12975, Port Kent, New York Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 12975, Port Kent, New York is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

91.58 percent of residents in 12975 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.61 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Elizabethtown Community Hospital with a distance of 23.42 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Port Kent, NY (ZIP Code 12975)

The crisp air of Port Kent, New York, nestled along the western shore of Lake Champlain, offers a scenic backdrop for life. However, the allure of this charming village must be tempered with a realistic assessment of its healthcare access, particularly for those concerned about lung cancer. This analysis, a “Lung Cancer Score,” examines the challenges and opportunities for accessing diagnostic and treatment services, focusing on the critical element of **transportation**. For individuals considering **moving to Port Kent**, understanding these nuances is paramount.

The Lung Cancer Score isn’t a formal medical assessment; rather, it’s a practical guide, considering the geographic realities and available **transportation** options. It evaluates the ease of reaching essential healthcare facilities, factoring in drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport. The goal is to illuminate the landscape, empowering residents and prospective newcomers to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

The primary concern for residents of ZIP Code 12975 is proximity to specialized medical care. While Port Kent itself offers basic primary care, comprehensive lung cancer services – including advanced imaging, pulmonology consultations, surgical interventions, and radiation therapy – necessitate travel. The nearest hospitals with these capabilities are located in Plattsburgh, roughly 10 miles south, and Burlington, Vermont, approximately 40 miles east across the lake.

Driving is the most common mode of **transportation** for accessing healthcare in this region. The primary artery connecting Port Kent to Plattsburgh is US Route 9, a two-lane highway that can experience moderate traffic during peak hours. Drive times to the University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) in Plattsburgh typically range from 15 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific location within Port Kent. This is a relatively manageable commute for routine appointments and initial consultations.

However, accessing Burlington, Vermont, and its more specialized facilities, such as the University of Vermont Medical Center, presents a greater challenge. The most direct route involves crossing Lake Champlain via the ferry, a scenic but time-consuming option. The ferry operates seasonally, and the crossing itself takes approximately 30 minutes. Once on the Vermont side, a drive of about 15 minutes to Burlington is required. Overall, the ferry trip and drive to Burlington can take an hour or more. The alternative, driving around the lake via New York State Route 22 and Interstate 87 (the Adirondack Northway) to reach Burlington, is a much longer journey, potentially exceeding two hours, depending on traffic.

Public **transportation** options are limited in this rural area. The Clinton County Public Transit system offers bus routes, but service is infrequent and primarily focuses on connecting Plattsburgh to surrounding towns. There are no direct public transit routes connecting Port Kent to Burlington. The buses that are available may lack ADA features, impacting those with mobility limitations. Reliance on public transit for lung cancer care, therefore, is highly impractical, emphasizing the need for alternative **transportation** solutions.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Plattsburgh area, but their availability in Port Kent itself can be inconsistent, especially during off-peak hours or inclement weather. Securing a ride to Plattsburgh might be possible, but relying on ride-sharing for trips to Burlington is less reliable and potentially cost-prohibitive. The scarcity of ride-sharing options underscores the importance of having a personal vehicle or relying on pre-arranged **transportation**.

Medical **transportation** services, such as non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), offer a crucial lifeline for individuals who cannot drive themselves. Several providers operate in the region, including ambulance services and specialized medical transport companies. These services typically require advance booking and may have specific eligibility requirements. The availability of NEMT services can be a significant factor in the Lung Cancer Score, as they provide a crucial bridge for those who cannot drive.

The challenges of accessing healthcare in Port Kent are amplified for individuals with lung cancer. The disease often necessitates frequent appointments for diagnostic testing, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and follow-up care. The cumulative travel time and associated costs can become a significant burden, impacting quality of life and potentially hindering adherence to treatment plans.

For those considering **moving to Port Kent**, the Lung Cancer Score emphasizes the importance of carefully evaluating their healthcare needs and **transportation** options. Proximity to Plattsburgh offers some convenience, but the limited access to specialized services in Burlington poses a significant hurdle. Individuals with pre-existing lung conditions should carefully assess their ability to navigate the **transportation** landscape and ensure they have a reliable plan for accessing care.

The Lung Cancer Score for Port Kent, therefore, is a nuanced assessment. While the proximity to Plattsburgh offers a degree of convenience, the lack of robust public transit, the potential unreliability of ride-sharing, and the dependence on personal vehicles or pre-arranged medical **transportation** create challenges. The seasonal ferry service to Vermont provides a limited but viable option for accessing specialized care, but the overall travel time is significant.

In conclusion, the Lung Cancer Score for ZIP Code 12975 reflects a mixed bag. The beauty and tranquility of Port Kent must be balanced against the realities of accessing specialized healthcare. Prospective residents, particularly those with existing or potential lung health concerns, should thoroughly investigate their **transportation** options, consider the availability of medical transport services, and factor in the time and cost associated with traveling to necessary appointments. Careful planning and proactive measures are essential for ensuring timely and effective care.