12828, Fort Edward, New York Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 12828, Fort Edward, New York is 51 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

77.33 percent of residents in 12828 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.97 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Glens Falls Hospital with a distance of 3.66 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Fort Edward (ZIP Code 12828)

Considering a move to Fort Edward, New York (ZIP Code 12828)? This assessment delves into the crucial aspect of healthcare access, specifically focusing on transportation options for individuals potentially facing a lung cancer diagnosis. Understanding the ease of reaching medical facilities is paramount, and this analysis provides a "Lung Cancer Score" based on the available transportation infrastructure. The score reflects the overall accessibility of healthcare, considering drive times, public transit, and ride-sharing availability. This information is vital for anyone contemplating a relocation, especially those with pre-existing health concerns.

The primary concern for a lung cancer patient is timely access to specialized care. This includes diagnostic imaging, oncology appointments, radiation therapy, and potential surgical interventions. The "Lung Cancer Score" weighs these factors heavily, acknowledging that every minute counts when dealing with a serious illness. The score will consider the practicalities of getting to and from appointments, factoring in potential delays caused by traffic, weather, and the physical limitations of a patient undergoing treatment.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

Fort Edward, nestled in Washington County, presents a unique transportation landscape. The primary thoroughfare is **U.S. Route 4**, which serves as the main artery for north-south travel. Reaching the Glens Falls Hospital, the closest major medical center, requires a drive of approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. This drive typically involves navigating **U.S. Route 4** south, followed by a turn onto **Glen Street** in Glens Falls.

For patients requiring specialized care, such as radiation therapy or advanced surgical procedures, the drive to Albany Medical Center, roughly an hour and fifteen minutes away, becomes a significant consideration. This journey involves taking **U.S. Route 4** south to **I-87 (The Northway)**, then south to Albany. Traffic on the Northway, especially during peak hours, can significantly impact travel times, adding stress to an already challenging situation.

The availability of parking at both Glens Falls Hospital and Albany Medical Center is also a factor. While Glens Falls Hospital offers ample parking, Albany Medical Center, located in a more urban environment, may present parking challenges, potentially adding to the patient's burden.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transportation options in Fort Edward are limited, which significantly impacts the "Lung Cancer Score." The Greater Glens Falls Transit (GGFT) provides bus service, but routes and schedules are restricted. While the GGFT operates routes that extend to Glens Falls, the frequency and coverage are insufficient to offer reliable transportation for frequent medical appointments.

The GGFT does not have routes that directly serve Albany. This lack of convenient public transit to major healthcare facilities outside of Glens Falls diminishes the overall score, particularly for patients requiring specialized treatment unavailable locally. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible buses is a critical consideration. While the GGFT strives to provide accessible services, the reliance on fixed routes and schedules can be a major impediment for individuals with mobility limitations, a common consequence of lung cancer treatment.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Fort Edward area, but their reliability and availability can vary. While they offer a convenient alternative to driving, surge pricing during peak hours or inclement weather can make them expensive. Additionally, the availability of drivers, especially during off-peak hours or for longer distances, is not guaranteed.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more specialized solution. These services often provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel to assist patients. However, the availability of medical transportation in the Fort Edward area may be limited, and the cost can be substantial. Researching and securing reliable medical transportation is crucial for patients who cannot drive or lack access to other transportation options.

**Medical Transportation Brands:**

Several medical transportation brands operate within the region, including:

* **Ambu-Ride:** Provides non-emergency medical transportation.
* **CareRide:** Offers transportation services for medical appointments.
* **First Transit:** A national company that may offer services in the area.

Contacting these providers and inquiring about their services, coverage area, and pricing is essential for patients considering a move to Fort Edward.

**"Lung Cancer Score" and Conclusion:**

Considering the factors discussed, the "Lung Cancer Score" for Fort Edward (ZIP Code 12828) is moderate. While Glens Falls Hospital offers relatively easy access, the limited public transportation, the potential for traffic delays on the Northway to Albany, and the reliance on ride-sharing services or potentially expensive medical transportation services, lower the overall score.

For individuals considering moving to Fort Edward, particularly those with a history of lung cancer or other respiratory illnesses, a thorough assessment of their transportation needs is crucial. The availability of reliable transportation is paramount to healthcare access.

The "Lung Cancer Score" underscores the importance of proactive planning. Before relocating, potential residents should investigate the availability of medical transportation services, assess the feasibility of driving to appointments, and consider the potential challenges posed by the limited public transit options. This careful evaluation will ensure that the decision to move to Fort Edward aligns with their healthcare needs and promotes the best possible quality of life. The accessibility of healthcare is a critical component of any relocation decision, especially when considering a move to a rural area. The ability to navigate the **transportation** infrastructure and access **healthcare** is vital.