-free as possible.