12922, Childwold, New York Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 12922, Childwold, New York is 12 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

25.00 percent of residents in 12922 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 26.27 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Clifton Fine Hospital with a distance of 18.25 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Childwold (ZIP Code 12922)

Childwold, New York, nestled within the Adirondack Park, offers a serene escape. However, its remote location presents unique challenges, particularly concerning healthcare access for residents managing hypertension. This write-up analyzes the transportation landscape, crucial for timely medical appointments and medication refills, ultimately constructing a "Hypertension Score" reflecting the ease or difficulty of accessing necessary care. This score will be a valuable tool for individuals considering moving to Childwold, especially those with pre-existing health conditions.

The primary determinant of the Hypertension Score is the ease of **transportation** to essential healthcare services. A high score indicates readily available and efficient options, while a low score signals significant barriers. We will examine drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, considering their availability, reliability, and accessibility features.

**Drive Times and Road Conditions:**

Childwold's geographical isolation dictates a reliance on personal vehicles. The closest major medical facilities are located in Tupper Lake and Saranac Lake, both requiring significant travel. The primary route to Tupper Lake involves traversing **State Route 30**, a scenic but often winding two-lane highway. During peak traffic, especially during tourist season, travel time can extend, potentially impacting timely medical attention. Expect a drive of approximately 25-35 minutes under ideal conditions.

Reaching Saranac Lake necessitates a longer journey, primarily utilizing **State Route 3** and **State Route 86**. This route offers wider roads and generally better conditions, but the distance increases the travel time to around 45-60 minutes. The condition of these roads is generally well-maintained, but winter weather, with its snow and ice, can significantly impact travel times and safety, posing a considerable risk for individuals with hypertension.

The condition of the roads and the potential for inclement weather directly influence the Hypertension Score. Reliable transportation is paramount for individuals managing hypertension, as missed appointments or delays in receiving medication can have serious health consequences.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public transit options in Childwold are extremely limited. The primary provider is the Franklin County Public TransportationPublic Transportation (FCPT). While FCPT offers a dial-a-ride service, its availability and frequency are restricted, making it an unreliable option for routine medical appointments. The service requires advance booking, and wait times can be substantial.

Furthermore, the FCPT vehicles may not always be equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, such as wheelchair lifts, which can be a significant barrier for individuals with mobility issues. The limited reach of public transit contributes negatively to the Hypertension Score.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, like Uber and Lyft, are virtually nonexistent in Childwold. The sparse population and geographical isolation make it economically unviable for these companies to operate in the area. This absence significantly limits transportation options for those without personal vehicles.

Medical transport services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are available, but their availability and cost vary. Local ambulance services may offer non-emergency transport, but their primary focus is emergency medical care. Specialized medical transport companies, such as Adirondack Medical Transport, may provide services, but these can be costly and require advance booking.

The lack of readily available ride-sharing and the variable availability of medical transport further contribute to a lower Hypertension Score. This underscores the importance of personal vehicle ownership for residents of Childwold.

**Healthcare Access: Beyond Transportation:**

While transportation is the primary focus of the Hypertension Score, other factors influence **healthcare access**. The availability of local pharmacies for medication refills is crucial. Fortunately, pharmacies are located in Tupper Lake and Saranac Lake, accessible via the routes previously mentioned.

The availability of primary care physicians and specialists is another critical consideration. Childwold itself has limited medical facilities. Residents must travel to Tupper Lake or Saranac Lake to access primary care and specialist services, such as cardiology.

The quality of care and the availability of appointments are also important factors. Delays in accessing care, whether due to transportation limitations or appointment availability, can negatively impact the management of hypertension.

**Constructing the Hypertension Score:**

The Hypertension Score for Childwold (ZIP Code 12922) will be based on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 representing optimal access and 1 representing extremely limited access.

* **Drive Times:** Given the 25-60 minute drive times to medical facilities, the score receives a moderate deduction.
* **Public Transit:** The limited availability and unreliability of public transit significantly lower the score.
* **Ride-Sharing:** The absence of ride-sharing services presents a major challenge.
* **Medical Transport:** The variable availability and cost of medical transport services result in a moderate deduction.
* **Pharmacy Access:** The availability of pharmacies in nearby towns contributes positively.
* **Physician Availability:** The need to travel to access primary care and specialist services impacts the score.
* **Weather Conditions:** The impact of winter weather on travel times and safety is a significant concern.

Considering these factors, the Hypertension Score for Childwold (ZIP Code 12922) is estimated to be **4 out of 10**. This score reflects the challenges faced by residents in accessing timely and reliable healthcare, particularly those managing hypertension.

**Implications for Moving to Childwold:**

For individuals considering **moving to Childwold**, this Hypertension Score provides crucial information. It highlights the importance of owning a reliable vehicle and planning for potential travel delays. It also underscores the need to establish relationships with healthcare providers in Tupper Lake or Saranac Lake and to plan for medication refills and appointments in advance.

The score emphasizes the potential difficulties associated with managing hypertension in a remote location. While Childwold offers a peaceful and beautiful environment, the limitations in **transportation** and **healthcare access** must be carefully considered. This information is essential for informed decision-making, ensuring that individuals can maintain their health and well-being while enjoying the unique lifestyle Childwold provides. The score is a crucial factor for anyone considering **moving to Childwold** and highlights the importance of carefully evaluating their individual needs and circumstances.