12923, Churubusco, New York COPD Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 12923, Churubusco, New York is 24 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

44.94 percent of residents in 12923 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 29.82 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Alice Hyde Medical Center with a distance of 17.51 miles from the area.

## COPD Score: Navigating Healthcare in Churubusco (ZIP Code 12923)

The crisp air of the Adirondacks, the tranquility of the Ausable River – Churubusco, New York (ZIP Code 12923), offers a picturesque setting for those seeking respite. However, for individuals managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), the idyllic charm must be weighed against the practicalities of healthcare access. This write-up provides a "COPD Score" assessment, focusing on the challenges and opportunities of transportation to medical appointments, crucial for maintaining respiratory health in this rural community. The score considers factors like drive times, public transit, ride-sharing options, and medical transport services.

The cornerstone of assessing healthcare accessibility is understanding the geography. Churubusco, nestled within the town of Clinton, is a relatively isolated area. The nearest major healthcare facilities are located in Plattsburgh, approximately 20 miles east. This distance translates to a significant consideration for COPD patients, who often require frequent medical visits.

**Drive Times: The Road to Recovery**

Driving remains the primary mode of transportation for many residents. The journey to Plattsburgh typically involves navigating several key routes. From Churubusco, one must first travel east on **New York State Route 195**. This road, while scenic, is a two-lane highway, susceptible to seasonal weather conditions, particularly snow and ice during the winter months. The drive then merges onto **U.S. Route 11**, a slightly wider thoroughfare that eventually leads into Plattsburgh.

Traffic congestion is generally light, but the drive can still take between 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the time of day and weather. For a COPD patient, this time frame can be a significant challenge. The physical exertion of driving, combined with the potential for stress and exposure to pollutants in the car, can exacerbate respiratory symptoms. Therefore, the drive time is a critical factor in the COPD Score.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Churubusco are severely limited. The primary provider is the **Clinton County Public Transportation (CCPT)**. CCPT operates a fixed-route bus service, but its coverage in Churubusco is minimal, and the frequency of service is not conducive to frequent medical appointments. The routes and schedules are subject to change.

The CCPT does offer a demand-response service, which requires advanced booking and can be used for medical appointments. However, this service is not guaranteed, and the waiting times can be unpredictable. Furthermore, while CCPT strives to provide ADA-accessible vehicles, the availability of these vehicles on all routes is not always assured. The limited public transportation options significantly impact the COPD Score, particularly for those unable to drive or lacking access to a personal vehicle.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Plattsburgh, but their presence in Churubusco is inconsistent. The availability of drivers and the cost of rides can vary significantly, making them an unreliable option for scheduled medical appointments. This variability adds to the complexity of the COPD Score.

Medical transport services offer a more specialized solution. Several companies provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) in the Plattsburgh area. These services often cater to patients with mobility limitations and can provide door-to-door transportation. Some of the prominent brands include **Ambulance Services of Plattsburgh** and **First Transit**. These services, while offering a valuable resource, can be expensive and require pre-booking, which can be a logistical hurdle for patients needing urgent care. The cost and availability of medical transport services are integral components of the COPD Score.

**Healthcare Access: A Holistic Perspective**

Beyond transportation, the COPD Score must also consider healthcare access. The availability of pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, and other specialists in Plattsburgh is a crucial factor. The proximity to hospitals, such as **University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH)**, is another important consideration.

Furthermore, the availability of home healthcare services, including respiratory therapy and medication delivery, can significantly improve the quality of life for COPD patients. These services can reduce the need for frequent travel and provide essential support within the home environment.

**Moving to Churubusco: A Careful Consideration**

For individuals with COPD considering moving to Churubusco, a thorough assessment of the transportation landscape is essential. The idyllic setting must be balanced against the challenges of accessing healthcare. The COPD Score, therefore, serves as a vital tool for informed decision-making.

**COPD Score: The Verdict**

Based on the factors discussed, the COPD Score for Churubusco (ZIP Code 12923) is moderate. While the drive to Plattsburgh is manageable, the limited public transportation options, the inconsistent availability of ride-sharing services, and the cost of medical transport services pose significant challenges. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with the potential for seasonal weather disruptions, further complicates healthcare access.

However, the availability of medical transport services and the proximity to healthcare facilities in Plattsburgh offer some mitigation. Individuals considering moving to Churubusco with COPD should prioritize having a reliable means of transportation, explore the availability of home healthcare services, and proactively plan for medical appointments, including booking transportation well in advance. The journey to healthcare in Churubusco requires careful planning and consideration, but with proactive measures, individuals with COPD can still thrive in this beautiful Adirondack community. The score emphasizes the importance of understanding the transportation landscape, embracing available resources, and making informed decisions to ensure optimal respiratory health.