13343, Glenfield, New York Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 13343, Glenfield, New York is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

75.26 percent of residents in 13343 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 20.44 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Lewis County General Hospital with a distance of 8.35 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Glenfield (ZIP Code 13343)

The journey to healthcare, especially for individuals facing a lung cancer diagnosis, is a multifaceted challenge. It extends beyond the medical complexities of the disease, encompassing the practical hurdles of accessing treatment and support. This analysis, tailored to ZIP Code 13343 (Glenfield, New York), examines the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access, ultimately informing a "Lung Cancer Score" reflecting the ease or difficulty of reaching vital medical resources. This information is crucial for residents, potential newcomers, and anyone considering moving to Glenfield, as it directly impacts their quality of life and ability to combat this formidable illness.

Glenfield, nestled in Lewis County, presents a unique set of transportation circumstances. The rural nature of the area, while offering tranquility, often translates to limited public transit options and longer travel times. This reality significantly influences the Lung Cancer Score, as timely access to specialists, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and supportive care is paramount for effective treatment and improved outcomes.

**Roadways and Drive Times:**

The primary artery connecting Glenfield to the broader healthcare network is Route 12, a north-south thoroughfare. Driving to the nearest major medical center, Samaritan Medical Center in Watertown, typically requires a drive of approximately 35 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions. This drive involves navigating Route 12, a two-lane road, and potentially encountering seasonal delays due to snow and ice, common in the region.

Further afield, Syracuse, home to more specialized cancer centers like Upstate University Hospital, necessitates a journey of roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours, primarily utilizing Route 12 and Interstate 81 (I-81). This longer commute presents additional challenges, including increased fuel costs, potential fatigue for the patient and caregivers, and the added stress of navigating a busy interstate.

The drive to Utica, another potential healthcare destination, also involves a considerable travel time, approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes, primarily via Route 12 and Route 26. These longer travel times, inherent to the rural setting, directly impact the Lung Cancer Score, as they can delay access to crucial treatments and appointments.

**Public Transportation Limitations:**

Public transportation options in Glenfield are extremely limited. Lewis County does offer a public transit service, but its routes and schedules are infrequent, primarily designed for local errands and appointments. The service is not specifically tailored for medical appointments and the limited schedule may not align with the demanding schedules of cancer treatment.

Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible vehicles is crucial for patients with mobility limitations. While the county's transit service may offer some ADA-compliant options, the overall accessibility and frequency of service are significant drawbacks. The lack of robust public transportation significantly lowers the Lung Cancer Score for residents who cannot or prefer not to drive.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Watertown area, but their presence in Glenfield is sporadic. Availability is often contingent on driver availability and can be unreliable, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. This unreliability presents a significant challenge for patients requiring consistent transportation to appointments.

Specialized medical transport services, such as those offered by local ambulance companies or private medical transportation providers, are a viable option for patients who cannot drive or utilize public transit. These services typically offer door-to-door transportation, often including assistance with mobility and medical equipment. However, the cost of these services can be substantial, potentially creating a financial barrier to healthcare access for some patients. The availability and cost of these services must be factored into the Lung Cancer Score.

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

The Lung Cancer Score for Glenfield (ZIP Code 13343) is negatively impacted by several factors. The long drive times to major medical centers, the limited public transportation options, and the potential unreliability and expense of ride-sharing and medical transport services all contribute to a lower score. This means that residents of Glenfield face significant challenges in accessing timely and convenient healthcare, particularly for complex conditions like lung cancer.

The score is further influenced by the availability of local primary care physicians and specialists. While Glenfield may have access to primary care, the availability of oncologists, pulmonologists, and other specialists is likely limited, necessitating travel to larger cities for comprehensive cancer care. This lack of local specialists further exacerbates the transportation challenges and lowers the Lung Cancer Score.

**Moving to Glenfield: Considerations for Lung Cancer Patients:**

For individuals considering moving to Glenfield, especially those with a history of lung cancer or at high risk, a thorough assessment of the transportation and healthcare landscape is crucial. The potential for long commutes, the limited public transit options, and the reliance on potentially expensive transportation alternatives must be carefully considered.

It is essential to research the availability of local primary care physicians, the distance to specialized cancer centers, and the availability and cost of medical transportation services. Understanding these factors will help prospective residents make informed decisions about their healthcare needs and ensure they can access the necessary care.

**Conclusion:**

The Lung Cancer Score for Glenfield (ZIP Code 13343) reflects the reality of healthcare access in a rural environment. The challenges posed by long drive times, limited public transportation, and the potential cost of alternative transportation options underscore the importance of careful planning and proactive measures. Residents and potential newcomers must be aware of these challenges and proactively seek solutions to ensure they can access the timely and comprehensive care necessary to combat lung cancer. This score highlights the critical link between transportation and healthcare access, emphasizing the need for ongoing efforts to improve transportation options and support the healthcare needs of the community. The score serves as a vital tool for individuals, families, and healthcare providers, guiding them toward informed decisions and promoting better health outcomes.