13615, Brownville, New York Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 13615, Brownville, New York is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

91.29 percent of residents in 13615 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.70 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Samaritan Medical Center with a distance of 4.47 miles from the area.

**Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Brownville, NY (ZIP Code 13615)**

Considering a move to Brownville, New York (ZIP Code 13615)? This report assesses the accessibility of healthcare services, particularly for individuals managing hypertension, a condition requiring regular monitoring and treatment. We examine the transportation landscape, providing a 'Hypertension Score' based on drive times, public transit options, and alternative transportation services. This score reflects the ease with which residents can access necessary medical appointments and pharmacies, crucial for effective hypertension management.

The 'Hypertension Score' is a composite metric, incorporating several factors: drive times to primary care physicians, specialists (cardiologists, nephrologists), pharmacies, and emergency services. It also considers the availability and reliability of public transportation, ride-sharing, and medical transport services. Each component is weighted based on its impact on healthcare access for individuals with hypertension. A higher score indicates better access, while a lower score highlights potential challenges.

**Drive Times: The Road to Care**

Brownville, nestled in Jefferson County, presents a predominantly rural landscape. Personal vehicle ownership is the primary mode of transportation for many residents. Accessing healthcare often necessitates driving.

* **Primary Care:** The closest primary care physicians are likely located in Brownville itself or in nearby Watertown. Expect drive times to range from 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the specific location within Brownville and traffic conditions. Major roads like County Route 12, County Route 5, and NY-180 are critical arteries.

* **Specialist Care:** For specialist appointments, particularly cardiology and nephrology, residents will likely need to travel to Watertown. The drive to Samaritan Medical Center, the primary hospital in the area, typically takes 15 to 25 minutes via NY-180 and US-11. The distance can be extended, especially during peak hours.

* **Emergency Services:** The Brownville Fire Department provides emergency medical services. However, for serious medical emergencies, patients are often transported to Samaritan Medical Center. This journey mirrors the specialist care drive time.

* **Pharmacies:** Pharmacies are located in Brownville and Watertown. The drive to the nearest pharmacy should not exceed 15 minutes, making medication refills relatively convenient.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation in the 13615 ZIP code is limited. Jefferson County operates a public transit system, but its routes and schedules are infrequent, and coverage is sparse.

* **Routes and Schedules:** The Jefferson County Transit (JCT) offers limited bus routes, with service primarily focused on Watertown. Residents of Brownville may have limited access to these routes, potentially requiring a transfer or a considerable walk to a bus stop. Schedules are often fixed, with limited weekend and evening service.

* **ADA Accessibility:** JCT buses are equipped with ADA-compliant features, including ramps and designated seating for individuals with disabilities. However, the infrequency of service and limited route coverage present challenges for those reliant on public transit.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, may be available in the Watertown area, but their presence in Brownville is uncertain. Availability is subject to driver density and demand.

* **Ride-Sharing:** The availability of ride-sharing services in Brownville is inconsistent. Residents should not rely solely on these services for healthcare access, especially for time-sensitive appointments.

* **Medical Transport:** Several medical transport companies operate in the region, providing transportation for medical appointments. These services can be a valuable resource for individuals with mobility limitations or those unable to drive. However, these services often require advance booking and may involve associated costs.

**Hypertension Score Components and Weighting**

The 'Hypertension Score' is calculated based on the following components:

* **Drive Time to Primary Care:** Weighted at 30%.
* **Drive Time to Specialist Care:** Weighted at 25%.
* **Public Transit Availability and Reliability:** Weighted at 15%.
* **Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport Availability:** Weighted at 20%.
* **Pharmacy Access:** Weighted at 10%.

**Calculating the Score**

Each component receives a score based on its impact on healthcare access. Drive times are scored inversely, with shorter drive times receiving higher scores. Public transit availability and reliability are scored based on route frequency, coverage, and ADA accessibility. Ride-sharing and medical transport availability are scored based on service frequency and cost. Pharmacy access is scored based on drive time. The weighted scores are then combined to produce the final 'Hypertension Score'.

**Final Considerations**

Moving to Brownville, NY (13615) presents both opportunities and challenges for individuals managing hypertension. The availability of primary care and pharmacy access is generally good. However, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transportation options necessitate careful planning.

**Recommendations for Residents with Hypertension:**

* **Prioritize Proximity:** When choosing a residence, consider proximity to primary care physicians and pharmacies.
* **Plan Ahead:** Schedule appointments well in advance and factor in travel time.
* **Explore Transportation Options:** Investigate the availability of ride-sharing services and medical transport providers.
* **Maintain a Vehicle:** Owning a personal vehicle is highly recommended due to the limited public transit options.
* **Build a Support Network:** Enlist the help of family, friends, or neighbors for transportation assistance.

**Conclusion**

The 'Hypertension Score' for Brownville, NY (13615) reflects the realities of healthcare access in a rural environment. While healthcare access is available, it is significantly reliant on personal transportation. Residents with hypertension must proactively plan and utilize available resources to ensure consistent access to care. The score serves as a valuable tool for individuals considering a move to Brownville, highlighting the importance of transportation planning for managing their health effectively.