12913, Bloomingdale, New York Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 12913, Bloomingdale, New York is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

71.73 percent of residents in 12913 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 21.91 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Adirondack Medical Center - Saranac Lake with a distance of 6.31 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Bloomingdale (ZIP Code 12913)

Considering a move to the scenic Adirondack region, specifically Bloomingdale, New York (ZIP Code 12913)? This picturesque area, nestled amidst mountains and lakes, offers a tranquil lifestyle. However, when evaluating a new home, particularly for those with or at risk of lung cancer, healthcare access is paramount. This analysis provides a "Lung Cancer Score" based on transportation options to essential healthcare facilities, considering the challenges presented by this rural setting.

The score evaluates drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options. The goal is to provide a clear understanding of how readily accessible specialized lung cancer care is from various points within the 12913 ZIP code. We aim to assess the ease of transportation to crucial services like pulmonologists, oncologists, radiation therapy centers, and diagnostic imaging facilities, all critical for timely diagnosis and treatment.

The "Lung Cancer Score" will be presented on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 representing extremely limited access and 5 representing excellent access. The score reflects the overall ease and efficiency of transportation to healthcare providers, taking into account the unique geographical characteristics of Bloomingdale.

**Driving Times and Roadways:**

The primary mode of transportation in Bloomingdale, and the surrounding Adirondack region, is the personal vehicle. The reliance on cars necessitates a thorough examination of driving times to key healthcare facilities. Within the 12913 ZIP code, access to specialized lung cancer care requires travel to larger towns and cities.

The closest major healthcare hubs are in Saranac Lake and Plattsburgh. From Bloomingdale, driving to Saranac Lake, approximately 10 miles away, is typically a 15-20 minute journey. This route primarily utilizes New York State Route 3 (NY-3), a well-maintained two-lane highway. However, during peak tourist seasons or inclement weather, traffic can increase travel times.

Plattsburgh, a more comprehensive healthcare center, is roughly 50 miles from Bloomingdale. The drive typically takes about an hour and fifteen minutes to an hour and a half. This journey involves traveling on NY-3, then connecting to Interstate 87 (I-87), also known as the Adirondack Northway. I-87 is a major highway, offering generally smooth travel, but potential delays can occur due to weather conditions, especially during winter months.

Further specialized care might necessitate travel to Burlington, Vermont, or Albany, New York. Burlington is approximately 100 miles away, a drive of about two and a half hours, primarily via NY-3 and US-2. Albany, roughly 170 miles away, requires a drive of approximately three to three and a half hours, utilizing I-87. These longer distances underscore the importance of reliable transportation and the potential for fatigue during treatment.

**Public Transportation:**

Public transportation options in the 12913 ZIP code are limited. The primary provider is the Clinton County Public Transportation (CCPT), which offers bus services. However, these services are primarily focused on routes within Clinton County, with limited service extending into the Adirondack region.

The CCPT does not offer direct routes to Saranac Lake or Plattsburgh from Bloomingdale. This lack of direct public transit significantly impacts healthcare access for those without personal vehicles or who cannot drive.

The CCPT does, however, operate ADA-compliant buses, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities. While this is a crucial feature, the limited route network restricts the practical utility of public transit for accessing specialized lung cancer care. Individuals relying on public transit would likely need to arrange multiple transfers, significantly increasing travel time and potentially adding to the stress of healthcare appointments.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, have limited availability in the 12913 ZIP code. The rural nature of the area means that these services are not consistently available, and waiting times can be considerable. Relying on ride-sharing for scheduled medical appointments is, therefore, not always a dependable option.

Medical transportation services offer a more specialized solution for patients needing assistance. Several companies provide medical transportation in the Adirondack region, including ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation. These services often offer door-to-door transportation, including assistance with getting in and out of vehicles, and can accommodate medical equipment.

However, medical transportation services can be expensive, and availability may be limited, especially for urgent appointments. The cost and scheduling requirements should be carefully considered when evaluating healthcare access in Bloomingdale.

**Healthcare Facilities and Specialized Care:**

The Adirondack Health Medical Center in Saranac Lake offers primary care and some specialty services, including pulmonology. However, comprehensive lung cancer treatment, including radiation therapy and advanced oncology services, often requires travel to larger medical centers.

Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) in Plattsburgh provides a more comprehensive range of healthcare services, including oncology and radiation therapy. This facility is a crucial destination for many residents of the 12913 ZIP code seeking specialized lung cancer care.

The University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington, Vermont, and Albany Medical Center in Albany, New York, offer even more specialized care, including clinical trials and advanced treatment options. These facilities represent the highest level of care but necessitate longer travel times.

**Lung Cancer Score for 12913:**

Considering the factors above, the "Lung Cancer Score" for the 12913 ZIP code is **2**.

This score reflects the following:

* **Driving:** Relatively short drive to Saranac Lake, but longer drives to Plattsburgh and even longer to Burlington and Albany.
* **Public Transit:** Very limited options, with no direct routes to key healthcare facilities.
* **Ride-Sharing:** Unreliable availability.
* **Medical Transport:** Available but potentially expensive and subject to scheduling limitations.

The score indicates that while basic healthcare access is available, specialized lung cancer care requires significant travel and relies heavily on personal vehicles. Residents should carefully consider their ability to drive or arrange reliable transportation when evaluating their healthcare needs in Bloomingdale.

**Recommendations for Prospective Residents:**

Individuals with or at risk of lung cancer considering moving to Bloomingdale should carefully assess their transportation needs. They should:

* **Confirm Insurance Coverage:** Ensure their health insurance covers transportation costs, including medical transportation services.
* **Assess Driving Ability:** If driving is not an option, investigate the availability and reliability of medical transportation services.
* **Plan for Travel Time:** Factor in travel time when scheduling appointments and plan for potential delays due to weather or traffic.
* **Explore Telehealth Options:** Consider utilizing telehealth services for routine appointments and consultations to minimize travel.
* **Connect with Local Support Groups:** Join local support groups for lung cancer patients to share experiences and potentially arrange carpools or transportation assistance.

Moving to Bloomingdale offers a chance to embrace a peaceful lifestyle. However, understanding the limitations of healthcare access is crucial for individuals managing lung cancer or at high risk. Careful planning and proactive measures can help ensure timely access to the specialized care needed for effective treatment and improved quality of life. The "Lung Cancer Score" serves as a starting point for informed decision-making, empowering prospective residents to make the best choice for their healthcare needs.