14423, Caledonia, New York Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 14423, Caledonia, New York is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

57.39 percent of residents in 14423 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.78 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is F F Thompson Hospital with a distance of 28.78 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Commute to Healthcare in Caledonia, NY (ZIP Code 14423)

The quiet village of Caledonia, New York, nestled in the heart of Livingston County, offers a peaceful existence. But for residents managing hypertension, the ease of daily life hinges on a critical factor: **healthcare access**. This write-up analyzes the transportation landscape within and around ZIP code 14423, offering a "Hypertension Score" assessment of the commute to essential medical services. This score will consider the time, cost, and accessibility of transportation options, specifically focusing on their impact on individuals living with hypertension.

Understanding the challenges of **transportation** is crucial for those considering **moving to Caledonia** or for current residents seeking to optimize their **healthcare access**. Hypertension, a chronic condition requiring regular monitoring and medication, demands consistent and reliable access to medical appointments. A poor commute can exacerbate stress, a known contributor to elevated blood pressure, and potentially lead to missed appointments, hindering effective management of the condition.

Caledonia’s location, while idyllic, presents certain transportation limitations. The village itself is primarily served by local roads, with limited public transit options. The primary thoroughfares impacting **healthcare access** are New York State Route 5 (NY-5), a major east-west artery, and NY-36, running north-south. These roads, while generally well-maintained, can experience traffic congestion during peak hours, particularly around the nearby city of Rochester.

The closest major healthcare facilities are located in the city of Rochester, approximately 25-30 miles away. This distance translates to a drive time of roughly 35-50 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The primary route to Rochester from Caledonia involves taking NY-5 east, merging onto Interstate 490 (I-490) towards Rochester. The return journey follows the same route.

The condition of the roads is generally good, but the presence of potholes, especially during the winter months, can impact the ride quality and potentially affect individuals with hypertension. The stress of navigating traffic, particularly on I-490, can also be a significant factor.

Public transit options are limited. The Rochester Regional Transit Service (RTS) does not directly serve Caledonia. The closest RTS bus routes are accessible in the nearby town of Avon, approximately 10-15 minutes away by car. From Avon, individuals could potentially access RTS Route 14, which travels towards downtown Rochester. However, this would involve a significant time commitment, potentially exceeding 1.5-2 hours each way, and multiple transfers. The RTS system offers ADA-accessible buses, but the overall inconvenience and the need for multiple transfers make public transit a less viable option for many Caledonia residents, particularly those with mobility limitations or health concerns.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area. However, their availability can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, especially for frequent medical appointments. A round trip to Rochester could easily cost upwards of $100, making it an expensive option for those on a fixed income or with limited financial resources.

Medical transportation services are also available. Several companies offer specialized transportation for medical appointments, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services often require pre-booking and can be more expensive than ride-sharing. However, they offer a more reliable and convenient option for individuals with mobility limitations or other specific needs.

Considering the factors mentioned above, we can assess the "Hypertension Score" for **healthcare access** in Caledonia. The score will be based on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 representing the most challenging access and 5 representing the easiest.

**Drive Time & Road Conditions (Score: 3):** The primary mode of transportation is personal vehicles, with drive times to major healthcare facilities in Rochester averaging 45 minutes. Road conditions are generally good, but traffic congestion on I-490 and the potential for winter weather-related delays can impact the commute.

**Public Transit Availability (Score: 1):** The lack of direct public transit service from Caledonia to Rochester significantly limits **healthcare access**. The need for multiple transfers and lengthy travel times makes public transit an impractical option for most residents.

**Ride-Sharing & Medical Transportation (Score: 2):** Ride-sharing services are available but can be unreliable and expensive. Medical transportation services provide a more reliable option but come with a higher price tag.

**Overall Accessibility (Score: 2):** Based on the assessment, the overall "Hypertension Score" for Caledonia, NY (14423) is 2. This score indicates a moderate level of difficulty in accessing healthcare services for individuals with hypertension. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the potential cost of ride-sharing and medical transportation services create challenges for residents seeking consistent and convenient medical care.

For individuals considering **moving to Caledonia** and managing hypertension, careful consideration of transportation options is essential. The need for a reliable vehicle and the potential for increased transportation costs should be factored into the decision-making process.

For current residents, exploring all available options, including carpooling with friends or family, utilizing medical transportation services when necessary, and proactively planning for appointments, can help mitigate the challenges of accessing healthcare. Regular communication with healthcare providers and pharmacists to ensure medication refills and appointment scheduling is also crucial.

Improving **healthcare access** in Caledonia could involve advocating for expanded public transit options, exploring partnerships with ride-sharing companies to offer discounted rates for medical appointments, and promoting the availability of medical transportation services. Addressing these issues can significantly improve the quality of life for residents managing chronic conditions like hypertension, ensuring they receive the timely and consistent care they need.