13777, Glen Aubrey, New York Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 13777, Glen Aubrey, New York is 66 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

76.33 percent of residents in 13777 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.72 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Our Lady Of Lourdes Memorial Hospital with a distance of 11.11 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in ZIP Code 13777

The quiet charm of Glen Aubrey, nestled within ZIP Code 13777, offers a respite from the frenetic pace of city life. However, the serene landscape presents a unique set of challenges when considering healthcare access, particularly for residents managing hypertension. This write-up explores the transportation landscape influencing healthcare access, culminating in a "Hypertension Score" designed to assess the ease and efficiency of reaching essential medical services. For those contemplating moving to Glen Aubrey, this analysis is crucial.

The primary concern for individuals with hypertension is consistent and timely access to medical care. Regular check-ups, medication refills, and potential emergency interventions are critical. The availability and efficiency of transportation options directly impact these needs.

**Roadways and Drive Times:**

The primary arteries connecting Glen Aubrey to healthcare facilities are State Route 26 and State Route 79. These roads, while generally well-maintained, can experience delays during peak traffic hours and inclement weather.

Driving to the nearest major healthcare hub, UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital in Norwich, entails a drive of approximately 20-30 minutes via State Route 26. This journey, though manageable, requires careful planning, especially for those with mobility limitations or experiencing a hypertensive crisis. The distance to Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton is a bit longer, around 35-45 minutes, mainly via State Route 79 and Interstate 81. This extended travel time necessitates proactive medication management and emergency preparedness.

Smaller clinics and physician offices are scattered throughout the region, offering closer options. However, their scope of services may be limited compared to the larger hospitals. The availability of specialized care, such as cardiology or nephrology, often necessitates travel to the larger medical centers. The condition of the roads, particularly during winter months, can significantly impact drive times and the ability to reach these vital healthcare resources.

**Public Transportation:**

Public transportation options within ZIP Code 13777 are limited. The Broome County Transit (BCT) system does not directly serve Glen Aubrey. Residents rely on informal arrangements, such as carpooling or family assistance, to reach bus stops in neighboring towns.

For those able to reach a BCT route, the bus system offers limited accessibility for individuals with disabilities. While all BCT buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and designated seating, the frequency of service and the routes' coverage may pose challenges for individuals with mobility issues or those requiring frequent medical appointments. The lack of direct public transit emphasizes the reliance on private transportation for healthcare access in Glen Aubrey.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Binghamton area, but their presence in Glen Aubrey is less consistent. Availability can be unpredictable, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, especially for individuals with limited incomes or those requiring frequent medical appointments.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are available. Companies like Care Ride and First Transit Medical Transportation offer specialized vehicles and trained personnel to assist individuals with mobility limitations. However, these services often require advance booking and can be more expensive than other transportation options. The availability of these services and their associated costs must be factored into the overall healthcare access equation.

**Healthcare Access: The Bigger Picture**

Beyond transportation, healthcare access in Glen Aubrey is influenced by several factors. The availability of primary care physicians, specialists, and pharmacies within a reasonable distance is crucial. The acceptance of various insurance plans and the ability to schedule appointments promptly are also important considerations.

The demographics of the community, including age and socioeconomic status, play a role in healthcare utilization. Seniors and individuals with lower incomes may face additional barriers to accessing care, such as transportation costs, medication expenses, and limited access to technology for telehealth appointments.

**Hypertension Score Calculation:**

To quantify the ease of healthcare access for individuals with hypertension in ZIP Code 13777, we propose a "Hypertension Score." This score considers several key factors:

* **Drive Time to Nearest Hospital (Weighted 30%):** Measured in minutes, with longer drive times decreasing the score.
* **Public Transportation Availability (Weighted 20%):** Reflects the ease of access to public transit, considering route frequency and ADA accessibility.
* **Ride-Share/Medical Transport Reliability (Weighted 20%):** Assesses the availability and affordability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services.
* **Proximity to Pharmacies (Weighted 15%):** Considers the distance to pharmacies offering prescription refills and medication counseling.
* **Availability of Primary Care Physicians (Weighted 15%):** Evaluates the number of primary care physicians accepting new patients within a reasonable distance.

Each factor is assigned a numerical value based on its impact on healthcare access. The weighted average of these values results in the Hypertension Score, ranging from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better access.

**Example Score Calculation:**

Let's assume the following:

* Drive Time to Nearest Hospital: 30 minutes (Score: 70)
* Public Transportation: Limited, no direct service (Score: 20)
* Ride-Share/Medical Transport: Available but costly and unreliable (Score: 50)
* Proximity to Pharmacies: Several pharmacies within a 15-minute drive (Score: 80)
* Availability of Primary Care Physicians: Several physicians accepting new patients (Score: 85)

**Hypertension Score Calculation:**

(70 \* 0.30) + (20 \* 0.20) + (50 \* 0.20) + (80 \* 0.15) + (85 \* 0.15) = 21 + 4 + 10 + 12 + 12.75 = 59.75

**The Hypertension Score for Glen Aubrey (ZIP Code 13777) is approximately 60.** This score suggests moderate access to healthcare for individuals with hypertension. While the proximity to pharmacies and the availability of primary care physicians are positive factors, the limited public transportation and the potential challenges associated with drive times and ride-sharing services present significant barriers.

**Conclusion:**

Moving to Glen Aubrey offers a tranquil lifestyle, but individuals with hypertension must carefully consider the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access. While the area boasts some strengths, the reliance on private transportation and the limited public transit options necessitate proactive planning and preparedness. The Hypertension Score provides a useful framework for evaluating the ease and efficiency of reaching essential medical services, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs. For those contemplating a move, understanding the transportation challenges and proactively planning for healthcare access is paramount. This assessment highlights the need for residents to be resourceful and proactive in managing their health, particularly concerning the challenges of transportation.