13751, Davenport Center, New York Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 13751, Davenport Center, New York is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

100.00 percent of residents in 13751 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.79 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Aurelia Osborn Fox Memorial Hospital with a distance of 8.62 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Davenport Center (ZIP Code 13751)

The heart of this analysis lies in evaluating the ease with which residents of Davenport Center (ZIP Code 13751) can access healthcare, particularly concerning the management of hypertension. This "Hypertension Score" considers the multifaceted nature of transportation, a critical factor in healthcare access, especially for individuals managing chronic conditions. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview, guiding potential residents and informing existing ones about the practicalities of receiving timely and appropriate medical care within this rural community.

Davenport Center, nestled in Delaware County, New York, presents unique challenges and opportunities when it comes to healthcare access. Its rural setting dictates a dependence on personal vehicles, with public transportation options being limited. The score will consider drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing, and medical transport services, all crucial elements in determining the overall ease of healthcare access for individuals managing hypertension.

**Drive Times: The Asphalt Arteries**

The primary method of transportation for most Davenport Center residents is by car. The major arteries connecting the community to healthcare facilities are State Route 23 and County Route 12. These roads, while scenic, can present challenges during inclement weather, common in the region.

For residents needing routine check-ups or medication refills, the closest primary care physicians are likely located in Oneonta, approximately a 20-30 minute drive via State Route 23. This route is generally well-maintained, but traffic can be heavier during peak commuting hours. For specialized care, such as cardiology or endocrinology, residents might need to travel to larger hospitals in Oneonta or even further afield to Cooperstown, a 45-60 minute drive via State Route 23 and State Route 28.

Emergency situations demand rapid response. The closest emergency room is at Fox Hospital in Oneonta. The drive time, again, is approximately 20-30 minutes via State Route 23. This timeframe emphasizes the importance of prompt emergency services and the need for residents to have readily available transportation or medical alert systems.

**Public Transit: A Limited Reach**

Public transportation options in Davenport Center are extremely limited. The Delaware County Public Transit (DCPT) offers some services, but their routes and schedules are infrequent and may not directly serve Davenport Center. Furthermore, the DCPT's routes are primarily focused on connecting major towns and cities within the county, and may not be ideal for accessing healthcare facilities due to limited frequency and potential for long travel times.

Accessibility for individuals with disabilities is a crucial factor. DCPT vehicles are ADA-compliant, providing wheelchair access. However, the infrequent service and potential for long travel times, coupled with the need for transfers, might make public transit a less viable option for individuals with mobility limitations or those experiencing hypertension-related symptoms.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the broader Oneonta area. However, their availability in Davenport Center itself is sporadic and unreliable. The rural nature of the area and the limited demand for these services mean that wait times can be significant, making them less dependable for urgent healthcare needs or scheduled appointments.

Medical transport services offer a more specialized solution. Several companies provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) for individuals requiring assistance getting to and from medical appointments. These services typically involve pre-arranged rides and may be covered by insurance, making them a valuable resource for those without personal transportation or who have difficulty driving.

Specific medical transport providers operating in the region include, but are not limited to, AMR (American Medical Response) and local private ambulance services. These services are crucial for individuals who cannot drive themselves and need assistance with mobility or require special medical equipment during transport.

**The Hypertension Score: A Holistic Assessment**

The "Hypertension Score" for Davenport Center (ZIP Code 13751) will be influenced by the following factors: drive times to healthcare facilities, the availability and reliability of public transit, the presence of ride-sharing services, and the availability of medical transport options.

A high score would indicate easy access to healthcare, with short drive times, frequent public transit options, readily available ride-sharing, and a robust network of medical transport services. Conversely, a low score would reflect significant challenges, such as long drive times, limited public transit, unreliable ride-sharing, and a scarcity of medical transport options.

**Impact on Healthcare Access and Moving to Davenport Center**

The realities of transportation significantly influence healthcare access for individuals managing hypertension in Davenport Center. Long drive times to healthcare facilities, limited public transit, and unreliable ride-sharing services can create barriers to timely appointments, medication refills, and emergency care. This can lead to poorer health outcomes, increased stress, and a reduced quality of life.

For individuals considering moving to Davenport Center, understanding these transportation challenges is crucial. It is essential to assess personal transportation capabilities, research the availability of medical transport services, and consider the proximity of healthcare providers. Individuals with hypertension should factor in the potential impact of travel time and accessibility on their ability to manage their condition effectively.

**Recommendations and Conclusion**

To improve the "Hypertension Score" for Davenport Center, several steps could be taken. These include: advocating for increased public transit services, promoting the availability of ride-sharing options, expanding the network of medical transport providers, and encouraging the establishment of telehealth services to reduce the need for in-person visits.

Ultimately, the "Hypertension Score" for Davenport Center reflects the intricate interplay between transportation and healthcare access. While the community offers a peaceful rural setting, the challenges of transportation must be carefully considered by residents and potential newcomers. By understanding the existing transportation landscape and advocating for improvements, the community can work towards ensuring that all residents, particularly those managing chronic conditions like hypertension, have access to the healthcare they need to thrive. The journey to healthcare in Davenport Center requires thoughtful planning and a proactive approach to navigating the roads and services available.