12934, Ellenburg Center, New York Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 12934, Ellenburg Center, New York is 16 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

45.28 percent of residents in 12934 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 27.32 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Alice Hyde Medical Center with a distance of 19.76 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Ellenburg Center, NY (ZIP Code 12934)

Ellenburg Center, New York, nestled in the heart of the Adirondack foothills, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities when considering healthcare access, particularly for those concerned about lung cancer. This analysis, a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment, delves into the transportation landscape within and surrounding ZIP code 12934, aiming to illuminate the practical realities of reaching vital medical services. The goal is to provide a clear picture for residents and prospective newcomers, especially those considering moving to Ellenburg Center.

The foundation of healthcare access rests on the ability to reach medical facilities. This is especially critical for lung cancer patients, who often require frequent appointments for diagnosis, treatment (chemotherapy, radiation), and follow-up care. The score considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, painting a comprehensive picture of the transportation ecosystem.

**Driving Directions and Road Conditions:**

The primary artery for accessing healthcare from Ellenburg Center is **New York State Route 11**. This road, a two-lane highway, provides the most direct route to Plattsburgh, the nearest city with significant medical facilities. Driving time to the University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) in Plattsburgh, the primary healthcare provider for the region, is approximately 25-30 minutes under normal traffic conditions.

Further afield, **Interstate 87 (The Northway)** offers access to larger medical centers in Albany and Montreal. However, this introduces significantly longer travel times. Albany, roughly a three-hour drive, offers specialized cancer centers and treatment options. Montreal, approximately a two-hour drive north, provides access to international medical expertise. These extended drives highlight the importance of considering the availability of reliable transportation and the potential for fatigue during treatment.

Road conditions in the region can vary significantly with the seasons. Winter brings snow and ice, potentially extending travel times and increasing the risk of accidents. Summer sees tourist traffic, particularly around the Adirondack Park, which can also impact travel times. Residents must be prepared for these seasonal variations and plan accordingly.

**Public Transportation: A Limited Option:**

Public transportation options in the immediate vicinity of Ellenburg Center are limited. The Clinton County Public Transit System (CCPTS) provides some service within the county. However, the routes and schedules are not designed to cater specifically to healthcare appointments. While CCPTS might offer some flexibility, it is unlikely to be a primary mode of transportation for lung cancer patients due to the frequency and timing of medical appointments.

The absence of robust public transportation necessitates a reliance on personal vehicles or alternative transportation options. The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility of the CCPTS routes should be investigated for those with mobility limitations.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Plattsburgh, but their presence in Ellenburg Center is less certain. Availability may be limited, and wait times could be significant. This makes relying on ride-sharing for urgent or scheduled appointments challenging.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance, offer a more reliable solution. Several companies operate in the region, including private ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation providers. These services offer door-to-door transportation, often with trained personnel to assist patients.

The cost of medical transport can be a significant consideration. Insurance coverage varies, and out-of-pocket expenses can be substantial. Patients should investigate their insurance coverage and explore financial assistance programs if necessary.

**Healthcare Access and the Lung Cancer Score:**

The Lung Cancer Score for Ellenburg Center, NY (12934) reflects the transportation challenges. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transportation options, and the potential for high costs associated with medical transport all contribute to a moderate score.

The score acknowledges the relatively short drive to CVPH in Plattsburgh. However, it also factors in the longer travel times to specialized cancer centers in Albany or Montreal, the seasonal road conditions, and the potential limitations of ride-sharing services.

**Factors influencing the score:**

* **Proximity to CVPH:** This is a positive factor, providing relatively quick access to a major healthcare provider.
* **Limited Public Transportation:** This negatively impacts the score, especially for those without personal vehicles or those unable to drive.
* **Ride-Sharing Variability:** The uncertain availability of ride-sharing services in Ellenburg Center contributes to the score's limitations.
* **Medical Transport Costs:** The potential expense of medical transport services presents a financial burden for some patients.
* **Seasonal Road Conditions:** Winter weather can significantly impact travel times and safety.
* **Distance to Specialized Care:** The need to travel to Albany or Montreal for specialized cancer care adds to the transportation burden.

**Recommendations for Residents and Prospective Movers:**

For residents of Ellenburg Center, it is crucial to have a reliable transportation plan for medical appointments. This might involve maintaining a personal vehicle, arranging for family or friends to provide transportation, or utilizing medical transport services. Planning ahead and considering the potential impact of weather conditions is essential.

Those considering moving to Ellenburg Center should carefully evaluate their healthcare needs and the transportation options available. Researching local medical transport services, understanding insurance coverage for transportation, and assessing the availability of family or friend support are all critical steps.

The Lung Cancer Score serves as a tool to understand the transportation landscape and make informed decisions about healthcare access in Ellenburg Center. It highlights the need for proactive planning and emphasizes the importance of considering the practical realities of reaching medical services. The score is not a definitive measure of healthcare quality, but it is a crucial factor in determining the ease and accessibility of receiving care, particularly for those facing the challenges of lung cancer.