13633, De Peyster, New York Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 13633, De Peyster, New York is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

62.50 percent of residents in 13633 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.31 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Gouverneur Hospital with a distance of 11.08 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in De Peyster, NY (ZIP Code 13633)

De Peyster, New York, a rural community nestled in St. Lawrence County, presents unique challenges and opportunities concerning healthcare access, particularly for residents managing hypertension. This write-up provides a comprehensive overview of transportation options and their impact on accessing necessary medical care, culminating in a "Hypertension Score" designed to assess the ease with which individuals can reach healthcare providers within and around ZIP code 13633. For those considering moving to De Peyster, this analysis offers critical insights into the practicalities of managing their health in this environment.

The cornerstone of healthcare access in De Peyster is the ability to reach medical facilities. The primary method of transportation is, undoubtedly, the personal vehicle. Residents rely on their cars to navigate the expansive geography of the region. Major thoroughfares, like State Route 37, act as arteries, connecting De Peyster to neighboring towns and cities where healthcare services are concentrated. State Route 184 provides another vital link, offering access to essential services.

Drive times are a crucial factor. The nearest hospitals and specialized clinics are often located in larger towns like Canton, Gouverneur, and Ogdensburg. A drive to Canton, home to Canton-Potsdam Hospital, typically takes around 30 minutes via Route 37. Gouverneur, with its Gouverneur Hospital, is a similar distance, reachable primarily via Route 11. Ogdensburg, a larger city with more extensive medical offerings, is approximately 45 minutes away by car, again utilizing Route 37. These drive times, while manageable for many, can pose significant challenges for individuals with hypertension, especially during emergencies or adverse weather conditions.

Public transportation options are limited in De Peyster. The St. Lawrence County Public Transit system offers some routes, but their frequency and coverage in the rural areas are constrained. The availability of accessible vehicles, compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), is crucial for individuals with mobility limitations. Specific route numbers and schedules should be investigated directly with the St. Lawrence County Public Transit to determine the feasibility of using public transit for healthcare appointments. The reliability of public transit, especially in a region with harsh winters, must be carefully considered when evaluating healthcare access.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, though their presence is less consistent compared to larger urban centers. Availability may be limited, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, potentially adding to the financial burden of managing hypertension. Residents should investigate the availability and cost of ride-sharing services in advance, especially if they rely on this mode of transportation for medical appointments.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance getting to and from appointments, offer an alternative. These services often cater to individuals with mobility issues or those who cannot drive themselves. Several companies operate in the St. Lawrence County area, but their specific coverage and availability in De Peyster should be confirmed. These services can provide a valuable lifeline for individuals with hypertension, ensuring they can attend necessary medical appointments.

The availability of telehealth services is becoming increasingly important. Remote consultations with physicians, medication management, and remote monitoring of vital signs can reduce the need for frequent in-person visits. The quality of internet access in De Peyster, however, is a critical factor. Reliable internet connectivity is essential for telehealth services to be effective. Residents should assess their internet access and consider it when evaluating their healthcare access.

The proximity of pharmacies is another critical consideration. Access to medications is essential for managing hypertension. Residents should identify the nearest pharmacies and assess their accessibility. The availability of prescription delivery services, offered by some pharmacies, can be a significant benefit for individuals with mobility limitations or those who have difficulty traveling.

Finally, the presence of community health programs and support groups can play a vital role in managing hypertension. These programs often provide education, resources, and support to individuals with the condition. Residents should investigate the availability of such programs in De Peyster or nearby communities.

**Hypertension Score Calculation:**

To assess healthcare access in De Peyster, we assign points based on the following criteria:

* **Drive Time to Nearest Hospital (Canton-Potsdam Hospital):**
* Under 30 minutes: 5 points
* 30-45 minutes: 3 points
* Over 45 minutes: 1 point
* **Public Transportation Availability & Reliability:**
* Frequent and reliable service: 3 points
* Limited service: 1 point
* No service: 0 points
* **Ride-Sharing Availability & Cost:**
* Readily available and affordable: 3 points
* Available but expensive or infrequent: 1 point
* Not available: 0 points
* **Medical Transportation Services:**
* Available and accessible: 3 points
* Limited availability: 1 point
* Not available: 0 points
* **Telehealth Access & Internet Reliability:**
* Reliable internet and readily available telehealth services: 3 points
* Limited internet access and telehealth options: 1 point
* No reliable internet or telehealth: 0 points
* **Pharmacy Access & Medication Delivery:**
* Easy access to pharmacies and delivery services: 3 points
* Limited pharmacy access or no delivery: 1 point
* No pharmacy access: 0 points
* **Community Health Programs & Support Groups:**
* Available and accessible: 3 points
* Limited availability: 1 point
* Not available: 0 points

**Total Score:** The sum of points across all categories.

**Interpretation:**

* **20-24 points:** Excellent healthcare access.
* **15-19 points:** Good healthcare access.
* **10-14 points:** Moderate healthcare access; potential challenges.
* **5-9 points:** Limited healthcare access; significant challenges.
* **0-4 points:** Poor healthcare access; severe challenges.

**Applying the Score to De Peyster (13633):**

Based on the factors discussed, a preliminary assessment of De Peyster’s Hypertension Score would likely fall in the moderate range. Drive times to Canton-Potsdam Hospital are manageable, earning points. Public transportation is limited, reducing the score. Ride-sharing availability is uncertain, impacting the score. Medical transportation services are available, but their coverage needs to be verified. Telehealth access depends on internet reliability, and pharmacy access is reasonable. The presence of community health programs should be investigated.

**For individuals considering moving to De Peyster, a thorough investigation of each category is essential.** Contacting local healthcare providers, the St. Lawrence County Public Transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation providers is crucial. Assessing internet access and researching community health programs are also vital. This comprehensive approach will allow individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs and ensure they can effectively manage their hypertension in their new community.