13143, Red Creek, New York Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 13143, Red Creek, New York is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

43.63 percent of residents in 13143 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 21.02 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Oswego Hospital with a distance of 17.76 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Red Creek, NY (ZIP Code 13143)

The shadow of lung cancer, a formidable adversary, necessitates a proactive approach to healthcare access. This write-up, tailored for residents and prospective movers to Red Creek, NY (ZIP code 13143), meticulously analyzes the transportation landscape and its impact on accessing crucial lung cancer care. Our focus is to provide a comprehensive "Lung Cancer Score," an assessment of the ease and efficiency of reaching essential medical services. This is crucial for individuals already facing the disease and those prioritizing preventative care.

Red Creek, a charming rural community, presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. The absence of a major hospital within the immediate vicinity necessitates travel for specialized treatment, including oncology services, radiation therapy, and pulmonology consultations. This underscores the importance of understanding the available transportation options and their associated time commitments.

The primary mode of transportation in and around Red Creek is undoubtedly the personal vehicle. The convenience and flexibility of driving are paramount, but the distance to specialized medical facilities must be considered. The most direct route to Syracuse, a regional healthcare hub, typically involves navigating NY-104 West. This highway, a vital artery for the region, allows for relatively swift travel, but traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, can significantly impact commute times.

From Red Creek, a drive to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse, a leading cancer treatment center, is approximately 45 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. This drive, primarily on NY-104 West, can be further complicated by inclement weather, common during the winter months. Alternative routes, such as utilizing County Route 176, are available, but they typically add to the overall travel time.

For those seeking radiation therapy or chemotherapy closer to home, Oswego Hospital offers oncology services. The drive to Oswego, using NY-104 East, is roughly 20 to 30 minutes. This option offers a potentially less stressful commute, especially for individuals undergoing frequent treatments. However, the scope of services offered at Oswego Hospital may differ from those available at larger facilities in Syracuse.

Public transportation options in Red Creek are limited. The Centro bus system, serving the Syracuse metropolitan area, does not extend its routes into the immediate vicinity of Red Creek. This absence severely restricts healthcare access for those without personal vehicles or who are unable to drive. This underscores the critical role of alternative transportation solutions.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Red Creek area, but their reliability and cost-effectiveness must be carefully evaluated. Availability can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Furthermore, the cost of a ride-share to Syracuse or Oswego can be substantial, potentially creating a financial burden for patients and their families.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for non-emergency medical trips, offer a crucial lifeline for individuals with mobility limitations or those who cannot drive. Several companies operate in the region, including, but not limited to, Medical Transportation Services and First Transit. These services provide door-to-door transportation, often with wheelchair-accessible vehicles, ensuring accessibility for patients with disabilities. However, these services typically require pre-booking and can be subject to scheduling constraints.

The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) mandates that public transportation systems and medical transport services accommodate individuals with disabilities. This includes providing accessible vehicles, ramps, and other necessary features. It is essential to confirm the ADA compliance of any transportation service utilized.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Red Creek, therefore, reflects a mixed picture. While the availability of personal vehicles and the relatively short drive to Oswego Hospital offer some advantages, the lack of robust public transportation, the potential for variable ride-share availability, and the cost of medical transportation services present significant challenges.

For individuals considering moving to Red Creek, a thorough assessment of their transportation needs is paramount. If frequent medical appointments are anticipated, proximity to Oswego Hospital may be a significant factor. Those requiring specialized treatment at Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse must factor in the longer commute times and potential transportation costs.

Preventative care, including regular screenings and early detection, is crucial in the fight against lung cancer. Access to these services is paramount. Individuals should proactively research local healthcare providers, including primary care physicians and pulmonologists, to establish a relationship and facilitate timely referrals.

The "Lung Cancer Score" is not merely a numerical value; it is a reflection of the lived experience of accessing healthcare. It is a call to action for residents, healthcare providers, and local authorities to collaborate on improving transportation options and ensuring equitable access to life-saving medical services. This is especially true for a community like Red Creek, where healthcare access is intrinsically linked to the availability and affordability of transportation.

The success of any treatment plan is tied to the ability to get to the doctor. This is a significant consideration for anyone contemplating moving to Red Creek, and is especially important for those with a history of lung cancer, or those at high risk. Understanding the transportation landscape is not just about convenience; it is about survival.