14548, Shortsville, New York Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 14548, Shortsville, New York is 72 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

63.82 percent of residents in 14548 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 6.97 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Clifton Springs Hospital And Clinic with a distance of 4.64 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Shortsville, NY (ZIP Code 14548)

The quaint village of Shortsville, nestled in Ontario County, New York, offers a charming rural existence, yet residents face unique challenges regarding healthcare access, particularly for managing chronic conditions like hypertension. This write-up delves into the transportation landscape impacting healthcare access for individuals in ZIP code 14548, providing a "Hypertension Score" assessment. This score reflects the ease or difficulty of reaching essential medical appointments, considering various transportation modes and their associated complexities. Understanding these factors is crucial for residents managing hypertension and for those considering moving to Shortsville.

The Hypertension Score will evaluate the accessibility of healthcare facilities within a reasonable timeframe, acknowledging the impact of transportation on patient outcomes. This is especially critical for individuals with hypertension, a condition requiring regular monitoring and medication management. The score will incorporate drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, painting a comprehensive picture of the transportation challenges and opportunities.

**Drive Times: The Road to Wellness**

For many Shortsville residents, the automobile remains the primary mode of transportation. Accessing healthcare often necessitates navigating the network of highways and roads that weave through the region. The most direct route to larger medical facilities typically involves traveling on **New York State Route 21 (NY-21)**, a vital artery connecting Shortsville to nearby towns.

Traveling south on NY-21 offers access to Canandaigua, home to the **Thompson Health System**. The drive, covering approximately 15 miles, usually takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. This drive time is generally manageable for routine check-ups and medication refills. However, for urgent care needs or specialist appointments, the time commitment can become a factor.

Heading north on NY-21 provides access to Geneva and the **Geneva General Hospital**, part of the **Finger Lakes Health** system. This journey is slightly longer, covering roughly 20 miles and requiring approximately 30-40 minutes of driving time. While the distance is not excessive, it underscores the importance of reliable transportation, particularly during inclement weather.

The **New York State Thruway (I-90)**, while not directly accessible from Shortsville, offers a faster route to larger medical centers in Rochester, approximately 40 miles away. Accessing I-90 necessitates driving on local roads, such as **County Road 41 (CR-41)** or **County Road 40 (CR-40)**, to reach an interchange. This adds to the overall travel time, potentially extending the journey to Rochester to over an hour.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Shortsville are limited, presenting a significant challenge for individuals without personal vehicles. The **Ontario County Public Transportation (OCPT)** provides bus service, but routes and schedules may not be ideally suited for healthcare appointments. Service is typically available on weekdays, with limited or no weekend service.

The OCPT operates a fixed-route bus system, with routes potentially passing through Shortsville. However, direct routes to major healthcare facilities may not be available. Passengers might need to transfer buses, adding to the travel time and complexity. Furthermore, the frequency of service may not align with the scheduling needs of medical appointments.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a crucial consideration for individuals with mobility limitations. OCPT buses are equipped with accessibility features, such as ramps and lifts, to accommodate passengers with disabilities. However, the availability of these features and the overall accessibility of bus stops can vary.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Finger Lakes region, including Shortsville. However, their availability can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in rural areas. Relying on ride-sharing for healthcare appointments requires careful planning and pre-booking to ensure timely transportation.

Medical transport services offer specialized transportation for individuals with medical needs. These services often provide door-to-door assistance and may be equipped with medical equipment. Several medical transport providers operate in the area, including **Care Ride** and **First Transit**. These services can be a valuable resource for individuals who are unable to drive or utilize public transportation. However, medical transport services can be expensive, and prior arrangements are essential.

**Hypertension Score: A Composite Assessment**

The Hypertension Score for Shortsville (ZIP code 14548) reflects a moderate level of healthcare access, heavily influenced by transportation limitations.

* **Drive Times:** The proximity to Canandaigua and Geneva offers relatively quick access to healthcare facilities. However, the reliance on personal vehicles and potential for traffic congestion can impact travel times.
* **Public Transit:** The limited availability and potential for indirect routes of the OCPT system pose a significant challenge for individuals without personal vehicles.
* **Ride-Sharing:** The variable availability of ride-sharing services introduces uncertainty for healthcare appointments.
* **Medical Transport:** Medical transport services provide a valuable option for individuals with specific needs, but their cost and the need for pre-planning must be considered.

**Overall Assessment:**

The Hypertension Score for Shortsville is a 6 out of 10. While the drive times to nearby healthcare facilities are generally manageable, the limitations of public transportation and the variable availability of ride-sharing services create barriers to healthcare access for some residents. The availability of medical transport services provides a crucial safety net, but their cost and the need for pre-planning should be carefully considered.

**Recommendations for Shortsville Residents:**

* **Prioritize reliable transportation:** Individuals with hypertension should ensure they have access to a reliable means of transportation, whether it's a personal vehicle, a ride-sharing service, or medical transport.
* **Plan appointments strategically:** Schedule appointments during off-peak hours to minimize traffic congestion.
* **Explore public transit options:** Investigate OCPT routes and schedules to determine if they can be integrated into healthcare travel plans.
* **Consider medical transport:** For individuals with mobility limitations or other medical needs, explore the availability and cost of medical transport services.
* **Advocate for improved transportation:** Support initiatives aimed at expanding public transportation options and enhancing ride-sharing availability in the region.

**Moving to Shortsville: A Consideration**

Individuals considering moving to Shortsville, particularly those managing hypertension, should carefully evaluate the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access. While the village offers a tranquil environment, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transit options necessitate careful planning for medical appointments. Understanding the transportation challenges is crucial for ensuring effective healthcare management and a smooth transition to life in Shortsville.