12837, Hampton, New York COPD Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 12837, Hampton, New York is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

49.10 percent of residents in 12837 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 25.01 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Glens Falls Hospital with a distance of 23.35 miles from the area.

## COPD Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in ZIP Code 12837

The crisp air of the Adirondacks, the tranquility of Lake George – the allure of Hampton, New York (ZIP Code 12837), is undeniable. But for individuals managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), the idyllic setting demands careful consideration of healthcare access. This write-up provides a COPD Score assessment, specifically focusing on transportation options and their impact on accessing necessary medical care. It's a critical element for anyone contemplating moving to Hampton, especially those with respiratory challenges.

Our analysis begins with the primary transportation artery: Interstate 87, also known as the Adirondack Northway. This highway offers relatively quick access to healthcare facilities outside of Hampton. Traveling south, the Northway leads to Glens Falls Hospital, approximately a 25-minute drive, covering about 20 miles. The route is generally straightforward, but winter weather can significantly impact drive times, potentially doubling them during snowstorms.

Heading north on I-87 presents a longer journey to larger hospitals in Plattsburgh, roughly a 90-minute drive. This option is less practical for routine appointments but becomes crucial for specialized care or emergency situations. Route 9, a parallel road to the Northway, offers an alternative, often scenic, but slower, route. It's important to note that Route 9, while offering more direct access to local businesses, can experience higher traffic volume, particularly during peak tourist seasons.

Within Hampton itself, local roads like Lake Shore Drive and Fort Ticonderoga Road offer access to local pharmacies and primary care physicians. These routes are generally well-maintained, but their narrowness and potential for tourist congestion, especially during the summer months, can be a challenge for individuals with COPD who may experience shortness of breath or require frequent rest stops. The ability to navigate these roads safely and efficiently is a key factor in determining the overall COPD Score.

Public transportation options in ZIP Code 12837 are limited. The Greater Glens Falls Transit (GGFT) provides some service, but its routes are primarily focused on the city of Glens Falls and do not extensively serve Hampton. The availability of ADA-accessible buses is a critical consideration for individuals with COPD who may have mobility limitations. Confirming the specific routes, schedules, and ADA features with GGFT is essential.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the region, but their reliability and availability can fluctuate, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, especially for frequent medical appointments. Medical transportation services, such as ambulance or non-emergency medical transport, are available but are typically reserved for specific situations and can be costly.

The COPD Score, therefore, is not just about the physical distance to healthcare facilities; it's about the reliability, accessibility, and affordability of transportation. For individuals with COPD, unpredictable delays or inaccessible options can severely impact their ability to manage their condition effectively.

The proximity of Glens Falls Hospital provides a reasonable baseline for healthcare access. However, the reliance on personal vehicles or potentially unreliable ride-sharing services introduces vulnerabilities. The lack of robust public transportation further complicates the picture.

When evaluating the COPD Score, consider these factors: the individual's ability to drive, the availability of family or friends to provide transportation, the financial resources to utilize ride-sharing or medical transport, and the ability to navigate potential weather-related delays.

For someone with severe COPD, the limitations of public transportation and the potential for unreliable ride-sharing services could significantly reduce the COPD Score. The need for frequent appointments and the potential for emergency situations necessitate reliable and readily available transportation.

Conversely, an individual with mild COPD, who can drive and has access to a reliable vehicle, may find the transportation options in Hampton to be adequate. The proximity to Glens Falls Hospital and the availability of local pharmacies contribute to a higher COPD Score.

Moving to Hampton requires a careful assessment of these transportation factors. The beauty of the Adirondacks should not come at the expense of healthcare access. Prospective residents with COPD must proactively research transportation options, considering their individual needs and limitations.

This assessment is not a definitive COPD Score, but a framework for understanding the transportation challenges and opportunities in ZIP Code 12837. It is crucial to gather specific information about the availability of public transportation, the reliability of ride-sharing services, and the costs of medical transport.

Contacting local healthcare providers, community organizations, and the Greater Glens Falls Transit can provide valuable insights. Discussing transportation needs with a pulmonologist or other healthcare professionals is also highly recommended.

Ultimately, the decision to move to Hampton is a personal one. But for individuals with COPD, a thorough understanding of the transportation landscape is essential to ensure access to the healthcare they need to live a healthy and fulfilling life in this beautiful corner of the Adirondacks. The ability to navigate the roads, utilize available services, and plan for potential challenges will determine the overall success of moving to Hampton. The quality of life, especially for those with COPD, depends on the ability to access healthcare with minimal stress and disruption.