14550, Silver Springs, New York Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 14550, Silver Springs, New York is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

74.73 percent of residents in 14550 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.36 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wyoming County Community Hospital with a distance of 4.51 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Silver Springs (ZIP Code 14550)

Silver Springs, New York, nestled in the heart of Wyoming County (ZIP Code 14550), presents a unique landscape for residents seeking healthcare, especially those managing hypertension. This write-up explores the complexities of **transportation** and **healthcare access**, offering a "Hypertension Score" based on factors impacting the ability to reach essential medical services. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview for individuals, perhaps **moving to Silver Springs**, who need to understand the practical realities of managing their health within this rural environment.

The "Hypertension Score" isn't a numerical value; instead, it's a qualitative assessment, considering the challenges and opportunities presented by the available **transportation** options. We'll examine drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, painting a picture of what it truly means to get to your doctor in Silver Springs.

**Drive Time Dynamics:**

Silver Springs' relative isolation shapes its healthcare landscape. The primary arteries for vehicular **transportation** are State Route 20A and County Road 39. State Route 20A, a vital east-west corridor, connects Silver Springs to larger towns and cities. County Road 39, a more local route, offers access to surrounding communities. The drive times to essential healthcare facilities are crucial, especially for those with hypertension, where timely access to medication and monitoring is paramount.

The nearest major hospital, Wyoming County Community Hospital in Warsaw, is a roughly 20-minute drive via State Route 20A. This drive time, while manageable, can be significantly impacted by weather conditions, particularly during the harsh winter months. Snow and ice can make roads treacherous, extending travel times and potentially hindering access to critical care.

Specialist appointments, often requiring travel to larger cities like Rochester (approximately an hour and a half drive via I-390 North and then I-490 East) or Buffalo (about an hour and a half drive via I-90 West), present a greater challenge. These longer commutes demand careful planning, considering traffic, the patient's physical condition, and the need for potential rest stops.

**Public Transit Considerations:**

Public transit options in Silver Springs are limited. The Wyoming County Area Transportation System (WCATS) provides bus service, though its routes and schedules are primarily geared towards serving Warsaw and the surrounding areas. WCATS operates on a demand-response system, meaning rides must be scheduled in advance. This can be a significant hurdle for individuals with hypertension who may need urgent medical attention or regular appointments.

WCATS buses are equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, including wheelchair lifts and priority seating, ensuring accessibility for individuals with mobility limitations. However, the limited frequency of service and the need for pre-booking can still pose challenges. The lack of readily available public transit underscores the reliance on personal vehicles or alternative **transportation** methods for **healthcare access**.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area, though their presence is less consistent than in larger metropolitan areas. Availability can be unpredictable, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Relying solely on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments is therefore not advisable.

Medical transport services offer a more specialized solution for individuals who cannot drive themselves or lack access to other **transportation** options. Companies like AMR (American Medical Response) and local ambulance services provide non-emergency medical **transportation**. These services typically require pre-booking and may involve higher costs compared to other **transportation** methods.

The availability and cost of medical transport services must be carefully considered when assessing the "Hypertension Score." For individuals with limited financial resources or those who require frequent medical appointments, the financial burden of medical transport can be significant.

**The "Hypertension Score" in Context:**

The "Hypertension Score" for Silver Springs, considering these factors, is moderately challenging. While the drive to the nearest hospital is relatively short, the reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit, and the potential challenges with ride-sharing and medical transport create barriers to **healthcare access**.

Individuals **moving to Silver Springs** with hypertension should carefully assess their **transportation** needs. Owning a reliable vehicle is highly recommended. Planning appointments well in advance, considering potential weather delays, and familiarizing oneself with medical transport options are crucial steps in managing their health effectively.

**Recommendations for Improved Healthcare Access:**

Several strategies can enhance **healthcare access** for individuals with hypertension in Silver Springs. Increased public transit frequency and route expansion, particularly to connect with specialist appointments in larger cities, would be a significant improvement. Partnerships between local healthcare providers and ride-sharing services could offer subsidized **transportation** options for patients.

Telehealth services, offering remote consultations and monitoring, can play a vital role in reducing the need for frequent in-person visits. Expanding access to home healthcare services, including medication delivery and in-home blood pressure monitoring, can further improve the quality of life for individuals managing hypertension.

**Conclusion:**

Navigating the healthcare landscape in Silver Springs requires proactive planning and a realistic understanding of the available **transportation** options. While the community offers access to essential medical services, the challenges posed by limited public transit, potential weather delays, and the reliance on personal vehicles create complexities for individuals managing hypertension. By carefully considering these factors and exploring available resources, residents can proactively manage their health and ensure timely access to the care they need. The "Hypertension Score" in this context emphasizes the importance of informed decision-making and the need for ongoing efforts to improve **healthcare access** within this rural community, particularly for those **moving to Silver Springs**.