13670, Oswegatchie, New York Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 13670, Oswegatchie, New York is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

40.45 percent of residents in 13670 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 21.23 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Clifton Fine Hospital with a distance of 4.05 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Oswegatchie (ZIP Code 13670)

The journey to managing hypertension in Oswegatchie, New York (ZIP Code 13670), is inextricably linked to transportation. This analysis, a "Hypertension Score," evaluates the ease and efficiency of accessing healthcare services vital for controlling high blood pressure. It considers various transportation options, from personal vehicles to public transit, ultimately assessing the overall accessibility of care for residents, especially those *moving to Oswegatchie* and seeking optimal healthcare access.

The primary healthcare provider in the immediate vicinity is Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center, located in Ogdensburg. This necessitates travel, and the primary mode of transportation for most residents is by car. Accessing the hospital from various points within 13670 relies on several key roadways.

From the eastern reaches of Oswegatchie, residents typically utilize County Route 27, a rural road that eventually connects to New York State Route 37. This route offers a relatively direct path, but the drive can be impacted by weather conditions, especially during the harsh winters common in the region. Drive times from these areas to Claxton-Hepburn are typically around 15-20 minutes, assuming favorable traffic and weather.

Residents in the western part of the ZIP code might initially use County Route 28, which also merges with Route 37. The distance and drive time are similar, but the specific route taken can vary depending on the starting point and the traffic conditions. The potential for delays is a crucial factor impacting the Hypertension Score.

For those residing closer to the St. Lawrence River, access to Route 37 is often via local roads like County Route 29. This route provides a slightly shorter distance to Ogdensburg, but the roads can be narrower and less well-maintained, potentially increasing travel time and risk.

The overall drive time, while manageable, is a significant factor influencing the Hypertension Score. Regular check-ups, medication refills, and potential emergency visits are all dependent on reliable transportation. The availability of a personal vehicle is, therefore, a critical determinant of healthcare access. The score must reflect the limitations faced by those without personal vehicles.

Public transportation options in Oswegatchie are limited. The St. Lawrence County Public Transit system offers some service, but the routes and schedules are not extensive. The primary routes serving the Ogdensburg area are the 1, 2, and 3 bus lines. However, these routes often have limited frequency, particularly during evenings and weekends.

The availability of ADA-accessible buses is a significant consideration for individuals with mobility limitations. The St. Lawrence County Public Transit strives to provide accessible services, but the overall coverage and frequency of these services can pose challenges for individuals with hypertension, who may require frequent medical appointments. The Hypertension Score must reflect the constraints of public transit.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are not readily available in Oswegatchie. This lack of options further compounds the transportation challenges, particularly for those without access to a personal vehicle or unable to drive. The absence of these services significantly diminishes the Hypertension Score.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for non-emergency medical transport, are available. Companies like Medical Transportation Management (MTM) and Logisticare provide transportation services to and from medical appointments. These services are often utilized by individuals with limited mobility or those who qualify for assistance programs. However, the availability and scheduling of these services can vary, and advance booking is often required. This can create logistical hurdles for managing hypertension, which often requires timely and frequent medical interventions.

The Hypertension Score must factor in the reliance on these medical transport services, considering their accessibility, reliability, and potential for delays. The reliance on these services is a critical element in assessing healthcare access.

The overall score is influenced by the interplay of these factors. The relative dependence on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the absence of readily available ride-sharing services all contribute to a lower score. The availability of medical transport services provides a crucial safety net, but their limitations impact the overall score.

The Hypertension Score for Oswegatchie (13670) reflects the reality of healthcare access in a rural environment. While drive times to Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center are relatively short, the lack of diverse transportation options presents challenges for individuals managing hypertension. The score emphasizes the importance of having reliable transportation, whether it is a personal vehicle, access to public transit, or the availability of medical transport services.

For individuals *moving to Oswegatchie* with a pre-existing diagnosis of hypertension, careful consideration of transportation options is crucial. Proximity to healthcare providers is important, but the ability to reliably access those providers is equally vital.

The Hypertension Score serves as a valuable tool for understanding the complexities of healthcare access in this region. It highlights the need for continued efforts to improve transportation options, particularly for those with limited mobility or without access to personal vehicles. The score is not just a number; it is a reflection of the challenges and opportunities in ensuring that all residents of Oswegatchie have equitable access to the care they need to manage their hypertension effectively.