13797, Lisle, New York COPD Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 13797, Lisle, New York is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

43.85 percent of residents in 13797 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.98 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Our Lady Of Lourdes Memorial Hospital with a distance of 17.55 miles from the area.

## COPD Score: Navigating Healthcare in ZIP Code 13797

The crisp air of Lisle, New York, nestled in ZIP Code 13797, offers a tranquil setting. However, for individuals managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), the serenity of this rural landscape must be weighed against the realities of healthcare access. This write-up assesses the transportation landscape, crucial for COPD patients, to determine a "COPD Score" reflecting the ease or difficulty of reaching medical appointments and vital services.

The primary challenge in Lisle, a town of approximately 800 residents, is its limited public transportation infrastructure. The absence of a dedicated bus system or train service significantly restricts mobility, particularly for those with COPD who may experience breathlessness, fatigue, and reduced stamina. These limitations directly impact healthcare access, making it more difficult to attend regular check-ups, pulmonary rehabilitation, and other essential medical appointments.

Driving is the most prevalent mode of transportation. The primary artery connecting Lisle to larger towns and healthcare facilities is New York State Route 79. This two-lane highway provides a direct route to the city of Ithaca, approximately 30 miles west, where a comprehensive range of medical services is available. The drive on Route 79, usually taking around 45 minutes, can be challenging for COPD patients, especially during inclement weather or periods of heavy traffic. The road itself is generally well-maintained, but its winding nature and occasional steep grades can exacerbate breathing difficulties.

Another significant route is New York State Route 11, which runs north and south, offering access to the city of Binghamton, roughly 20 miles to the south. This drive, typically taking about 30 minutes, provides access to additional healthcare options, including hospitals and specialized clinics. Route 11 is a faster, more direct route than Route 79, but it can experience congestion during peak hours, potentially adding to the stress of a journey for a COPD patient.

Local roads, such as Lisle Road and Smith Road, provide access to nearby towns and services. However, these roads are often narrower and less well-maintained than the state highways, potentially posing further challenges for individuals with mobility limitations. The condition of these local roads, especially during winter months, is a critical factor in assessing healthcare access.

Public transportation options are severely limited. Broome County Public Transportation, which serves the Binghamton area, does not extend its routes to Lisle. This lack of public transit is a significant barrier to healthcare access, particularly for individuals who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle. The absence of readily available public transportation necessitates reliance on alternative options, which may be less reliable and more expensive.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Binghamton area, but their presence in Lisle is less consistent. Availability can be sporadic, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant burden for individuals with COPD, who often have limited financial resources. The uncertainty of ride-share availability adds an element of stress to the process of planning and attending medical appointments.

Medical transportation services offer a specialized solution for individuals with healthcare needs. Several medical transport providers operate in the region, including CareRide and AMR (American Medical Response). These services provide non-emergency medical transportation, often with trained personnel and accessible vehicles. However, these services can be expensive and may require advance booking, which can be problematic in the case of unexpected medical needs.

The availability of these services is a positive factor, but the cost and scheduling requirements can still create challenges for COPD patients. The need to pre-arrange transportation, especially for urgent care, can be a source of anxiety.

Healthcare access in Lisle is primarily centered around primary care physicians and occasional specialist visits. The nearest hospital, Wilson Medical Center, is located in Johnson City, approximately 25 miles away. This distance necessitates travel, increasing the time and effort required to receive emergency care or specialized treatments. The availability of urgent care facilities in the immediate vicinity of Lisle is limited, further emphasizing the importance of reliable transportation.

The availability of pulmonary rehabilitation programs, crucial for managing COPD, is another critical factor. These programs are often located in larger cities like Binghamton or Ithaca, requiring patients to travel for specialized care. The distance and transportation challenges can make it difficult for individuals to participate regularly in these programs, hindering their ability to effectively manage their condition.

The impact of the transportation landscape on the COPD Score is significant. The absence of public transportation, the limited availability of ride-sharing services, and the reliance on personal vehicles create considerable barriers to healthcare access. The distance to healthcare facilities, coupled with the potential for weather-related delays, further complicates the situation.

Moving to Lisle, while offering the benefits of a rural lifestyle, presents clear challenges for COPD patients. The lack of readily available transportation options necessitates careful consideration of healthcare access when making a relocation decision. The COPD Score for ZIP Code 13797 reflects the need for careful planning and reliance on personal vehicles or specialized transportation services to ensure timely and consistent access to medical care.

The COPD Score for Lisle, NY (ZIP Code 13797) is **Moderate to Challenging**. While there are options for accessing healthcare, the limitations in public transportation, the reliance on driving, and the potential for transportation-related delays significantly impact the ease and reliability of reaching medical appointments and essential services. Individuals with COPD considering a move to Lisle should carefully assess their transportation needs and explore all available options to ensure they can effectively manage their condition. The availability of medical transport services and the proximity to healthcare facilities in neighboring cities offer some mitigation, but the overall transportation environment presents a significant challenge.