13693, Three Mile Bay, New York Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 13693, Three Mile Bay, New York is 14 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

67.05 percent of residents in 13693 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 25.72 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Samaritan Medical Center with a distance of 17.37 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Three Mile Bay (ZIP Code 13693)

Planning a move to the tranquil shores of Three Mile Bay, ZIP Code 13693? Beyond the allure of lakeside living, it's crucial to consider your healthcare access, particularly if you're managing hypertension. This write-up assesses the "Hypertension Score" – a composite measure reflecting the ease and efficiency of transportation to vital medical resources. This score considers drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing availability, painting a comprehensive picture of your healthcare journey.

The primary healthcare hub serving Three Mile Bay residents is the Samaritan Medical Center in Watertown, approximately 25 miles south. This distance translates to a drive time that significantly impacts your Hypertension Score. The journey primarily involves navigating Route 12, a two-lane highway that can experience congestion, especially during peak hours. Traffic flow is generally manageable, but weather conditions, particularly during the harsh winters common in the region, can dramatically increase travel times and pose safety concerns.

Alternative routes, such as County Route 193 and County Route 192, offer potential detours but often involve winding roads and reduced speed limits, potentially adding to your travel time. The overall drive time to Samaritan Medical Center, under ideal conditions, is around 30-40 minutes. However, this can easily extend to an hour or more during inclement weather or rush hour, negatively impacting your Hypertension Score. This extended travel time can be particularly challenging for individuals with hypertension, who may require frequent medical check-ups and immediate access to care.

Public transportation options are limited in this rural area. The Jefferson County Transit Authority (JCTA) provides some bus services, but their routes and schedules may not directly serve Three Mile Bay. The closest JCTA route might require a transfer, potentially adding significant time and complexity to your commute. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible buses is crucial for individuals with mobility limitations. While the JCTA strives to provide accessible services, the infrequency of routes and potential for long wait times can significantly impact your Hypertension Score.

The JCTA route 100 operates from Watertown to the nearby town of Chaumont, offering a potential, albeit indirect, public transit option. This route, however, requires a transfer and may not align perfectly with medical appointment schedules. The limited frequency of these routes is a critical factor in evaluating your healthcare access. The reliance on public transit, with its potential for delays and limited availability, can negatively impact the management of hypertension, requiring careful planning and coordination.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Watertown area. However, their presence in Three Mile Bay is less consistent. Availability can be unpredictable, especially during off-peak hours or in adverse weather conditions. Relying on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments requires careful planning and the possibility of extended wait times. The potential for surge pricing during peak demand can also add to the financial burden of healthcare access, further impacting your Hypertension Score.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by ambulance companies and specialized medical transport providers, are available for emergency situations and scheduled appointments. These services, however, often come with a higher cost and may require pre-booking. While essential for patients with specific medical needs, the reliance on medical transportation for routine check-ups can be an indicator of a lower Hypertension Score. The availability and cost of these services are critical considerations for individuals with hypertension.

The distance to pharmacies and other healthcare providers, such as specialists and urgent care centers, also influences the Hypertension Score. While Watertown offers a range of healthcare services, the travel time and transportation challenges to access them can be significant. The availability of local pharmacies in Three Mile Bay or nearby towns is crucial for convenient medication refills and consultations. The need to travel long distances for these essential services can further complicate the management of hypertension.

The overall Hypertension Score for Three Mile Bay, ZIP Code 13693, is moderate. While Samaritan Medical Center offers comprehensive care, the reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the variable availability of ride-sharing services present challenges. The impact of weather conditions and potential traffic congestion on Route 12 further contributes to the complexity of healthcare access.

Moving to Three Mile Bay requires careful consideration of your healthcare needs. Individuals with hypertension should proactively plan their transportation to medical appointments, explore all available options, and consider the potential impact of weather and traffic. The Hypertension Score serves as a valuable tool for evaluating the ease and efficiency of healthcare access, empowering residents to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. Proactive planning and awareness of these transportation challenges are essential for successfully managing hypertension in this picturesque but geographically remote community.