13410, Nelliston, New York COPD Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 13410, Nelliston, New York is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

56.59 percent of residents in 13410 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.90 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Cayuga Medical Center At Ithaca with a distance of 9.15 miles from the area.

## COPD Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 13410

The crisp air of Nelliston, New York, nestled within the heart of the Mohawk Valley, offers a certain charm. However, for individuals grappling with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), the idyllic landscape presents a complex challenge: healthcare access. This analysis, the "COPD Score" for ZIP code 13410, delves into the realities of transportation and its impact on accessing vital medical care, a critical consideration for anyone contemplating moving to Nelliston, especially those managing respiratory conditions.

The primary determinant of healthcare access in Nelliston is the reliance on personal vehicles. The central location of the town, roughly equidistant from larger population centers, demands a car for almost all medical appointments. The most direct route to significant healthcare facilities involves navigating the arteries of the region: New York State Thruway (I-90) and Route 5S.

The nearest hospital, Bassett Healthcare Network's Little Falls Hospital, is approximately 15 miles away. The drive, primarily via Route 5S, typically takes around 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic. This relatively short commute is a significant advantage for residents of 13410. However, the journey itself can be challenging for COPD sufferers, especially during winter months when icy conditions and reduced visibility are common.

For more specialized care, residents often travel further. The commute to Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown, a comprehensive regional hospital, is a longer undertaking. This journey, primarily utilizing the Thruway (I-90) and Route 28, can take upwards of an hour, depending on traffic and weather. The distance and travel time pose a significant hurdle for individuals with COPD, who may experience increased breathlessness and fatigue during extended car rides. This is a crucial factor in the COPD Score.

Public transportation options in Nelliston are limited. The Greater Amsterdam Transportation Agency (GATA) provides some service in the broader area, but its routes do not directly serve Nelliston. Furthermore, the schedules are infrequent, and the routes are not designed for convenient healthcare access. This deficiency in public transportation significantly impacts the COPD Score, as it restricts the mobility of those who cannot or choose not to drive.

Accessibility for individuals with disabilities is also a concern. While GATA's buses are equipped with ADA-compliant features, the lack of direct routes to medical facilities in 13410 diminishes their utility. The absence of reliable public transportation exacerbates the challenges faced by COPD patients, many of whom may experience mobility limitations.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area, but their presence is not consistent. Availability depends on driver density, which is lower in rural areas like Nelliston. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier, particularly for frequent medical appointments. While ride-sharing offers a potential solution, its unreliability and cost impact the COPD Score.

Medical transport services are another option, specifically designed for individuals with healthcare needs. Companies like MedStar and First Transit offer non-emergency medical transportation. These services provide door-to-door transportation, including assistance for individuals with mobility limitations. However, these services often require advance booking and can be expensive, impacting the affordability of healthcare access.

The availability of home healthcare services is another factor. While several home healthcare agencies serve the area, the quality and availability of these services can vary. Access to home healthcare is crucial for COPD patients, enabling them to receive treatment and monitoring in the comfort of their homes, thereby reducing the need for frequent trips to medical facilities. The availability of these services contributes to the COPD Score.

The location of pharmacies and other healthcare-related businesses within 13410 is also relevant. The availability of local pharmacies for medication refills and other healthcare supplies reduces the need for lengthy travel. The presence of these local resources improves the COPD Score.

The overall COPD Score for 13410 is moderate. While the proximity to Little Falls Hospital provides a degree of healthcare access, the reliance on personal vehicles, the limitations of public transportation, and the variable availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services pose challenges. The longer commute to more specialized care in Cooperstown adds a significant hurdle.

For individuals with COPD considering moving to Nelliston, a thorough assessment of their transportation needs and financial resources is crucial. The ability to drive or secure reliable transportation is paramount. Exploring options like medical transport services and home healthcare is also essential. The COPD Score highlights the need for careful planning and consideration of the transportation landscape when making healthcare decisions in this area.

The quality of life for COPD patients in Nelliston hinges on their ability to navigate the transportation challenges. The COPD Score serves as a valuable tool, providing insights into the realities of healthcare access and enabling informed decisions. The challenges are real, but with careful planning and resourcefulness, individuals can successfully manage their condition while enjoying the beauty and tranquility of the Mohawk Valley.