13418, North Brookfield, New York Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 13418, North Brookfield, New York is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

75.68 percent of residents in 13418 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.60 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Community Memorial Hospital, Inc with a distance of 8.21 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in North Brookfield (ZIP Code 13418)

Considering a move to the charming town of North Brookfield, New York (ZIP code 13418)? Beyond the idyllic scenery and close-knit community, understanding healthcare access is paramount. This write-up delves into the realities of navigating the transportation landscape to receive necessary medical care, specifically focusing on factors relevant to individuals managing hypertension. We'll explore drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, all crucial components in determining a "Hypertension Score" for this area. This score, though not a formal metric, will offer a practical understanding of the challenges and advantages of accessing healthcare in North Brookfield.

The primary concern for individuals with hypertension is consistent access to medical appointments, medication refills, and emergency care. The ability to reach these services quickly and reliably significantly impacts health outcomes. Transportation becomes the linchpin. A high "Hypertension Score" would indicate easy access to healthcare, while a lower score would suggest potential difficulties.

**Driving the Healthcare Landscape:**

North Brookfield is a rural community, and personal vehicle ownership is the dominant mode of transportation. Drive times to healthcare facilities are, therefore, largely dependent on road conditions and distance. The nearest hospitals offering comprehensive care are located in Utica, approximately 40 miles east, and Cooperstown, roughly 35 miles south.

The journey to Utica, utilizing **New York State Route 12**, typically takes around 50 to 60 minutes under normal traffic conditions. This route, though scenic, can experience delays during inclement weather, particularly in winter. **New York State Route 20**, the primary east-west artery, provides an alternative route, although slightly longer, and may offer different traffic patterns.

Traveling to Cooperstown involves navigating **New York State Route 80** and potentially **New York State Route 28**, a drive of about 45 to 55 minutes. This route winds through picturesque countryside, but it too can be affected by weather and seasonal tourism. The condition of these roads, especially during winter months, is a critical factor in assessing healthcare access.

Within North Brookfield itself, local travel involves navigating smaller roads such as **County Route 16** and **County Route 17**. These roads are generally well-maintained but can be narrow and winding, requiring careful driving. The presence of readily accessible pharmacies for medication refills is essential, and the need to travel significant distances could pose a challenge.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public transportation options in North Brookfield are limited. The area is not served by a comprehensive bus network. This lack of public transportation significantly impacts individuals who do not own a vehicle or are unable to drive due to physical limitations. This is a critical factor in the "Hypertension Score."

While there may be limited demand-response transportation services offered by local agencies, they are often restricted to specific populations (e.g., seniors, individuals with disabilities) and require advance booking. These services may not be readily available for urgent medical needs. The lack of reliable public transit is a significant disadvantage for residents, particularly those managing chronic conditions like hypertension.

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

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the broader Utica and Cooperstown areas, but their availability in North Brookfield itself is less certain. The rural nature of the area and the limited population density may make it challenging to secure a ride, especially during off-peak hours or in emergencies. This unreliability lowers the "Hypertension Score."

Medical transport services, such as ambulance and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), are crucial for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring assistance getting to appointments. The availability and response times of these services are critical. Local ambulance services are available, but response times can be impacted by distance and road conditions.

NEMT providers, such as **Care Ride** or **LogistiCare**, may offer transportation to medical appointments. However, these services often require prior authorization and scheduling, making them less suitable for urgent needs. The reliance on these services, coupled with potential scheduling delays, can further complicate healthcare access.

**Healthcare Access: The Heart of the Matter:**

The "Hypertension Score" for North Brookfield, based on the factors discussed, would likely be moderate. While the area offers a peaceful environment, the limited transportation options pose significant challenges to healthcare access. The reliance on personal vehicles, the absence of robust public transit, and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services all contribute to a lower score.

Individuals with hypertension require regular medical check-ups, medication refills, and prompt access to emergency care. The drive times to hospitals and specialist offices, coupled with the potential for weather-related delays, can create barriers to care. The lack of readily available public transportation further exacerbates these challenges.

**Moving to North Brookfield: Making an Informed Decision:**

For individuals considering a move to North Brookfield, a careful assessment of their transportation needs is essential. Those with hypertension should prioritize proximity to healthcare facilities or consider the availability of reliable transportation options. Planning for potential delays, understanding the limitations of public transit, and exploring the availability of medical transport services are crucial steps.

The "Hypertension Score" serves as a reminder that healthcare access is not solely determined by the quality of medical providers but also by the ease with which individuals can reach them. While North Brookfield offers a desirable quality of life, potential residents must carefully weigh the transportation challenges against the benefits of living in this rural community.